Biomarker Breakdown: Combatting global fungal virulence, diagnostics, and resistance with Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
Fungal diseases are a growing global crisis, with increasing severity and widespread impacts. These infections, ranging from superficial to life-threatening, challenge public health and devastate agricultural crops, threatening food security worldwide. Addressing significant gaps in the prevention, detection, monitoring, and treatment of fungal diseases is crucial.
Hear from Dr. Geddes-McAlister as she shares how mass spectrometry-based proteomics identifies protein-level drivers of fungal virulence. By disrupting critical proteins and pathways, her work aims to weaken pathogens and prevent infections. She has developed dual-perspective protein production signatures for both host and pathogen, enabling precise diagnostic and prognostic insights. Her research uncovers novel drug targets by exploring host-pathogen interactions at the protein level, paving the way for therapeutic innovations. Additionally, her team combats antifungal resistance by targeting proteins that drive resistance, using chemical and genetic interventions to restore the efficacy of existing antifungal drugs. This integrated proteomics-driven approach offers transformative solutions to fungal pathogen challenges and advances global health initiatives.
Join us for an insightful presentation and extended Q&A session with Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister, as she delves into her pioneering research, shares invaluable lessons learned, and discusses "Moms in Proteomics," her empowering STEM initiative supporting women in the field.
Learning Objectives
- How can mass spectrometry-based proteomics be utilized to identify and disrupt critical proteins and pathways involved in fungal virulence
- What are the benefits and methodologies of establishing dual-perspective protein production signatures for both host and pathogen in the context of fungal infections
- What innovative strategies are being developed to combat antifungal resistance and restore the efficacy of existing antifungal treatments
Webinars will be available for unlimited on-demand viewing after live event.
Presenter: Jennifer Geddes-McAlister (Associate Professor at University of Guelph)
Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister is the Canada Research Chair in the Proteomics of Fungal Disease in One Health, an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Director of the Bioinformatics Graduate Programs at the University of Guelph (Canada). Her research program applies mass spectrometry-based proteomics to investigate host-pathogen interactions with a focus on One Health (i.e., intersection of animal, human, and environmental health) approaches to overcoming fungal diseases. Her lab is making seminal contributions to understanding how fungal pathogens infect a host and how the host defends itself from infection, along with identifying novel protein-level drivers of antifungal resistance. Since beginning her lab in 2018, she has won six early career researcher awards in recognition of her scientific contributions, as well as an alumni achievement award from the University of Lethbridge (alma mater). Dr. Geddes-McAlister is President of the Canadian National Proteomics Network, co-founder of the Canadian Artificial Intelligence and Mass Spectrometry for Systems Biology (CAN-AIMS) Consortium, and founder of ‘Moms in Proteomics’ an international initiative dedicated to recognizing and supporting mothers in STEM.
