Reseau Infections Fongiques

Last update: 09/2001

Why a Fungal Infection Network in France ?: The Fungal Infection Network (Réseau Infections Fongiques, R.I.F.) has been launched in 1998 in the framework of the Fundamental Research Programme in Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases initiated by the French Ministry for Research and Technology. The major aim of this network is to boost french research on the main human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans, and, hence, contribute to the maintenance of the international competitiveness of french medical mycology.

What are the objectives the Fungal Infection Network ?: The main objective of the Fungal Infection Network is to promote a multi-disciplinary approach for the study of various aspects of the physiopathology of opportunistic infections due to C. albicans. This implies the development of research tools in various area including genomics, molecular genetics, cell biology of the fungal pathogen and its host. These tools can be accessed by the groups directly participating in the Fungal Infection Network as well as groups willing to develop research programs on C. albicans.
A second objective of the Fungal Infection Network is to contribute to the diffusion and exchange of scientific knowledge in the field of fungal infections in France.

Different actions of the Fungal Infection Network: Establish technological platforms that can be accessed by research groups willing to work on C. albicans. This includes: tools for the molecular genetics of C. albicans, DNA-arrays for the study of C. albicans transcriptome; a database integrating the results of functional and transcriptome analysis; models for the study of the interaction betweenC. albicans and host cells (macrophage, Caco-2, platelets); animal models of candidiasis.; Develop multi-disciplinary research programs that take advantage of the different research platforms:
   a. Signal transduction pathways involved during C. albicans- macrophage interaction.
   b. Iron metabolism in C. albicans and its link to virulence and morphogenesis
   c. Role of C. albicans B-1,2 oligomannosides , intestinal colonisation and surface expression in C. albicans
   d. Role of platelets in the physiopathology of disseminated candidiasis
   e. Population structure of C. albicans strains