About
Kerry Smith is a professor in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry. He also serves the director of EPIC, an interdisciplinary research center that is on the forefront of biomedical research in eukaryotic pathogens, the causative agents of some of the most devastating diseases of humans. Kerry’s primary research interests include fungal pathogenesis, metabolism, host-pathogen interactions, and enzymology.
For more information, visit his Department Profile, the EPIC Website or his Lab Website.
How their research is transforming health care
Smith is striving to transform the way the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, the most frequent cause of fungal meningitis, is understood and treated. Invasive fungal infections cause nearly one and a half million deaths annually, accounting for nearly 50% of all AIDS-related deaths. C. neoformans is responsible for nearly half of the invasive fungal infections. The Smith lab is working to understand the role of carbon metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis in the virulence of C. neoformans.
News and media related to their research
- Clemson secures research grant for UofSC med students to study infectious diseases - Greenville Journal
Health Research Expertise Keywords
Faculty Scholar, Pathogens, Infectious Disease, Fungal Pathogenesis, Metabolism, Host-Pathogen Interactions, Enzymes
