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Published on: October 18, 2017
Caenorhabditis elegans as an Infection Model for Pathogenic Mold and Dimorphic Fungi: Applications and Challenges
Chukwuemeka Samson Ahamefule1,2,3, Blessing C Ezeuduji4, James C Ogbonna3
1National Engineering Research Center for Non-Food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China.
Abstract:
The threat burden from pathogenic fungi is universal and increasing with alarming high mortality and morbidity rates from invasive fungal infections. Understanding the virulence factors of these fungi, screening effective antifungal agents and exploring appropriate treatment approaches in in vivo modeling organisms are vital research projects for controlling mycoses. Caenorhabditis elegans has been proven to be a valuable tool in studies of most clinically relevant dimorphic fungi, helping to identify a number of virulence factors and immune-regulators and screen effective antifungal agents without cytotoxic effects. However, little has been achieved and reported with regard to pathogenic filamentous fungi (molds) in the nematode model. In this review, we have summarized the enormous breakthrough of applying a C. elegans infection model for dimorphic fungi studies and the very few reports for filamentous fungi. We have also identified and discussed the challenges in C. elegans-mold modeling applications as well as the possible approaches to conquer these challenges from our practical knowledge in C. elegans-Aspergillus fumigatus model.
Insights
Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful model for studying dimorphic fungi, but its use for filamentous fungi (molds) is limited. This review highlights challenges and solutions for using this nematode model in mold research.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections pose a significant global health threat with high mortality.
- Understanding fungal virulence and developing antifungal treatments are critical.
- Caenorhabditis elegans is a valuable model organism for studying dimorphic fungi.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of the C. elegans model for fungal infections.
- To highlight the limited use of C. elegans for filamentous fungi (molds).
- To discuss challenges and potential solutions for C. elegans-mold modeling.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on C. elegans as a model for fungal infections.
- Analysis of studies involving dimorphic fungi versus filamentous fungi.
- Discussion based on practical experience with C. elegans-Aspergillus fumigatus models.
Main Results:
- C. elegans has been extensively used for dimorphic fungi, identifying virulence factors and screening antifungals.
- Limited research exists on using C. elegans to model infections by filamentous fungi.
- Significant challenges remain in applying this model to molds.
Conclusions:
- The C. elegans model shows great promise for studying filamentous fungal infections.
- Overcoming current challenges is essential for expanding C. elegans applications in mold research.
- Further development is needed to fully utilize C. elegans for understanding and combating mold-related diseases.
