Bennett Lab

The Bennett lab studies the biology of human and animal fungal pathogens. The primary focus is the study of Candida albicans, the most common fungal pathogen encountered in the clinic.

Our experiments address the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms used by C. albicans to generate phenotypic diversity and adapt to different niches in the human host.

We also examine the unusual parasexual mating cycle of C. albicans and related species. Our lab has an interest in the biology of P. destructans, the causative agent of White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in North American bats.

Research

Parasexual Reproduction

The lab has a long-standing interest in the unusual parasexual cycles of Candida species

 

 

Epigenetic Switching

Candida species can undergo epigenetic switching involving rewiring of transcriptional networks and phase separation of regulatory factors.

Genetic Variation

Candida undergo genetic variation via multiple mechanisms.  These include genetic hotspots and gains/losses of chromosomes.  

The Mycobiome

Fungal species play key roles in human health while colonizing commensal niches in the body.