Research Keyword: diagnostic biomarker

Molecular characterization of gliotoxin synthesis in a biofilm model of Aspergillus fumigatus

Researchers studied how a dangerous fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus produces a toxin called gliotoxin when it forms biofilms, which are organized communities of fungal cells found in human infections. They compared two clinical strains from infected patients and found they produced gliotoxin at different times and in different amounts, despite forming similar biofilm structures. By analyzing which genes were turned on and off, they discovered that one strain rapidly produced toxin early while the other strain produced it more slowly, suggesting different strategies for survival. Understanding these differences could help develop better treatments for serious lung infections caused by this fungus.

Read More »

Fungal β-Glucans: Biological Properties, Immunomodulatory Effects, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

β-glucans are beneficial compounds found in fungi and some plants that help your body in multiple ways. They boost your immune system, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, protect against oxidative stress, and may help fight cancer and infections. Recent research shows they could be useful as diagnostic markers for fungal infections and as vaccine boosters, especially for diseases like COVID-19.

Read More »

SUB6 Subtilisin is Involved During the Initial Adhesion of Trichophyton benhamiae and T. mentagrophytes onto Reconstructed Human Epidermis

Researchers studied a fungal protease called SUB6 produced by common skin infection-causing fungi. Using engineered fungi lacking this protein, they found that SUB6 helps fungi initially stick to skin but isn’t absolutely required for infection. The fungi can compensate by producing other proteases, suggesting SUB6 might be better used as a diagnostic marker to detect fungal infections rather than as a drug target.

Read More »

Glycan microarray analysis of Candida-related antibodies in human and mice sera guides biomarker discovery and vaccine development

Researchers developed a test using synthetic sugar molecules found on Candida yeast to detect antibodies in blood from infected patients and mice. They discovered that the immune system produces different antibodies at different stages of infection, starting with antibodies against certain sugars and later focusing on others. The study identified three specific sugar structures that could be used to create simple blood tests to diagnose Candida infections and potentially develop vaccines to prevent these serious fungal infections.

Read More »

Evaluating the Potential of Galactosaminogalactan as a Diagnostic Target for Invasive Aspergillosis

Researchers developed a new test to detect Aspergillus fungal infections using an antibody that recognizes a fungal component called GAG. The test worked very well in mouse studies, reliably detecting the fungus in blood and other body fluids. However, when tested with samples from infected patients, the test could not find GAG in the blood or other fluids, though it could see the fungus in lung tissue. This suggests either patients don’t produce enough GAG in their bloodstream, or something in human biology interferes with detection.

Read More »

Time- and temperature-dependent Pentraxin 3 stability in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples

This study investigated how stable Pentraxin 3 (Ptx3), a protein used to detect fungal infections, remains when stored at different temperatures. Researchers found that Ptx3 stays reliable for up to 8 months in freezer storage at −20°C and even longer at −80°C, making it a dependable biomarker for diagnosing serious fungal infections. However, storing samples at room temperature (37°C) causes the protein to break down quickly, so proper cold storage is essential for accurate test results.

Read More »
Scroll to Top