In the Beattie Lab, we use high throughput drug screening to identify novel antifungal compounds. Our work focuses on pathogenic mold species, which are environmental filamentous fungi that cause deadly disease in immunocompromised children and adults. Our primary focus is on the most common pathogenic mold species, Aspergillus fumigatus.

Using a screening assay developed by Dr. Beattie, we identify candidate antifungal compounds by screening directly with A. fumigatus. We then characterize the in vitro activity against fungi, mammalian toxicity and determine the mechanism of action. Working closely with medicinal chemists, we test structural analogs of our candidates to identify compounds with the most potent antifungal activity and least mammalian toxicity. Ultimately, our goal is to test these compounds in murine models of invasive aspergillosis to identify lead compounds for clinical development. 

In addition, we are interested in understanding how A. fumigatus causes cerebral aspergillosis, or Aspergillus infections in the brain. Though this form of disease is associated with very high mortality, these infections are not well understood. We have developed an animal model and cell culture models to understand how this fungus gains access to and grows within the brain. The aim of these studies to develop a better understanding of A. fumigatus pathogenesis in the brain and to develop novel CNS-penetrant anti-fungals for the treatment of this disease. 

Though our focus is on A. fumigatus, we work with a variety of fungal organisms in the lab and a utilize wide range of biochemical, microbiological, mouse models, and cell culture techniques to determine how our candidate compounds kill fungi.