Dr. Uppuluri’s lab focuses on the molecular basis underlying biofilm growth and dispersal in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Dr. Uppuluri’s lab has reported that biofilm dispersed cells have properties more invasive and virulent than any other growth phases of C. albicans, including biofilms. Understanding the molecular basis underlying biofilm dispersal, and identification of genetic targets on the fungus to abrogate the process of dispersion is the focus of the laboratory.