Patients infected with the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus are most effectively treated with a combination of 5-fluorocytosine (5FC) and amphotericin B. 5FC acts as a prodrug, which is converted into toxic 5-fluorouracil (5FU) upon uptake into fungal cells. However, the pathogen frequently develops resistance through unclear mechanisms. Here we show that resistance to 5FC in Cryptococcus deuterogattii is acquired more frequently in isolates with defects in DNA mismatch repair that confer an elevated mutation rate. We use whole genome sequencing of 16 independent isolates to identify mutations associated with 5FC resistance in vitro. We find mutations in known resistance genes (FUR1 and FCY2) and in a gene UXS1, previously shown to encode an enzyme that converts UDP-glucuronic acid to UDP-xylose for capsule biosynthesis, but not known to play a role in 5FC metabolism. Mutations in UXS1 lead to accumulation of UDP-glucuronic acid and alterations in nucleotide metabolism, which appear to suppress toxicity of both 5FC and its toxic derivative 5FU.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-13890-z | DOI Listing |
Phytomedicine
January 2025
Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China. Electronic address:
Background: Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition for which existing treatments often fall short of fully addressing patient needs. Abelmoschi Corolla (AC), a traditional Chinese medicine, and its ethanol extract, huangkui capsule, are well established for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases. The therapeutic mechanisms of AC include anti-inflammatory effects and immune modulation, which align with psoriasis treatment strategies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhytomedicine
January 2025
State key laboratory of Integration and Innovation of Classic Formula and Modern Chinese Medicine, National Chinmedomics Research Center, National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry, Metabolomics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China; Department of Nephrology, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China. Electronic address:
Background: Huangkui capsule (HKC), a Chinese patent medicine, is clinically used for treating diabetic nephropathy. However, the core disease-specific biomarkers and targets of type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) and the therapeutic mechanism of HKC are not fully elucidated.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of HKC for T2DN.
Pharmaceutics
January 2025
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
Nanosuspensions (NS), with their submicron particle sizes and unique physicochemical properties, provide a versatile solution for enhancing the administration of medications that are not highly soluble in water or lipids. This review highlights recent advancements, future prospects, and challenges in NS-based drug delivery, particularly for oral, ocular, transdermal, pulmonary, and parenteral routes. The conversion of oral NS into powders, pellets, granules, tablets, and capsules, and their incorporation into film dosage forms to address stability concerns is thoroughly reviewed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecules
January 2025
Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, Campus Sescelades, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
pH sensitivity of chitosan allows for precise phase transitions in acidic environments, controlling swelling and shrinking, making chitosan suitable for drug delivery systems. pH transitions are modulated by the presence of cross-linkers by the functionalization of the chitosan chain. This review relays a summary of chitosan functionalization and tailoring to optimize drug release.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
January 2025
NDDH, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Barnstaple EX31 4JB, UK.
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) is an age-related fibrillopathy where fibrillar exfoliation material accumulates and deposits in ocular and extra-ocular tissue. Within the eye, this substance accumulates on the ocular surface and in the anterior segment of the eye, impacting ocular structures such as the conjunctiva, Tenon's capsule, sclera, cornea, iris, ciliary body, trabecular meshwork, and lens. This review aims to collate the current literature on how each anatomical part of the eye is affected by PXS, with a strong focus on molecular changes.
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