Unveiling the roles of in : Implications for virulence and azole resistance.

is the most common pathogen in systemic fungal diseases, exhibits a complex pathogenic mechanism, and is increasingly becoming drug tolerant. Therefore, it is particularly important to study the genes associated with virulence and resistance of . Here, we identified a gene () that encodes a conserved mitochondrial protein known as , upon deletion of , the deleted strain () experienced impaired growth, hyphal development, and virulence. displayed a reduced capacity to utilize alternative carbon sources, along with detrimental alterations in reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. Interestingly, demonstrated resistance to azole drugs, and under the influence of fluconazole, the cell membrane permeability and mitochondrial function of were less compromised than those of the wild type, indicating a reduction in the detrimental effects of fluconazole on . These findings highlight the significance of as a crucial gene for the maintenance of cellular homoeostasis. Our study is the first to document the effects of the gene on the virulence and azole resistance of at both the molecular and animal levels, providing new clues and directions for the antifungal infection and the discovery of antifungal drug targets.