August 26, 2021
Govind Vediyappan to present Division of Biology Seminar
Submitted by Division of Biology
Govind Vediyappan, assistant professor in the K-State Division of Biology, will present "Mechanistic Understanding of Candida albicans Hyphal Growth Inhibition" as part of the Division of Biology Seminar Series at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30, via Zoom.
Candida albicans, a major fungal pathogen of humans, causes various types of candidiasis, including fatal systemic infection. C. albicans is polymorphic, and yeast-to-hypha conversion and hyphal growth contribute to virulence, resulting in biofilm growth, interactions between the fungi and bacteria, and potentially life-threatening invasive infections. C. albicans can cause infection in the oral cavity, where it interacts with oral Streptococci as a mixed-species biofilm contributing to oral disease. Small molecules that block the yeast-to-hypha transition without host toxicity are considered potential antifungal treatments. Vediyappan's lab has been characterizing the inhibitory activity of one such molecule, gymnemic acid, or GA, against C. albicans yeast-to-hypha transition and hyphal growth. Vediyappan will present recently acquired data on how GA affects mono-species and dual-species biofilms. During the investigation of GA's mode of action against C. albicans, we also identified GA’s activity against septin-associated functions. Finally, Vediyappan will share how our findings are leading to the development of a translational approach to counter another lethal infectious disease.
Vediyappan received his doctorate in botany from the University of Madras, Madras, India. Vediyappan is currently a candidate for tenure and promotion.