Disease: HIV/AIDS-related infections

The very-long-chain (3R)-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase Phs1 regulates ATP levels and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans

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Researchers found that a protein called Phs1, which helps Cryptococcus neoformans (a dangerous fungus) produce essential fatty acids, is important for the fungus to cause disease. When this protein was removed, the fungus produced less melanin (a pigment), couldn’t grow well at body temperature, and had a weaker cell wall. Most importantly, the fungus produced less energy (ATP) and was much less deadly in infected mice, suggesting that blocking Phs1 could potentially be a new way to treat cryptococcal infections.

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Transcriptomics Insights into Targeting CK2 Complex in Cryptococcus neoformans: Implications for Large-Scale Antifungal Virtual Screening

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Scientists studied how a fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans causes serious brain infections and found that disabling a specific protein complex (CK2) could be an effective treatment strategy. Using computer analysis of genetic data, they identified three existing drugs—amphotericin B, idarubicin, and candicidin—that could potentially target and kill this dangerous fungus. This research provides a foundation for developing better treatments for cryptococcal meningitis, a life-threatening infection that kills hundreds of thousands of people annually, especially those with weakened immune systems.

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An Optimized In-House Protocol for Cryptococcus neoformans DNA Extraction from Whole Blood: Comparison of Lysis Buffer and Ox-Bile Methods

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Researchers developed a simple, low-cost method to extract DNA from Cryptococcus neoformans fungal cells found in blood samples. The new method uses a homemade salt buffer solution instead of expensive commercial kits, making it accessible to laboratories in developing countries. Testing showed this method works better than an alternative ox-bile method, detecting very small numbers of fungal cells. This breakthrough could help doctors more quickly diagnose a serious fungal infection called cryptococcal meningitis in resource-limited settings.

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Acidic pH Reduces Fluconazole Susceptibility in Cryptococcus neoformans by Altering Iron Uptake and Enhancing Ergosterol Biosynthesis

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This research shows that acidic environments, like those found in inflamed tissues and inside immune cells, make the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans more resistant to the antifungal drug fluconazole. The fungus adapts to acidic conditions by using an alternative iron uptake system that increases the production of protective compounds (ergosterol) in its cell membrane. Understanding this pH-dependent resistance mechanism could help develop better treatment strategies for cryptococcal infections in patients with compromised immune systems.

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Ex Vivo Host Transcriptomics During Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii, and Candida albicans Infection of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells From South African Volunteers

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Researchers studied how human immune cells respond to three different fungal infections that commonly affect people with weakened immune systems. By examining gene activity in blood cells exposed to these fungi, they discovered that each fungus triggers different immune responses, with Candida albicans causing a much stronger reaction than the two Cryptococcus species. Only one shared immune pathway was activated by all three fungi, suggesting each infection requires different immune mechanisms to fight off. These findings could help develop new treatments for serious fungal infections.

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Addressing Critical Fungal Pathogens Under a One Health Perspective: Key Insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology

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This comprehensive study by Portugal’s mycology experts examines four dangerous fungi that cause severe infections: Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida auris, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The research shows that Portugal’s hospitals have varying capabilities to diagnose and treat these infections, with some laboratories well-equipped and others lacking advanced diagnostic tools. The study found concerning increases in antifungal resistance and highlights that these fungi live in hospitals, water systems, soil, and even animals, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches connecting human, animal, and environmental health to better protect public health.

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