Patrick van Dijck

Background

About Patrick van Dijck

There are two main research lines in the lab: nutrient sensing and signal transduction in Candida albicans, and trehalose metabolism and stress tolerance in plants. The first and largest subgroup is focusing on nutrient sensing and signal transduction pathways in the human fungal pathogens Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Our main focus goes to the cAMP-PKA pathway, but other glucose or amino acids-induced pathways are also under investigation. A strong focus is on methionine and how this amino acid affects morphogenesis, an important virulence factor. In order to study these pathways we are developing genome-wide Candida specific protein-protein interaction tools, including FRET based biosensors. Biofilms form a major problem in hospitals as more and more patients receive various implants which are ideal substrates to attach to and to form a biofilm. We have developed an in vivo subcutaneous rodent model system and we have used this model to test anti-biofilm drugs and we are currently investigating the effect of biofilms on the host immune system. We also screen for novel antifungals (e.g. using collections of essential oils) and their anti-biofilm activity will be tested in the in vivo system. Finally, we are also working on antifungal drug resistance as this is already but will become a major problem in the near future. The most used drug, fluconazole, is fungistatic and this characteristic allows the rapid appearance of resistance. We have now identified the major reason why Candida cells are tolerant to fluconazole.Unraveling the molecular mechanism will also result in major breakthroughs in our understanding of tolerance to drugs. The second subgroup is working on plant trehalose metabolism. Trehalose is known for its stress protecting characteristics. On the one hand we want to understand the role of trehalose metabolism genes in plant development and stress tolerance.