CRISPR-Cas9-Based Mutagenesis of the Mucormycosis-Causing Fungus .

is considered as one of the most frequent agents of mucormycosis. The lack of efficient genetic manipulation tools hampers the characterization of the pathomechanisms and virulence factors of this opportunistic pathogenic fungus. Although such techniques have been described for certain species, the performance of targeted mutagenesis and the construction of stable transformants have remained a great challenge in Mucorales fungi.

Biological activity and apoptotic signaling pathway of C-functionalized cephalostatin 1 analogues.

Cephalostatin 1, a potent anti-cancer agent, is a natural bis-steroidal alkaloid that causes cell death in the subnanomolar to picomolar ranges via an atypical apoptosis pathway. Although cephalostatin 1 is a highly effective anticancer drug, its availability limits its utilization. We previously reported the synthesis of two 12'α-hydroxy derivatives of cephalostatin 1 that induce cell death by activating the ER stress apoptosis signaling pathway.