Brazilian researchers discover key gene regulating virulence of fungus that causes severe lung infections.

Brazilian researchers have discovered a potential target for novel therapeutic strategies to combat fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. The researchers found that silencing a specific gene attenuated the virulence of the fungus, making it less likely to cause severe lung infections. Resistance to existing antifungals is common, and the available therapies can have adverse side effects. The researchers are now searching for a molecule that inactivates a protein called sirtuin E, which could serve as a basis for a drug that makes the fungus more sensitive to existing medications. [Extracted from the article]