Uncovering Secondary Metabolite Gene Functions in Aspergillus fumigatus Corneal Invasion

Brief Lay background

Fungal keratitis is a serious eye infection that affects the clear front surface of the eye, known as the cornea. It happens when fungal organisms enter the eye, often through small injuries, contact lens wear, or exposure to contaminated water or plant material. Once inside, the fungus can grow and damage the corneal tissue, leading to pain, blurred vision, scarring, and, in severe cases, permanent sight loss or the need for surgery to remove the eye.

The most common fungi that cause this condition include species from the Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida groups. These infections are particularly common in tropical and subtropical countries, where people may be more exposed to environmental fungi and have less access to rapid treatment. Current antifungal treatments do not always work well, and more effective ways to treat and prevent fungal keratitis are urgently needed to protect vision and reduce blindness worldwide.

What problem/knowledge gap does it help address

Fungal keratitis is difficult to treat and often leads to permanent vision loss. Although antifungal eye drops are available, they are not always effective, especially when the infection has already damaged deeper layers of the eye. One major reason treatments fail is that we still don’t fully understand how fungal infections, especially those caused by Aspergillus species, manage to break through the eye’s natural defences.

Many fungi produce toxic substances known as “secondary metabolites,” which may help them invade and damage the eye, but the specific roles of these substances are not well understood. These fungal genes were not included in recent large-scale studies, meaning their potential role in disease has been overlooked.

Aim of the project

To understand how fungal eye infections cause damage by studying a group of fungal genes that produce harmful compounds. By identifying which of these genes help fungi invade the eye, we can find new ways to stop infection and develop more effective treatments for fungal keratitis.

Potential impact on people with sight loss

This research could lead to the discovery of new drug targets and treatment options for fungal keratitis, a major cause of blindness in many parts of the world. By identifying which fungal genes are responsible for damaging the eye, we can begin to design medicines that prevent vision loss before it happens. The project will also develop advanced tools and models to study fungal infections more accurately. Although further development will be needed after the PhD, we expect early-stage findings—including potential drug candidates—within four years, helping to lay the foundation for future treatments that protect sight.