fungal pathogenesis – Page 9

Rediscovery of viomellein as an antibacterial compound and identification of its biosynthetic gene cluster in dermatophytes

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Researchers discovered that dermatophytes, fungi that cause common skin infections like athlete’s foot, produce a red pigment called viomellein that kills bacteria. By studying the genes responsible for making this compound, scientists found that most dermatophytes produce it, which may help explain how these fungi establish infections on skin despite the presence of protective bacteria. This discovery opens new possibilities for understanding skin infections and potentially developing new treatments.

The fungal STRIPAK complex: Cellular conductor orchestrating growth and pathogenicity

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The STRIPAK complex is a cellular control hub found in fungi that acts like a conductor orchestrating multiple cellular processes essential for fungal growth and the ability to cause disease. Scientists have discovered that this complex is highly conserved across different fungal species and regulates critical virulence factors like melanin production and capsule formation in pathogenic fungi. Because the fungal version differs from the human version, it presents a promising target for developing selective antifungal medications. Understanding how STRIPAK works provides insights into how fungi cause infections and could lead to new treatment strategies.

Study on Pathogenesis of Cytospora pyri in Korla Fragrant Pear Trees (Pyrus sinkiangensis)

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Researchers identified Cytospora pyri as the fungus causing a serious canker disease in Korla fragrant pear trees grown in Xinjiang, China. The fungus cannot directly infect healthy bark but requires wounds to enter trees, then spreads rapidly through tissues using powerful cell-degrading enzymes. Understanding these infection mechanisms can help farmers prevent the disease by protecting trees from injuries and maintaining tree health.

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in diabetic ketoacidosis: A classic clinical presentation still unknown in Senegal

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A young woman in Senegal with uncontrolled diabetes developed a serious fungal infection affecting her eye and brain caused by Rhizopus oryzae. Despite showing classic warning signs like swelling and tissue death, the infection was not diagnosed quickly enough, and the necessary antifungal medication (amphotericin B) was not available, resulting in her death within three days. This case highlights how invasive fungal infections are underrecognized and undertreated in Africa due to limited laboratory capacity and drug availability.

A GDP-mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase as a potential HIGS target against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Scientists identified a critical fungal protein called SsMPG2 that helps the plant disease-causing fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infect crops and survive. When this protein is silenced using genetic engineering techniques, plants become resistant to the fungus. The research shows this protein is important in many plant-pathogenic fungi, making it a promising target for developing disease-resistant crops through genetic modification.

Co-transformation of Aspergillus fumigatus: a simple and efficient strategy for gene editing without linking selectable markers

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Scientists have developed a new technique for editing genes in a dangerous fungal pathogen called Aspergillus fumigatus. Instead of permanently attaching antibiotic resistance markers to the target genes (which can interfere with normal gene function), they use a clever strategy of introducing two different DNA pieces simultaneously. One piece makes the desired gene edit while the second introduces a resistance marker to a completely different location in the genome. This approach is simple, inexpensive, and works about 11% of the time, making it practical for identifying successfully edited strains.

The Egh16-like virulence factor TrsA of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys flagrans facilitates intrusion into its host Caenorhabditis elegans

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Researchers discovered how a soil fungus that traps worms produces a special protein called TrsA to break down the worm’s protective outer layer. This protein acts like molecular scissors that weakens the worm’s skin and helps the fungus invade and spread throughout the worm’s body. The findings reveal a clever infection strategy used by predatory fungi and could help understand how similar fungi attack other organisms.

Vesicle inhibition reduces Candida biofilm resistance

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Researchers found that common FDA-approved drugs designed to block vesicle production in human cells can also reduce the protective matrix that Candida fungus builds around itself in biofilms. By combining these vesicle-blocking drugs with the antifungal fluconazole, the scientists were able to kill biofilm-forming Candida more effectively than either treatment alone. This discovery suggests a new approach to treating stubborn fungal infections on medical devices like catheters, potentially eliminating the need to surgically remove infected equipment.

Clinical characterization of immunocompetent patients with Scedosporium detected in respiratory samples: A case series

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This study examined eight elderly patients without compromised immune systems who had Scedosporium fungus detected in their lungs. All patients had a condition called bronchiectasis and most had previously suffered from a lung infection called MAC disease. The researchers found that in most cases, the fungus was simply living in the lungs without causing active infection, though distinguishing between these two situations proved difficult. Only one patient was diagnosed with an active Scedosporium infection and required antifungal treatment with a drug called voriconazole.

Characterization of Endoglucanase (GH9) Gene Family in Tomato and Its Expression in Response to Rhizophagus irregularis and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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This study examined how tomato plants regulate genes that break down and remodel cellulose in cell walls during interactions with beneficial fungi and harmful pathogens. Beneficial mycorrhizal fungi boost the expression of these genes, leading to larger leaves and better plant growth. When pathogens attack, these genes are turned down to strengthen the cell wall defense. This demonstrates how plants balance growth and defense depending on their microbial environment.

Research Keyword: fungal pathogenesis