fungal infections – Page 17

Unlocking the potential of experimental evolution to study drug resistance in pathogenic fungi

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Fungal infections are becoming harder to treat as fungi develop resistance to antifungal drugs. This review explains how scientists can use experimental evolution—growing fungi in controlled laboratory conditions while exposing them to drugs—to understand how and why resistance develops. By studying these evolutionary processes and using mathematical models to predict outcomes, researchers can develop better treatment strategies, including combination therapies and drug cycling approaches to prevent resistance from emerging.

mSphere of Influence: Population-level thinking to unravel microbial pathogenicity

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This article discusses how scientists have traditionally divided fungi into clear categories of disease-causing pathogens versus harmless non-pathogens, often based on studying just one strain. Recent research shows that non-pathogenic fungi can actually have many disease-causing traits similar to pathogenic species, suggesting the boundary between dangerous and safe fungi is not as clear-cut as previously thought. By studying many different strains across species, researchers can better understand how fungal diseases develop and potentially evolve.

A root-based N-hydroxypipecolic acid standby circuit to direct immunity and growth of Arabidopsis shoots

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Plants communicate with their shoots through chemical signals produced in their roots when soil microorganisms are present. Researchers discovered that a molecule called N-hydroxypipecolic acid acts like an on-off switch controlled by two proteins, FMO1 and UGT76B1. Beneficial fungi suppress the ‘off’ switch, allowing this signal to travel to leaves where it boosts immunity against disease. Different amounts of this signal have different effects: small amounts help the plant grow, while large amounts strengthen defenses but slow growth.

A novel pan-fungal screening platform for antifungal drug discovery: proof of principle study

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Researchers developed a faster, more efficient screening method to test potential antifungal drugs against multiple disease-causing fungi simultaneously. Using an improved growth medium and screening 500 chemical fragments, they identified compounds with antifungal activity and demonstrated the platform can reliably detect promising drug candidates. This approach could accelerate the discovery of new antifungal medications, which are urgently needed as fungi develop resistance to current treatments.

Antifungal Activity of Selected Naphthoquinones and Their Synergistic Combination with Amphotericin B Against Cryptococcus neoformans H99

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Scientists tested five synthetic compounds called naphthoquinones to see if they could fight a serious fungal infection called cryptococcosis. They found that one compound called 2-MNQ worked well against the fungus and was even more effective when combined with a standard antifungal drug (amphotericin B). The combination was strong enough to potentially allow lower doses of the existing drug, which could reduce side effects while improving treatment outcomes.

New approaches to tackle a rising problem: Large-scale methods to study antifungal resistance

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Fungal infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antifungal drugs, creating a serious public health challenge. Scientists are using advanced genetic sequencing and laboratory techniques to understand how fungi develop drug resistance and identify the specific genetic changes responsible. By cataloging resistance mutations and creating shared databases, researchers aim to develop better diagnostic tests and treatment strategies to combat these dangerous infections.

Bioactivity and chemical screening of endophytic fungi associated with seaweeds Gracilaria sp. and Sargassum sp. of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

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Researchers discovered several types of fungi living inside seaweed from Bangladesh’s Bay of Bengal coast. These fungi produce natural compounds that can fight bacteria, reduce harmful oxidative damage, and potentially kill cancer cells. The study identified specific chemical compounds responsible for these beneficial properties, suggesting these fungi could be useful sources for developing new medicines.

Identification of a fungal antibacterial endopeptidase that cleaves peptidoglycan

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Scientists discovered a new antibacterial protein called CwhA produced by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus that acts like molecular scissors, cutting apart the cell walls of harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. This protein is produced by the fungus when it encounters bacteria in the lungs during infection and helps the fungus fight off bacterial competitors. When CwhA cuts up bacterial cell walls, it creates fragments that alert the immune system, potentially boosting the body’s defense response against infection.

Identification and growth-promoting effect of Paecilomyces lilacinus a biocontrol fungi for walnut rot disease

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Researchers identified a beneficial fungus called Paecilomyces lilacinus that can fight walnut rot disease, which damages walnut crops especially in China’s Xinjiang region. This fungus is more environmentally friendly than chemical fungicides and actually boosts walnut plant growth, increasing seedling height and root development significantly. The study shows it could replace harmful chemical treatments while improving overall plant health.

Development of a granular bioformulation of Achromobacter xylosoxidans AX77 16S for sustainable onion white rot management and growth enhancement

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Scientists discovered a beneficial bacterium living inside onion seeds that can fight a serious fungal disease called white rot and help seeds grow better. They turned this bacterium into an easy-to-use granular product that lasts up to a year, offering farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides. The product not only prevents the fungal disease but also improves seed germination and plant growth, making it a promising sustainable solution for onion farming.

Disease: fungal infections