virulence factors – Page 7

Accessory Chromosome Contributes to Virulence of Banana Infecting Fusarium oxysporum Tropical Race 4

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Scientists studied a dangerous fungal disease that destroys banana crops by examining a special extra chromosome found in the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum Tropical Race 4. They created mutant fungi without this chromosome and found that while the mutants could still grow normally in the lab, they became much less dangerous to banana plants. This discovery shows that this particular chromosome contains genes that help the fungus attack and infect bananas, suggesting potential new ways to combat this devastating crop disease.

Identification and virulence factors prediction of Didymella segeticola causing leaf spot disease in Asarum heterotropoides in China

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This research identifies a fungal disease causing serious damage to Chinese wild ginger crops in northeastern China. Scientists found that the fungus Didymella segeticola causes leaf spot disease and identified 87 proteins that help the fungus harm the plants. The study provides important information for developing strategies to prevent this disease and protect this valuable medicinal herb crop.

A human-relevant alternative infection model for mucormycosis using the silkworm Bombyx mori

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Scientists developed a new way to test antifungal drugs using silkworms instead of expensive and ethically problematic mammal studies. They infected silkworms with mucormycosis-causing fungi and found that the infections behaved similarly to human cases, especially when they simulated human risk factors like steroid use and iron overload. The silkworm model successfully demonstrated that existing antifungal drugs work, while also revealing differences in fungal virulence that were linked to specific surface proteins.

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.

Pathogenic characterization of Phialophora submersa, a new black yeast isolated from freshwater sediments in Spain

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Scientists discovered a new black yeast fungus called Phialophora submersa in Spanish river sediments and tested whether it could infect humans. Using laboratory macrophage (immune cell) models, they found that this environmental fungus exhibits pathogenic potential similar to known disease-causing Phialophora species, though at intermediate levels. The fungus showed resistance to some antifungal drugs and displayed strain-dependent ability to survive various stress conditions. This research suggests that environmental fungal species may pose unexpected health risks despite not being able to grow at normal human body temperature.

Virulence factors of Candida spp. isolated from COVID-19 patients: hydrolytic enzyme activity and biofilm formation

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitalized patients developed fungal infections caused by Candida yeasts alongside their coronavirus infection. Researchers studied 71 Candida samples from COVID-19 patients to understand how these fungi cause disease by examining three damaging enzymes they produce and their ability to form protective biofilm layers. The findings showed that these fungi are highly virulent, producing strong enzyme activity that helps them invade tissues and resist treatment, which helps explain why these infections are particularly dangerous in COVID-19 patients.

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.

mSphere of Influence: Population-level thinking to unravel microbial pathogenicity

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This article discusses how scientists have traditionally divided fungi into clear categories of disease-causing pathogens versus harmless non-pathogens, often based on studying just one strain. Recent research shows that non-pathogenic fungi can actually have many disease-causing traits similar to pathogenic species, suggesting the boundary between dangerous and safe fungi is not as clear-cut as previously thought. By studying many different strains across species, researchers can better understand how fungal diseases develop and potentially evolve.

Genome characterization of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII strain PG12DES from Italy

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Researchers in Italy studied a fungal strain that causes skin infections, particularly ringworm and related conditions. This strain is spreading globally and can potentially be transmitted through sexual contact. The study found that the Italian strain is closely related to another strain found in Moldova and is susceptible to currently used antifungal medications. Understanding this fungus at the genetic level helps doctors monitor its spread and identify if it develops resistance to treatments.

Impact of Oxalic Acid Consumption and pH on the In Vitro Biological Control of Oxalogenic Phytopathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Scientists studied how bacteria that eat oxalic acid can control a destructive plant fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The fungus produces oxalic acid to damage crops, but when special bacteria consume this acid, they change the soil pH to become more alkaline, which the fungus cannot tolerate. This research shows that pH changes are just as important as removing the acid itself for controlling this pathogenic fungus in agriculture.

Research Keyword: virulence factors