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Recent Advances and Future Directions in the Understanding of Mucormycosis
1Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
Abstract:
Mucormycosis is an emerging infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales that has recently gained public relevance due to the high incidence among COVID-19 patients in some countries. The reduced knowledge about Mucorales pathogenesis is due, in large part, to the historically low interest for these fungi fostered by their reluctance to be genetically manipulated. The recent introduction of more tractable genetic models together with an increasing number of available whole genome sequences and genomic analyses have improved our understanding of Mucorales biology and mucormycosis in the last ten years. This review summarizes the most significant advances in diagnosis, understanding of the innate and acquired resistance to antifungals, identification of new virulence factors and molecular mechanisms involved in the infection. The increased awareness about the disease and the recent successful genetic manipulation of previous intractable fungal models using CRISPR-Cas9 technology are expected to fuel the characterization of Mucorales pathogenesis, facilitating the development of effective treatments to fight this deadly infection.
Insights
Mucormycosis, a fungal infection, is increasingly recognized, especially in COVID-19 patients. Advances in genetic tools and genomic analysis are improving our understanding of Mucorales pathogenesis and leading to better treatments.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mucormycosis is an emerging infection caused by Mucorales fungi, gaining attention due to its association with COVID-19.
- Historically, limited genetic tractability of Mucorales has hindered research into their pathogenesis.
- Recent advancements in genetic models and genomic data have improved understanding of Mucorales biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of mucormycosis.
- To summarize current knowledge on antifungal resistance and virulence factors of Mucorales.
- To highlight the impact of new genetic tools on studying Mucorales pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on Mucorales and mucormycosis.
- Analysis of advances in diagnostic techniques.
- Summary of findings on antifungal resistance and virulence factors.
- Discussion of novel genetic manipulation strategies, including CRISPR-Cas9.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in diagnosing mucormycosis.
- Understanding of innate and acquired resistance to antifungals has improved.
- New virulence factors and molecular mechanisms of infection have been identified.
- CRISPR-Cas9 technology has enabled genetic manipulation of previously intractable Mucorales models.
Conclusions:
- Increased awareness and improved genetic tools are accelerating the study of Mucorales pathogenesis.
- These advancements are crucial for developing effective treatments against mucormycosis.
- Further research is expected to yield better therapeutic strategies for this deadly infection.
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