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Huizhou Fan
Associate Professor
UMDNJ
Department of Physiology & Biophysics
RWJMS Research Building. Room 161
683 Hoes Lane
Piscataway. NJ 08854-5635
(732) 235-4607
FAX - 5038
fanhu@umdnj.edu
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Pathogenesis and intervention of sexually transmitted
infections
Research Interests:
1. Chlamydial Cellular and Molecular Parasitology
Chlamydiae are Gram-negative eubacteria that replicate strictly inside
eukaryotic cells. Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent cause
of sexually transmitted infection and preventable blindness. Though C.
trachomatis infection is mostly asymptomatic or manifests only mild
urogenital symptoms, it often results in devastating complications including
infertility, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, premature birth and
arthritis. C. pneumoniae is a common pathogen in the respiratory
system and is also highly significant contributory factor of
atherosclerosis. We are interested in identifying novel host factors that
control chlamydial infection.
2. Development of New Prophylaxes and Therapies for Sexually Transmitted
Infections
We have identified peptide deformylase as an essential enzyme for chlamydial
growth. We are characterizing this enzyme and exploring its inhibition for
the prevention and treatment of chlamydial diseases and other sexually
transmitted infections including gonorrhea. We also attempt to identify
novel antimicrobials and investigate the underlying targeting mechanism.
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