A group of scientists from Hyderabad has found an exciting way to counteract lethal fungal attacks. By disrupting the metabolic pathways crucial for the fungi to become invasive and dangerous, the new cure would work.

During a research project, Varahan’s group in the Genetic Dr Sriram’s lab of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has shown that blocking the sugar metabolism of the fungi halted their pathogenicity effectively. These results could potentially put into use previously unseen avenues to discover strengthened antifungal medications.

The study dealt with Candida albicans, one of the most widely spread and mortal fungal pathogens. The most important factor in enabling the fungus to enter the human body is connected with the manner Candida processes sugars with a view to energy generation.

Researchers from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) have recently proposed a model in which rapid sugar consumption by C.albicans leads to an acceleration of glycolysis, which, in turn, affects the formation of very specific sulfur-containing amino acids necessary for the initiation of invasive growth.

“By considering the fungus from a metabolic viewpoint, it seems that we have found what could be considered something of a biological function also known as a ‘hidden electric circuit,'” Dr Varahan said. “We found out about a very critical link between sugar-splitting and yielding sulphur-based amino acids that give the fungus the capacity to switch to invasive forms.”

The findings suggest that fungal morphogenesis is not exclusively indicative of its genetics but is also closely linked to the candy store items that may possibly be provided through feeding (substrates) and metabolic activity. In simple terms, depriving the fungus access to energy will stop it from transitioning into its disease-summoning form.

In this metabolic path of Candida albicans, they have observed a significant diminution in its pathology. The fungus lost much of its ability to assume morphogenic status when confronted with challenging environments, such as incursions from macrophages.

Scientists hope that this Metabolic vulnerability would lead to opportunities for targeting antifungal drugs of next generation that would turn out to be highly efficient without much chances for resistance. Such ventures would offer hopes of forging ahead in controlling lethal fungal infections.