ergosterol biosynthesis – Page 4

Persister cells in human fungal pathogens

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Some fungal infections fail to respond to antifungal drugs even when the fungus should be susceptible to treatment. This happens because certain fungal cells can enter a dormant ‘sleep-like’ state that helps them survive drug exposure. These dormant cells, called persisters, are able to hide from medications by reducing their metabolism and enhancing their protective defenses. Understanding how these persister cells form and survive could lead to better treatments for serious fungal infections.

Cell Wall-Mediated Antifungal Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Hedera helix L. Leaves Against Diplodia corticola

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Scientists discovered that extract from ivy leaves can effectively kill a fungus called Diplodia corticola that damages cork oak trees. The extract works by damaging the fungus’s protective cell wall rather than interfering with its internal chemistry. This natural alternative to chemical fungicides could help protect cork production worldwide while being safer for human health and the environment.

The Transcription Factor SsSR Mediates Ergosterol Biosynthesis and Virulence in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Scientists discovered that a specific protein called SsSR acts as a master switch controlling how dangerous a fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum becomes when attacking plants. Unlike other protein switches that make the fungus grow faster, this one specifically controls the fungus’s ability to cause infection by managing the production of ergosterol, a critical component of the fungus’s cell membranes. This discovery could lead to new ways to protect crops like oilseed rape from this devastating disease.

Synergistic effects of Cyp51 isozyme-specific azole antifungal agents on fungi with multiple cyp51 isozyme genes

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This study found that different azole antifungal drugs work better against different versions of an enzyme (Cyp51) that fungi need to survive. By combining two azole drugs that each target different enzyme versions, researchers achieved stronger antifungal effects than either drug alone. This discovery suggests a new strategy for treating stubborn fungal infections by carefully selecting drug combinations based on which enzyme versions the fungus possesses.

The Kelch Repeat Protein VdKeR1 Is Essential for Development, Ergosterol Metabolism, and Virulence in Verticillium dahliae

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Verticillium dahliae is a serious fungal disease that kills many important crops like cotton and tomato by clogging their water-conducting vessels. Scientists discovered a protein called VdKeR1 that helps this fungus grow and cause disease by controlling how it makes ergosterol, a crucial component of fungal cell membranes. When researchers removed this protein, the fungus grew poorly, couldn’t form survival structures, and was much less dangerous to plants.

Invasive Saprochaete capitata Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report

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A 46-year-old man with blood cancer developed a serious fungal infection caused by Saprochaete capitata during chemotherapy. This rare but dangerous fungus was found in his blood and lungs, causing fever and breathing problems. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of two antifungal medications and fully recovered, though this infection typically has a high death rate.

Exposure to Tebuconazole Drives Cross-Resistance to Clinical Triazoles in Aspergillus fumigatus

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Farmers use a fungicide called tebuconazole to protect crops, but this chemical is similar to medicines doctors use to treat serious fungal infections in patients. A new study shows that when the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is exposed to tebuconazole, it becomes resistant not just to this pesticide, but also to the clinical antifungal drugs used in hospitals. The fungus develops resistance mechanisms that allow it to survive high doses of these medications. This research highlights an important public health concern: the overuse of similar chemicals in agriculture can undermine our ability to treat dangerous fungal infections in people.

Computational analysis of missense mutations in squalene epoxidase associated with terbinafine resistance in clinically reported dermatophytes

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Certain fungal skin infections are becoming resistant to terbinafine, a common antifungal medication, due to genetic mutations in an enzyme called squalene epoxidase. Using computer models and analysis tools, researchers identified which mutations most strongly reduce the drug’s effectiveness and where the protein changes occur. Four specific mutations were found to prevent terbinafine from binding to its target, offering insights that could help develop better antifungal treatments.

Antimicrobial and antiparasitic potential of lupeol: antifungal effect on the Candida parapsilosis species complex and nematicidal activity against Caenorhabditis elegans

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Researchers tested a natural compound called lupeol against disease-causing yeasts and parasitic worms. Lupeol successfully killed or inhibited the growth of Candida yeast species that are becoming resistant to current medications. The compound also showed strong activity against parasitic roundworms. This discovery suggests lupeol could be developed as a new treatment option for fungal and parasitic infections.

Evaluation of Antifungal Activity Against Candida albicans Isolates From HIV-Positive Patients with Oral Candidiasis in a Major Referral Hospital, West Java, Indonesia

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This study examined fungal infections in HIV-positive patients’ mouths at an Indonesian hospital. Researchers identified which Candida species caused the infections and tested how well common antifungal medications worked against them. They found that while a specific antifungal drug (fluconazole) was effective in most cases, some infections showed resistance, suggesting the need for careful monitoring and personalized treatment approaches.

Research Keyword: ergosterol biosynthesis