Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2025

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
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Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis

Published on: March 19, 2019

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Alternative Oxidase - Aid or obstacle to combat the rise of fungal pathogens?

Elizabeth S M Edrich1, Lucian Duvenage2, Campbell W Gourlay1

  • 1Kent Fungal Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Kent CT2 9HY, UK.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Bioenergetics
|January 9, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Fungal pathogens are a growing threat due to resistance. The Alternative Oxidase (Aox) enzyme in fungal respiration is a potential new therapeutic target for combating infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Fungal infections pose a significant global health challenge, exacerbated by rising antifungal resistance.
  • There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic targets to combat both human and plant fungal pathogens.
  • Mitochondrial function and respiration are critical aspects of fungal pathogenesis.

Approach:

  • This review examines the role of mitochondria and fungal respiration in disease.
  • It specifically discusses the Alternative Oxidase (Aox) enzyme's function in human and plant fungal pathogens.
  • The review explores Aox's contribution to virulence and adaptability.

Key Points:

  • The Alternative Oxidase (Aox) enzyme is increasingly implicated in the virulence mechanisms of fungal pathogens.
  • Aox plays a crucial role in fungal adaptability, suggesting potential for dual-targeted therapies.
  • Fungal-specific mitochondrial and Aox inhibitors are under active development.

Conclusions:

  • The Alternative Oxidase (Aox) represents a promising, emerging target for novel antifungal therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting fungal respiration, particularly Aox, could provide new avenues to address the challenge of resistant fungal infections.
  • Further investigation into Aox inhibitors could lead to effective treatments for a range of fungal diseases.
Keywords:
Alternative OxidaseFungiMitochondriaPathogenPlants

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