17 Questions
What is the effect of azoles and amphotericin B on membrane homeostasis?
Disturbing cellular ergosterol content, leading to membrane destabilization and subsequent lysis of the cell
What is the role of Hsp90 chaperone in stress signaling?
Involvement in protein folding and stabilizing many proteins involved in signal transduction
What is the resistance mechanism found in many fungal species due to overexpression of specific efflux pumps?
Excretion of antifungal compounds
What is the effect of mitochondrial alterations on fluconazole resistance?
Increased fluconazole resistance due to loss of mitochondrial function
Antifungal compounds used in clinical therapy only target mechanisms present in fungi and do not affect human cells.
True
Invasive fungal infections are often caused by non-pathogenic fungi.
False
Successful clinical outcome of invasive fungal infections requires early diagnosis and effective antifungal therapy.
True
Overexpression of efflux pumps is the resistance mechanism found in all fungal species including echinocandin or polyene-resistant fungal isolates.
False
Mitochondrial alterations have no effect on fluconazole resistance.
False
Cellular stress signaling does not provide protection against drug-induced stress conditions.
False
Changing the ratio of phospholipid species (PLs) does not impact membrane homeostasis.
False
Acquired resistance to antifungal drugs is mainly a result of mutations or gene gain
True
Echinocandins are equally effective against all Candida species
False
Polyene drugs cause cell death in fungi by binding to ergosterol in the fungal plasma membrane
True
ABC or MFS transporters are the primary targets of echinocandins and polyene-resistant fungal isolates.
False
Mitochondrial alterations have been reported to facilitate fluconazole resistance in C. glabrata.
True
Hsp90 chaperone is not involved in stress signaling and protein stabilization.
False
Study Notes
Antifungal Drug Resistance: Mechanisms and Implications
- Drug resistance severely limits therapy due to few treatment options
- Intrinsic resistance occurs naturally without mutation or gene gain
- Acquired resistance results from evolutionary adaptation to antibiotics
- Azole resistance is substantial among Candida and Aspergillus species
- Mechanisms of azole resistance include upregulation of drug transporters and alterations in drug target
- Efflux pumps and modifications to the sterol biosynthesis pathway are common causes of azole resistance
- Polyene drugs bind ergosterol in fungal plasma membrane, causing cell death
- Polyene resistance is caused by loss-of-function mutations in ergosterol biosynthesis gene
- Echinocandins are effective against most Candida species but less active against Candida parapsilosis
- Echinocandin resistance is associated with genetic mutations in FKS genes
- Biofilms protect against antifungal compounds and increase adherence to host surfaces
- Mechanisms of antifungal resistance include structural target site alterations and metabolic bypass
Test your knowledge of fungal adaptation with this quiz! Explore how fungi overcome environmental challenges and develop defenses against antifungal compounds. Learn about beneficial mutations, cellular physiology adjustments, sexual reproduction, and genetic factors driving evolution.
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