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Research at the Center for Medical Mycology (CMM) is devoted to the following main areas:

Fungal Susceptibility Testing, and Mycology Services

1. Pre-clinical studies of novel antifungals, including in vitro and in vivo testing using reference isolates from an extensive culture collection
2. Characterization of fungal biofilms and treatment options
3. Determination of the mechanism of action of different antifungal agents
4. Molecular identification of organisms
5. Central laboratory mycology services for national and international clinical trials
6. Determination of virulence factors responsible for the pathogenesis of fungi including dermatophytes, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus and other systemic and opportunistic fungal pathogens

Of particular relevance in the clinical research area are the microdilution methods we developed for determining the susceptibility of yeasts and dermatophytes. We have shown that these methods are reproducible, easy to perform, and have both intra- and inter-laboratory agreements. We provide testing on new resistant fungal pathogens, such as Candida auris and Trichophyton indotinea.  We have in vitro and in vivo models of onychomycosis/dermatophytosis, as well as in vivo models of disseminated fungal infections.   

Strong support for these research efforts are drawn from different sources, including the established faculty of the Department of Dermatology at °Ç¸çºÚÁÏ School of Medicine, associated researchers, and newly appointed faculty of the Center for Medical Mycology at CWRU. Existing faculty provide a wealth of expertise in clinical studies, pharmacology, and medical mycology. The presence of faculty with a wide array of multi-disciplinary expertise allows for addressing research issues from different angles.

Microbiome and Cellular Services

1. Characterization of the skin, gut, and oral mycobiome and its relevance to health and various disease processes.
2. Bioinformatics services
3. Molecular identification of organisms
4. Immunological and Cellular Endpoint assays
   1. ELISA and Cellular Growth and Proliferation Assays
   2. XTT assays
   3. Immune cell stimulation and functional assays

The faculty leadership of the CMM has a wealth of expertise in mycology, medical mycology and in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, immunology, cellular and molecular biology of the skin and skin diseases.