Welcome to the Neumann Lab! High spatiotemporal resolution microscopy methods help us to understand immune contacts with fungal pathogens at molecular detail. Super resolution microscopy allows us to examine the nanoscopic architecture of Candida cell walls so that we can understand the pathogen surface that immune cells interact with as they actually perceive it. Fluorescence methods reporting on molecular organization of anti-fungal receptors allows us to observe the earliest pathogen sensing and signaling events to understand how host defense against Candida is initiated.
Our translational interests encompass improved diagnostic and treatment methods for fungal pathogens. We are working on spectral detection of fungal pathogens from clinical specimens where rapid clinical intelligence is urgently needed to optimize therapeutic decision making. We are also investigating small molecule therapeutic strategies that aim to improve host defense by manipulating the pathogen’s cell wall in therapeutically beneficial ways.
Glucan Exposures
Super resolution microscopy measuring nanoscale sites of surface exposed β-glucan on C. albicans cell walls.
Calcium
Dectin-1 mediated single cell calcium signaling in response to soluble fungal β-glucan.
Dectin-1 Contact
Increased molecular aggregation state of Dectin-1 observed at a fungal particle contact site.
Diagnostic
Machine-learning based discrimination of C. albicans and C. glabrata is possible due to differential spectral and spatial patterns of autofluorescence.
Laboratory Shipping Address:
Dr. Aaron Neumann
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
915 Camino de Salud NE
2nd floor Innovation, Discovery, and Training Complex (IDTC)
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Mailing Address:
Dr. Aaron Neumann
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
1 University of New Mexico
MSC 08-4640
Albuquerque, NM 87131