Research Keyword: calcium homeostasis

The P-type calcium pump Spf1 regulates immune response by maintenance of the endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane contacts during Candida albicans systemic infection

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A fungal pump protein called Spf1 helps Candida albicans secrete toxins that damage the immune system during infection. When researchers deleted the SPF1 gene, the fungus could not effectively release these toxins, triggering a much weaker immune response and allowing infected mice to survive better. This discovery suggests that controlling this calcium pump could be a new strategy for treating serious fungal infections.

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A carnivorous mushroom paralyzes and kills nematodes via a volatile ketone

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Scientists discovered that oyster mushrooms kill parasitic worms using a toxic gas stored in tiny bulb-shaped structures called toxocysts. The toxin is a common chemical called 3-octanone that ruptures the worms’ cell membranes, causing calcium to flood into cells and leading to rapid paralysis and death. This ‘nerve gas in a lollipop’ strategy could inspire new ways to control parasitic worms in agriculture and medicine.

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