Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms to Overcome Fungal Antimicrobial Resistance

Fungal antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global issue impacting the health of humans, animals, and food security. There is an urgent need to therefore better understand this threat. Epigenetics is an evolving field of research that examines how cells regulate heritable changes in gene activity without modifying the underlying DNA sequence. We hypothesise that the AMR profiles of clinically relevant drug-resistant fungal pathogens can be modified through the reprogramming of their epigenetic states. The student will investigate how epigenetic reprogramming affects the drug sensitivity profiles of clinically relevant drug-resistant strains, using one of the most important human fungal pathogens, Aspergillus fumigatus, as a model system. Using a combination of advanced molecular biology techniques, including CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing, mutants will be generated of key epigenetic factors responsible for AMR through a conditional gene‑expression system in an AMR isolate. The impact of the epigenetic reprogramming will be evaluated using a suite of analytical approaches spanning microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry, developed in our laboratory. We are seeking students who have a strong passion for addressing the global health challenge of fungal AMR, along with a keen interest in the biology of human fungal pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance. Students will need to find their own accommodation and be expected to present their findings orally at a research day in York on 08th September 2026.