Why Research at Clemson

Fungal infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans can be dangerous and potentially fatal for immunocompromised people, such as transplant recipients and those with HIV/AIDS. As part of his research into finding safer and more effective drugs to combat these infections, Associate Professor Lukasz Kozubowski is investigating how C. neoformans adapts to the temperature in the human body. In particular, he is examining the role a group of proteins called septins plays in enabling fungi to survive these high temperatures. With a greater understanding of how to interrupt those mechanisms, Kozubowski’s findings could create a path toward better treatment plans.