Species-specific circular RNA circDS-1 enhances adaptive evolution in Talaromyces marneffei through regulation of dimorphic transition
Researchers discovered a special type of RNA called circDS-1 that helps a deadly fungus switch between two different forms depending on temperature. This fungus normally grows as a mold in soil but transforms into a yeast when it infects humans at body temperature. The circDS-1 RNA acts like a molecular switch that controls this transformation and helps the fungus cause infection. This discovery reveals that fungi may use hidden genetic elements beyond traditional genes to adapt to their environment.