Montana State University scientists have found a gene that regulates the mold's resistance to drugs.
The gene, called srbA, allows molds to thrive during infections even when inflammation reduces its oxygen supply, said Robert Cramer, senior author of a paper published in the latest issue of PLoS Pathogens. When the gene is removed, the mold becomes much more vulnerable to lack of oxygen and can no longer grow to cause disease.
The gene is found in humans and molds, but the researchers studied it in a common mold called Aspergillus fumigatus, which can invade the lungs and cause dangerous diseases. Patients with a compromised immune system, especially organ transplant patients, are particularly at risk.
The scientists discovered the value of srbA after creating a mutant version of the fungus without the gene. Tests showed that the loss of srbA affected 87 genes in the fungus. Without the gene, the mutant could no longer grow when oxygen was limited, which occurs during mold infections. The mutant mold without srbA could no longer cause disease. It was also highly susceptible to antifungal drugs, more vulnerable than the original, complete mold.
Further study showed that srbA plays a critical role in the making of ergosterol, the fungal-form of cholesterol. The gene in humans is associated with the making of cholesterol.
"The reason we're interested is because ergosterol is a target for most of the antifungal drugs that are available," Cramer said. "These drugs target the synthesis of ergosterol. If you get rid ofergosterol, you kill the mold."
Source: Xinhua
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