Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

10.9K

Fungal iron homeostasis with a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus

Matthias Misslinger1, Peter Hortschansky2, Axel A Brakhage3

  • 1Institute of Molecular Biology - Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Molecular Cell Research
|October 12, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Fungi balance iron for health and virulence, using siderophores to manage this essential metal. Understanding fungal iron metabolism in Aspergillus fumigatus offers insights for treating infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Fungi require precise iron regulation for survival and virulence.
  • Iron limitation is common in host environments, impacting fungal pathogens.
  • Siderophores are key iron-chelating molecules produced by many fungi.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review fungal iron homeostasis mechanisms.
  • To highlight the role of iron in fungal virulence, focusing on Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • To explore translational applications of fungal iron metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research on fungal iron metabolism.
  • Comparative analysis of iron acquisition, storage, and regulation in Aspergillus fumigatus and other fungi.
  • Discussion of iron sensing and detoxification pathways.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus fumigatus serves as a model for studying siderophore-mediated iron uptake.
  • Fungal iron homeostasis is intricately linked to virulence.
  • Mechanisms of iron regulation, sensing, and detoxification are conserved but show species-specific adaptations.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding fungal iron metabolism is crucial for developing novel antifungal strategies.
  • Targeting iron acquisition or homeostasis pathways could lead to new treatments for fungal infections.
  • Further research into fungal iron metabolism holds diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
Keywords:
GATA SreAGlutaredoxinIronSensingSiderophorebZIP HapX

More Related Videos

Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus12:29

Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus

Published on: April 19, 2017

10.5K
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung15:01

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung

Published on: September 18, 2021

3.7K

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
759
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
298
Overview of Fungi01:29

Overview of Fungi

Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotes more closely related to animals than other eukaryotes. Fungal cell walls comprise chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural strength, and glucans, which contribute to flexibility and integrity. Other polysaccharides, such as mannans and galactosans, may supplement or replace chitin in some fungi. These adaptations, along with their preference for acidic environments and tolerance for high osmotic pressure, enable fungi to thrive in various...
1.2K
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
780
Sulfur Assimilation01:20

Sulfur Assimilation

Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to...
217
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition02:11

The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition

Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
46.1K