oxidative stress – Page 13

Unveiling molecular mechanisms of strobilurin resistance in the cacao pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa

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This research reveals how a fungus that causes disease in cacao plants survives treatment with strobilurin fungicides, which are commonly used in agriculture. Scientists discovered that the fungus adapts by reorganizing its metabolism to compensate for the drug’s effects, activating detoxification systems, and in some cases, developing genetic mutations that enhance resistance. Understanding these survival mechanisms could help develop better strategies to control this economically important crop disease.

Genetic and Genomic Analysis Identifies bcltf1 as the Transcription Factor Coding Gene Mutated in Field Isolate Bc116, Deficient in Light Responses, Differentiation and Pathogenicity in Botrytis cinerea

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Scientists discovered that a particular gray mold fungus collected from vineyards loses its ability to cause disease when exposed to light. They found this is due to a mutation in a single gene called bcltf1, which acts as a light-sensing control switch. When they restored this gene, the fungus regained its disease-causing ability. This discovery helps explain how fungal pathogens sense light and use it to decide when and how to infect plants.

Antifungal Activity of Selected Naphthoquinones and Their Synergistic Combination with Amphotericin B Against Cryptococcus neoformans H99

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Scientists tested five synthetic compounds called naphthoquinones to see if they could fight a serious fungal infection called cryptococcosis. They found that one compound called 2-MNQ worked well against the fungus and was even more effective when combined with a standard antifungal drug (amphotericin B). The combination was strong enough to potentially allow lower doses of the existing drug, which could reduce side effects while improving treatment outcomes.

Graphene nanomaterials: A new frontier in preventing respiratory fungal infections

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Scientists are exploring nano-graphene oxide, a microscopic material made from graphene, as a new treatment for serious lung fungal infections. These tiny particles can kill fungal cells through multiple mechanisms and deliver antifungal drugs directly to infection sites while reducing harmful side effects. Researchers found that graphene oxide can be combined with existing antifungal medications to make them work better and even help overcome drug-resistant fungal infections.

The Zn(II)2-Cys6-type zinc finger protein AoKap7 is involved in the growth, oxidative stress and kojic acid synthesis in Aspergillus oryzae

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Researchers studied a protein called AoKap7 in a fungus used to produce kojic acid, which is found in many cosmetic and food products. By deleting this protein gene, they found that fungi grew faster but produced much less kojic acid and were more sensitive to stress. The protein works as a master switch that controls both how fast the fungus grows and how much of the valuable kojic acid it makes.

Lipid Fraction from Agaricus brasiliensis as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Lethal Sepsis in Mice

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Researchers tested a special extract from the Agaricus brasiliensis mushroom (rich in a compound called ergosterol) to treat severe sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection, in mice. When mice were given this mushroom extract alone, 67% survived, and when combined with antibiotics, 100% survived compared to none with saline alone. The extract reduced inflammation, protected the liver, fought bacteria, and reduced harmful free radicals in the body, suggesting it could be a valuable addition to antibiotic treatment for sepsis.

Enzymatic, cellular breakdown and lysis in treatment of Beauveria brongniartii on Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775)

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Scientists tested a natural fungus called Beauveria brongniartii as a pest control solution for tobacco cutworms (Spodoptera litura), which damage crops. The fungus was highly effective at killing the pest at all life stages, with 98% success against eggs and 96% against larvae. Importantly, the fungus was safe for earthworms and other non-target organisms, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides that harm beneficial species and the soil.

Growth Phase-Dependent Changes in the Carbohydrate Metabolism of Penicillium Strains from Diverse Temperature Classes in Response to Cold Stress

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This study examined how different fungal strains from cold and warm environments respond to sudden temperature drops. Researchers tracked enzyme activity related to energy production and found that fungi adapted to cold environments handle stress better than warmth-loving fungi. The type of enzyme activity and how old the fungal cells were both affected the response to cold, providing insights that could help predict how disease-causing fungi behave in cold conditions.

Research Keyword: oxidative stress