Postdoctoral Research Scientist, NY, USA

June 16, 2008

Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Bronx (New York City), NY, USA)

My laboratory focuses on the pathogenesis of human mycoses, especially disease due to Candida parapsilosis, Histoplasma capsulatum, or Cryptococcus neoformans. I am seeking a highly motivated, creative candidate with a PhD, MD or DVM who has demonstrated an ability to work independently and a strong background in molecular and cell biology. My laboratory has been recognized as an enriching, interactive basic science environment. Please contact me if interested.

•Candida parapsilosis: This is the newest fungus to the laboratory. The incidence of C. parapsilosis infections has exploded in recent years and very little is known about its virulence. We developed the first efficient method for targeted gene deletion for C. parapsilosis and are actively pursuing targets to define what makes this fungus pathogenic. We are also targeting virulence associated genes in Candida albicans and studying their role in pathogenesis. Recent publication: Gácser, A, Trofa, D, Schäfer, W, Nosanchuk, JD. Targeted gene deletion in a clinical Candida parapsilosis isolate demonstrates the role of secreted lipase in virulence and pathogenesis. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2007. 117(10):3049-58.

•Histoplasma capsulatum: Research on this fungus pertains to the development of active and passive immunotherapeutics. Since individuals with severe histoplasmosis [such as AIDS patients with disseminated disease] often lack effective cell-mediated immune responses, induction of an effective humoral response or passive administration of antibody has tremendous therapeutic potentials. My laboratory is the first to identify monoclonal antibodies that modify H. capsulatum infection. We are studying the mechanisms of antibody efficacy and are testing the recombinant antigens as a potential prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine. Also, we have embarked on studies testing the impact of co-stimulation on histoplasmosis and have demonstrated that the PD-1/PDL pathway is critically important to disease pathogenesis. Antibodies can interfere with this negative co-stimulation pathway and prevent lethal histoplasmosis. Recent publication: Lázár-Molnár, E, Gácser, A, Freedman, GJ, Al!
mo, SC, Nathenson, SG, Nosanchuk, JD. The PD-1/PD-L costimulatory pathway critically affects host resistance to the pathogenic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Proc Nat Acad Sci USA. 2008. 105(7):2658-2663

•Cryptococcus neoformans: We are primarily using this pathogen to elucidate the impact of melanin in pathogenic fungi. Melanin is a complex polymer of unknown structure that is prevalent throughout the biological kingdoms. Ongoing investigations are examining mechanisms of melanin synthesis and rearrangement by molecular, physical, and immunological methods. Recent publication: Dadachova, E, Bryan, RA, Howell, RC, Schweitzer, AD, Aisen, P, Nosanchuk, JD, Alfieri, A, Guha, C, Casadevall, A. Radioprotective properties of fungal melanin are a function of its chemical composition, free stable radical presence and spatial arrangement. PLoS ONE, 2007 May 23;2:e457.

Josh Nosanchuk, MD
nosanchu@aecom.yu.edu
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx (New York City), NY, USA

Ansprechpartner: nosanchu@aecom.yu.edu

Scholarship Tags: NY, Postdoctoral, research, Scientist, USA