| The Bonetti/Lehmpuhl subproject examines the structure of the
Penicillium cell wall and seeks to further the understanding of cell
wall biosynthesis, modification, and degradation. Fungal cells transform their
cell surfaces through a continual process of remodeling of cell wall polymers
such as the peptidophosphogalactomannans, glucans, or chitins through the
action of transglycosidases, synthases, and hydrolases. Characterization of
Penicillium cell wall structures and cell wall remodeling mechanisms is
information that can be used to design novel, more effective antifungal
treatments to combat systemic fungal infections. In this research, chemical
analytical, NMR spectrospcopy, and atomic force microscopy techniques will be
adapted and developed to study the fungal cell surface. |
Surface
Chemistry Laboratory |
