The Mycology Department focuses on studying yeasts and filamentous fungi that cause fungal infections in humans. These infections pose significant risks to the health of immunocompromised individuals and are increasingly affecting immunocompetent populations as well. Over the last three decades, fungal infections have become a major global health threat. Approximately 1.5 million deaths each year are attributed to fungal infections, surpassing fatalities from diseases like malaria and tuberculosis. This is partly due to delayed diagnosis of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) and the limited effectiveness of current antifungal treatments. The department aims to advance fundamental and translational research in medical mycology at the Institut Pasteur, ensuring strong national and international recognition.
Our main recent publications
Regulation of extracellular vesicle production in Cryptococcus neoformans
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enveloped particles that are released by cells into the extracellular space. Fungal EVs can mediate community interactions and biofilm formation, but their functions remain poorly understood. Here, the scientists report the identification of the first regulators of EV production in the major fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, and they describe a novel role of EVs in modulating antifungal drug resistance.
mBio, June 13, 2023.
A way of restoring antifungal drug activity
Fungi are responsible for over 1.5 billion infections each year worldwide. Unfortunately, fungi are increasingly resistant to commonly used drugs such as azoles. To address this issue, the scientists identified several small molecules that can restore the susceptibility of Candida isolates to antifungal drugs. Novel antifungal potentiators represent a powerful strategy for addressing the growing resistance of fungi to clinically approved drugs.
mBio, June 16, 2023.
Gut aging clock correlated with health
Candida albicans is a commensal yeast present in the gut of most healthy individuals. In this study, scientists assess how the microbiota, lifestyle or genetics influence gut colonization by C. albicans in healthy adults. They show that the load of C. albicans in the gut correlates with certain genetic traits and dietary habits. Notably, the authors show that a higher load of C. albicans in the gut induces a stronger immune response to new challenges by this yeast, paving the way to new treatment strategies.
Gut Microbes, November 28, 2023.
Remodeling of perturbed chromatin can initiate de novo transcriptional and post-transcriptional silencing
This study reports three key results: it (1) identifies the role of ATRX in fungi, paving the way to better understand the function of this critical chromatin remodeler in other organisms; (2) shows that ATRX can also control the onset of RNA interference (RNAi); (3) proposes a new general mechanism by which gene silencing can be initiated de novo.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, July 25, 2024.
Epidemiology and prognostic factors of mucormycosis in France (2012-2022): a cross-sectional study nested in a prospective surveillance program
Mucormycosis is a fatal invasive fungal infection recently listed as one of WHO’s priority pathogens. A French study from 2012 to 2022 revealed major epidemiological trends. The study found a new correlation between trauma, cutaneous-articular location and certain fungal species. PCR used as a novel diagnostic method considerably improved diagnosis, contributing to a reduction in mortality.
The Lancet Regional Health - Europe, August 7, 2024.