gene expression – Page 12

Iron acquisition in the mutualistic fungus Penicillium herquei: implications of mineral elements in insect-fungus symbiosis

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A fungus that lives with beetles has evolved special abilities to collect and store iron, which it shares with its insect partner. Researchers found that this mutualistic fungus produces much higher levels of iron than the plant leaves the beetles would normally eat. The fungus uses special proteins and iron-grabbing molecules to accumulate this essential nutrient, providing a nutritional advantage to the beetle and strengthening their partnership.

Exploring the Antifungal Potential of Lawsone-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata: Growth Inhibition and Biofilm Disruption

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Researchers developed a new antifungal treatment by loading lawsone (a compound from henna plants) into tiny particles called mesoporous silica nanoparticles. When tested against common fungal infections caused by Candida bacteria, this nano-formulation was more effective than lawsone alone at killing the fungi and breaking down protective biofilm structures. The treatment showed no harm to normal human cells, suggesting it could be a promising natural alternative to treat stubborn fungal infections that resist current antifungal drugs.

The Transformation and Protein Expression of the Edible Mushroom Stropharia rugosoannulata Protoplasts by Agrobacterium-tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation

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Researchers successfully developed a method to genetically modify the edible mushroom Stropharia rugosoannulata using Agrobacterium tumefaciens bacteria. This technique allows scientists to insert and express foreign genes in the mushroom, providing tools to study how specific genes control mushroom growth and the production of health-promoting compounds. The study demonstrates that both artificial and natural resistance markers can be used to identify successfully transformed mushrooms, offering a foundation for improving mushroom cultivation and breeding.

The effects of biotic stress on the sexual reproduction process of flowering plants

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When plants get sick from fungal, bacterial, or viral infections or are eaten by insects and parasites, their ability to produce flowers, seeds, and fruits is severely affected. Different pathogens use different tricks to damage reproduction—some speed up flowering to take advantage of the plant quickly, while others slow it down or destroy floral structures directly. Understanding how these pathogens attack plant reproduction helps farmers protect their crops and maintain food production.

Comparative Multi-Omics Analysis and Antitumor Activity of Phylloporia crataegi and Phylloporia fontanesiae

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Researchers compared two types of medicinal fungi (Phylloporia crataegi and Phylloporia fontanesiae) to understand why one is better at fighting cancer. They used advanced techniques to examine the fungi’s chemicals, genes, and proteins, discovering that P. crataegi contains special compounds like trans-cinnamic acid that help kill cancer cells. This study provides important information for developing new cancer treatments from these fungi.

Comparative gene expression analysis in closely related dermatophytes reveals secondary metabolism as a candidate driver of virulence

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A strain of fungal skin pathogen (Trichophyton benhamiae var. luteum) is spreading rapidly among guinea pigs and people in Europe, but scientists didn’t understand why it was more contagious than closely related strains. Researchers compared gene activity in four related fungal species and found that the epidemic strain produces higher levels of toxic compounds called secondary metabolites. These compounds help the fungus escape the body’s immune system and cause infection more effectively than in less dangerous relatives.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Critical Genes Involved in the Response of Stropharia rugosoannulata to High Temperature and Drought Stress

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This study examined how a type of edible mushroom called Stropharia rugosoannulata responds to high heat and dry conditions by analyzing which genes become active. Researchers found that under stress, the mushroom activates specific genes that help it survive, particularly through a cellular communication pathway called MAPK. They identified 15 key genes that could be useful for breeding mushroom varieties that better withstand harsh growing conditions, which could improve mushroom farming efficiency.

Overexpression of efflux pump and biofilm associated genes in itraconazole resistant Candida albicans isolates causing onychomycosis

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This study examined why some fungal nail infections caused by Candida albicans don’t respond to itraconazole treatment. Researchers found that resistant fungi have higher levels of genes that pump the antifungal drug out of their cells and genes that help them form protective biofilm layers. These findings suggest that combining itraconazole with drugs that block these pumps or disrupt biofilms could be more effective for treating stubborn fungal nail infections.

Volatile Metabolome and Transcriptomic Analysis of Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 During Competitive Interaction with Sclerotium rolfsii Reveals New Biocontrol Insights

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This research demonstrates how a beneficial bacterium called Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 can fight a harmful fungus that damages crops. The bacterium produces volatile chemicals that inhibit fungal growth and shows different gene activity depending on whether these chemicals are present. When the beneficial bacteria and fungus compete together with the volatiles present, the bacteria win by producing gas bubbles and effectively stopping the fungus. These findings suggest a natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops.

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: gene expression