Candida albicans lipases as microbiome modulators

This project aims to characterise the Candida albicans lipase gene family at the biochemical, transcriptional, and phenotypic levels. By combining previous work on lipase function and regulation with new analyses of clinical and commensal isolates, the study will investigate how lipases contribute to triglyceride utilisation, gene-family regulation, and fungal morphology. Growth assays on natural and defined lipid substrates, gene expression analysis, and lipid profiling will be used to identify isolate-specific differences in lipase activity and regulation. In addition, the project will examine how lipase-dependent lipid metabolism influences the yeast-to-hypha transition. Together, this work will improve understanding of how the lipase gene family supports fungal adaptation to lipid-rich environments and will provide a foundation for future studies on host adaptation and fungal–bacterial interactions.

PhD start: 03/01/2026