mass spectrometry – Page 3

Comment on Subhadra et al. Significant Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of Bi121 against Different Variants of SARS-CoV-2

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This is a scientific critique of a recent study claiming that a plant extract called Bi121 has antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. The author raises important concerns about how the plant material was prepared and characterized, noting that the chemical fingerprint appears suspiciously identical to a previously published extract, and that the identification of the active ingredient relies on incomplete evidence. The critique calls for more rigorous scientific methods to verify the original study’s findings.

Extraction and Identification of the Bioactive Metabolites Produced by Curvularia inaequalis, an Endophytic Fungus Collected in Iran from Echium khuzistanicum Mozaff

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Scientists discovered a beneficial fungus living inside the leaves of an Iranian medicinal plant. They isolated three compounds from this fungus, with the main compound showing powerful activity against drug-resistant bacteria and plant-damaging fungi. This discovery suggests that beneficial fungi within plants could be valuable sources for developing new medicines and natural pesticides.

Structural and Functional Analysis of Peptides Derived from KEX2-Processed Repeat Proteins in Agaricomycetes Using Reverse Genetics and Peptidomics

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Researchers studied special peptides made by mushrooms that are processed by fungal enzymes called KEX2 and KEX1. They developed a method to find and identify these peptides in mushroom tissues and confirmed they exist in both laboratory and edible mushroom species like shiitake and oyster mushrooms. When they removed the genes for these processing enzymes, the mushrooms had problems growing and forming fruiting bodies, suggesting these enzymes have important roles beyond just processing these specific peptides.

Marine-derived Acremonium strain prioritization using untargeted metabolomics approach for the identification of cytotoxic cyclic depsipeptides

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Researchers studied fungi collected from Arctic driftwood to find new cancer-fighting compounds. Using advanced chemical analysis tools, they identified six different fungal strains and found that one strain, Acremonium synnematoferum, produced five unique compounds called depsipeptides. These compounds killed cancer cells in laboratory tests, showing promise as potential cancer treatments. This research highlights how extreme Arctic environments can harbor fungi with powerful medicinal properties.

Temporal and thermal optimization of trypsin digestion for the cryptococcal proteome

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Scientists optimized how to digest proteins from a dangerous fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans to better identify all its proteins. They tested different time and temperature combinations for enzyme treatment and found that shorter digestion times (1 hour instead of overnight) work just as well. This finding makes protein analysis faster and easier for studying fungal infections and finding new treatments.

Growth conditions shape the proteome and diversity of Neurospora crassa extracellular vesicles

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Scientists studied tiny particles called extracellular vesicles released by a common fungus (Neurospora crassa) under different growth conditions. Using advanced techniques, they identified hundreds of proteins within these vesicles and found that what the fungus eats and how long it grows significantly changes the types and amounts of proteins the vesicles carry. The findings reveal that fungi release different types of vesicles than previously thought, expanding our understanding of how cells communicate and transport materials.

Breaking down biofilms across critical priority fungal pathogens: proteomics and computational innovation for mechanistic insights and new target discovery

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Fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and invasive aspergillosis are becoming increasingly difficult to treat because fungi form protective structures called biofilms that resist our current medications. Researchers are using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry to identify the proteins that help fungi build these biofilms, combined with artificial intelligence tools to design new drugs that could break down these protective shields. This combined approach offers hope for developing better antifungal treatments that could save millions of lives.

Utility of MALDI-ToF MS for Recognition and Antifungal Susceptibility of Nannizzia, an Underestimated Group of Dermatophytes

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Nannizzia species are soil-dwelling fungi that increasingly cause stubborn skin, nail, and hair infections in humans and animals. This study tested two laboratory methods for identifying these fungi and measured their sensitivity to eight antifungal drugs. The faster liquid-based method was slightly more accurate (67%) than the traditional culture method (62%), though neither method could identify six very rare species. Terbinafine emerged as the most effective antifungal treatment in laboratory tests.

Geotrichosis Due to Magnusiomyces capitatus: A Severe Emerging Invasive Fungal Disease

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A 71-year-old cancer patient receiving chemotherapy developed a severe blood infection caused by a rare fungus called Magnusiomyces capitatus. This emerging fungal infection caused septic shock and multiple organ failure despite treatment with antifungal medications. The case highlights how these rare fungi can be deadly in patients with weakened immune systems and emphasizes the importance of quick, accurate identification using advanced laboratory techniques to guide treatment decisions.

The role of Npt1 in regulating antifungal protein activity in filamentous fungi

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Researchers discovered how antifungal proteins work against a dangerous fungus (Aspergillus flavus) that damages crops and produces toxins. They found that these proteins break down the fungal cell wall and then interact with an internal fungal protein called Ntp1. By understanding exactly which part of Ntp1 the antifungal proteins bind to, scientists can now develop better treatments to protect food crops from fungal diseases.

Research Keyword: mass spectrometry