Mitochondria and Fungal Pathogenesis: Drug Tolerance, Virulence, and Potential for Antifungal Therapy
Year: 2011
Type: review
Abstract: Recently, mitochondria have been identified as important contributors to the virulence and drug tolerance of human fungal pathogens. In different scenarios, either hypo- or hypervirulence can result from changes in mitochondrial function. Similarly, specific mitochondrial mutations lead to either sensitivity or resistance to antifungal drugs. Here, we provide a synthesis of this emerging field, proposing that mitochondrial function in membrane lipid homeostasis is the common denominator underlying the observed effects of mitochondria in drug tolerance (both sensitivity and resistance). We discuss how the contrasting effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on fungal drug tolerance and virulence could be explained and the potential for targeting mitochondrial factors for future antifungal drug development.
Source: Eukaryotic Cell
DOI: 10.1128/ec.05184-11
Authors: Miguel Shingu-Vazquez, Ana Traven
Institution: Monash University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2155416658