Departmental Seminar Series - Dr. James Konopka
Speaker: Dr. James Konopka
Institution: Stony Brook University
Title: The Outer Limits: Plasma membrane function in fungal pathogenesis
Date: Friday, May 2nd, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM
Host: Dr. Leah Cowen
Location: MSB 4171
Abstract:
Research in the Konopka lab is aimed at defining the critical roles that the plasma membrane plays in promoting the virulence of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. In addition to forming a critical barrier around cells, the plasma membrane mediates dynamic functions including cell wall synthesis, invasive hyphal growth, and resistance to stress from the host immune system. Our recent research has focused on the roles of specialized plasma membrane subdomains termed eisosomes, which are hubs for regulating plasma membrane structure and function. These studies have led to the discovery of new mechanisms that promote C. albicans virulence, including novel mechanisms for repairing damage to the cell wall and membrane lipids caused by the immune system.