Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 2025

Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure
10:33

Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure

Published on: May 27, 2022

5.7K

Aneuploidy Is Associated with Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus

Aiah Khateb1,2,3, Sara Gago1, Michael Bromley1

  • 1Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Core Technology Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|March 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Genomic duplications, including in the cyp51A gene, are linked to azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus from chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. Aneuploidy may be a key resistance mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Genomics
  • Antifungal Resistance

Background:

  • Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus is a growing clinical concern.
  • Nontarget-mediated mechanisms frequently drive azole resistance in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate genomic rearrangements as a mechanism of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • To assess the role of aneuploidy in azole resistance in CPA isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of 16 azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from CPA patients.
  • Comparative genomic analysis to identify genome rearrangements.
  • Gene expression analysis of key resistance-associated genes.

Main Results:

  • Seven out of 16 CPA isolates exhibited genomic duplications, unlike the 0/18 invasive isolates.
  • Duplication of regions, notably including the cyp51A gene, was observed.
  • Increased gene expression was associated with these duplications.

Conclusions:

  • Genomic duplications and aneuploidy are identified as potential mechanisms of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • These findings highlight the importance of genomic instability in antifungal drug resistance.
  • Further research into aneuploidy's role in CPA is warranted.
Keywords:
Aspergillus fumigatusMycologyantifungal resistanceazolegenome analysisgenome organization

More Related Videos

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

10.6K
Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance08:45

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance

Published on: December 28, 2017

13.8K

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...
75
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...
68
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...
58