The biofilm produced by Cryptococcus neoformans protects the fungus from the antifungal and anti-melanin effects of cyclosporine.

Understanding Cryptococcus neoformans pathogenesis requires a detailed analysis of the various virulence factors that contribute to its ability to cause disease. Cyclosporine, calcineurin inhibitor, impairs C. neoformans production of a polysaccharide capsule and secretion of urease, which are critical for cryptococcal pathogenesis.

Cytopathic effects in Mimivirus infection: understanding the kinetics of virus-cell interaction.

Background: Giant viruses have brought new insights into different aspects of virus-cell interactions. The resulting cytopathic effects from these interactions are one of the main aspects of infection assessment in a laboratory routine, mainly reflecting on the morphological features of an infected cell.

Objectives: In this work, we follow the entire kinetics of the cytopathic effect in cells infected by viruses of the Mimiviridae family, spatiotemporally quantifying typical features such as cell roundness, loss of motility, decrease in cell area and cell lysis.

Revealing the impact of Rapamycin on the virulence factors of the complex.

The incidence of invasive fungal infections caused by species is increasing, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This increasing incidence poses a dual challenge, comprising escalating antifungal resistance and the necessity for accurate fungal identification. The complex further complicates these challenges due to limited identification tools.

Determination of Inhibitory Effect of PKM2 Enzyme and Antitumoral Activity of Novel Coumarin-naphthoquinone Hybrids.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents the primary form of oral cancer, posing a significant global health threat. The existing chemotherapy options are accompanied by notable side effects impacting patient treatment adherence. Consequently, the exploration and development of novel substances with enhanced anticancer effects and fewer side effects have become pivotal in the realms of biological and chemical science.

Electron Microscopy of Cryptococcus neoformans: Processing Challenges to Avoid Artifacts.

This chapter describes methodological details for preparing specimens of Cryptococcus neoformans (although it can be applied to any species of the genus) and their subsequent analysis by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Adaptations to conventional protocols for better preservation of the sample, as well as to avoid artifacts, are presented. The protocols may be used to examine both the surface ultrastructure and the interior of this pathogenic fungus in detail.