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Author Spotlight: Investigating Fungal Pathogenicity Mechanisms in Maize
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Author Spotlight: Investigating Fungal Pathogenicity Mechanisms in Maize

Published on: September 15, 2023

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Hostile takeover: fungal protein promotes host cell invasion

J Andrew Alspaugh

    The Journal of Clinical Investigation
    |December 21, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    New research identifies spore coat homolog (CotH) proteins as crucial for the invasive spread of Mucorales fungi. These proteins represent a promising new target for preventing and treating mucormycosis infections in immunocompromised patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Mycology
    • Immunology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Immunosuppression aids transplant and autoimmune disease treatment but increases opportunistic infections.
    • Mucormycosis, a severe fungal infection caused by Mucorales, is rising in susceptible populations.
    • Current antifungal prophylaxis is insufficient against these resilient fungi.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the mechanisms of angioinvasion by Mucorales fungi.
    • To identify specific fungal factors essential for mucormycosis pathogenesis.
    • To explore potential therapeutic targets for mucormycosis.

    Main Methods:

    • The study focused on the role of spore coat homolog (CotH) proteins in fungal angioinvasion.
    • Comparative analysis of CotH proteins across different fungal species was performed.

    Main Results:

    • CotH proteins were found to be essential for the angioinvasion capabilities of Mucorales.
    • These CotH proteins are unique to the Mucorales order, distinguishing them from other fungi.
    • The absence of CotH proteins significantly impaired the fungi's ability to invade blood vessels.

    Conclusions:

    • Spore coat homolog (CotH) proteins are critical virulence factors for Mucorales, enabling angioinvasion.
    • CotH proteins represent a Mucorales-specific target for therapeutic intervention.
    • Targeting CotH offers a potential strategy for preventing and treating invasive mucormycosis.

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