Fungal Pathogens
Fungal Pathogens - Related Videos
08:52
Live-cell Video Microscopy of Fungal Pathogen Phagocytosis
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Cited by 22 •
2013
We describe methods for live-cell video microscopy of Candida albicans phagocytosis by macrophages. These methods enable stage-specific analysis of macrophage migration, recognition, engulfment and phagosome maturation and reveal novel aspects of phagocytosis.
02:58
A zWEDGI Technique to Visualize Fungal Pathogen-Infected Zebrafish Larvae
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2025
The video demonstrates a zebrafish wounding and entrapment device technique for observing fluorescently labeled fungal pathogen infection in zebrafish larvae. Initial infection attracts macrophages, and as infection persists, neutrophil recruitment progresses at the injection site.
09:57
Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens
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Cited by 8 •
2011
C57BL/6 mice have been used to study Hc pathogenesis and provide the best model. We are exploring the potential benefits of humoral immunity against this fungus and generated several mAbs [to histone H2B and a heat shock protein 60kDa] that we tested for their protective efficacy after intraperitoneal administration.
07:32
Biolistic Transformation of a Fluorescent Tagged Gene into the Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans
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2015
Biolistic transformation is a method used to generate stable integration of DNA into the genome of the opportunistic pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans through homologous recombination. We will demonstrate biolistic transformation of a construct, which has the gene encoding acetate kinase fused to the fluorescent tag mCherry into C. neoformans.
11:42
Genetic Manipulation of the Plant Pathogen Ustilago maydis to Study Fungal Biology and Plant Microbe Interactions
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Cited by 32 •
2016
We describe a robust gene replacement strategy to genetically manipulate the smut fungus Ustilago maydis. This protocol explains how to generate deletion mutants to investigate infection phenotypes. It can be extended to modify genes in any desired way, e.g., by adding a sequence encoding a fluorescent protein tag.
FAQs
Infection develops through linked stages rather than a single event. Fungal pathogens first disperse toward a host, adhere to its tissues, and grow as hyphae. They then release enzymes or metabolites that damage cells and help obtain nutrients. The success of this sequence depends on how effectively the fungus establishes contact, grows, and alters host tissues.
These components support different parts of infection. Spores and other dispersal structures help fungal pathogens reach new hosts, while hyphae provide the growing form within tissues. Enzymes and metabolites contribute to cellular damage and nutrient acquisition. Examining these roles helps researchers connect particular fungal traits with disease development and potential virulence mechanisms.
Disease progression reflects an interaction between fungal activity, host immune responses, and environmental conditions. A host response can influence how successfully the pathogen develops, while surrounding conditions can alter the course of infection. Studying these influences helps explain why the same fungal pathogen may produce different outcomes across hosts or environments.
Researchers examine traits associated with virulence, meaning the capacity to contribute to disease, alongside the interactions occurring between fungi and their hosts. They relate fungal growth, tissue damage, and nutrient acquisition to host responses. This biological analysis supports the identification of disease mechanisms and can guide the development of diagnostic tools and targeted disease-management strategies.
In medicine, research supports the development of antifungal treatments and diagnostic tools. In agriculture, the same knowledge contributes to crop protection and disease-management strategies. These applications depend on understanding how pathogens damage host tissues, obtain nutrients, and interact with host responses. Together, they connect biological investigation with efforts to reduce disease effects in humans and plants.
Their importance extends beyond individual infections. Studying fungal pathogens contributes to host-pathogen biology, crop protection, and ecosystem research, while also helping scientists respond to emerging fungal diseases. This broad context shows how fungal disease research links cellular damage and immune responses with agricultural, medical, and ecological concerns.