Ping Wang, PhD

Fungi are lower eukaryotic microorganisms abundant in nature and are the principal decomposers in ecological systems. However, fungi can also cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans. Our research interests are to address the molecular causes of fungal infection in humans and we employ two fungal models for our studies: the basidiomycete Cryptococcus neoformans and zygomycete Rhizopus delemar. For C. neoformans, our efforts are to utilize a combination of genetic, biochemical, and omics approaches, as well as animal models, to elucidate the roles of signal transduction and intracellular trafficking in fungal pathogenesis. For R. delemar, our efforts are to develop molecular techniques that could facilitate studies of Rhizopus pathogenesis. We believe that our research effects could lead to the discovery of novel targets for effective antifungal therapies.