Investigation of molecules with antifungal potential on Candida auris and Candida tropicalis: antifungal, morphophysiological and molecular effects

• Grant number: 22/08516-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Kelly Ishida
• Grantee: Murilo Moreira dos Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/07516-7 - The impact of ERG20 and ERG9 genes on quorum-sensing and virulence traits in Candida auris, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

The epidemiological scenario of infections caused by Candida spp. has worsened in recent years, largely due to the resistance acquired by these microorganisms. In recent decades, there has been an emphasis on the rise of Candida non-Candida albicans species, where Candida tropicalis is the protagonist. Also, since 2009 there is a new major health concern with the emergence of Candida auris. Candida tropicalis represents an important opportunistic pathogen with increasing prevalence in the tropical region, scarcity of data in the literature and increasing antifungal resistance. C. auris stands out for presenting very high levels of resistance and being responsible for several outbreaks in hospitals around the world in recent years. For both species, there is something in common: increasing epidemiology, as well as resistance (especially for C. auris) combined with scarce pharmacology. We know how difficult it is to obey selective toxicity when talking about eukaryotic pathogens. Currently, there are only 3 major chemical classes of antifungals available on the market for the treatment of candidiasis and candidemia: polyenes, azoles and echinocandins. There is a latent appeal that the literature has for new pharmacological alternatives to reach the market, either as a new chemical class or as a synergistic molecule to improve the activity of what we already have available. With this reasoning in mind, the project in question aims to explore new possibilities within antifungal therapy, with promising molecules such as filastatin, farnesol, tyrosol and resveratrol, emphasizing their effects on virulence factors in C. tropicalis and C. auris.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DOS SANTOS, MURILO MOREIRA; ISHIDA, KELLY. We need to talk about Candida tropicalis: Virulence factors and survival mechanisms. Medical Mycology, v. 61, n. 8, p. 13-pg., 2023-08-02. (22/08516-5, 21/01279-5)