The book Pathogenic Fungi: Insights in Molecular Biology, edited by Gioconda San-Blas and Richard A Calderone, is a natural extension of the two-volume set previously published in 2004 (Pathogenic Fungi: Structural Biology and Taxonomy, and Host Interactions and Emerging Strategies of Control). The current volume extends on the previous two by detailing some of the major advances that have been made in recent years through the application of ‘omics’ technologies and the generation of new molecular tools. The application of these technologies has resulted in a significant increase in the published research on pathogenic fungi and this book provides a timely survey of key topics that have been advanced through their use.
A total of 30 internationally recognized authors have contributed to the eight chapters presented in the book. Each chapter follows the same basic format and provides an extensive up-to-date reference section guiding the reader to the relevant primary literature. Candida albicans was the first human fungal pathogen to be sequenced and is the mainstay of many research groups, consequently the main focus of the book tends towards this species. However, in most chapters, the authors present work on other fungi, including the other major pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides immitis, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and other Candida species. However, despite the book being entitled ‘Pathogenic Fungi’, only one reference is made to plant fungal pathogens throughout the entire book. This is a slight disappointment as these two fields could benefit from the cross-fertilization of ideas.
The first chapter, Gene Expression and Regulation, provides a thorough review of the use of genome-wide expression technologies to determine the transcriptional response of pathogenic fungi to pathogenesis-related conditions. Common responses by a range of fungal pathogens are highlighted, suggesting a commonality of survival mechanisms within the host. The application of genome-wide expression analysis is continued in Chapter 7, which concentrates on the use of transcript profiling and proteomics in the analysis of antifungal drug resistance. The use of these technologies is ever increasing and these chapters provide a timely review of this large and evolving field of research.
Chapter 2 provides an extensive review on the astounding level of heterozygosity detected in the obligate diploid C. albicans. This chapter covers the types and level of diversity present, the consequence of heterozygosity on the organism’s genetic potential and concludes with how loss of heterozygosity can result in new properties, such as the ability to mate. In their final remarks, the authors raise the key question for future research in this field of how this high level of heterozygosity is maintained.
Signal-transduction pathways are an essential mechanism for cells to respond to external stimuli. In Chapter 3, the authors present a broad overview of the signaling pathways involved in the host–pathogen interaction, both in terms of the recognition of fungal pathogens by host cells, and the pathways involved in the response of fungal pathogens to their microenvironment. Continuing on this theme, Chapter 5 presents a detailed overview of the role of MAP kinase pathways in C. albicans and C. neoformans.
There is still an urgent need to improve the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections; in Chapters 4 and 8, the authors concentrate on the use of molecular biology techniques to develop the rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic tests required. Chapter 4 provides a well-presented, extensive review of the requirements of clinical biomarkers and overviews their development process. It then focuses on the use of serological proteome analysis to identify biomarkers for the diagnosis of C. albicans. Chapter 8 presents a thorough review of the application of PCR-based techniques for the molecular diagnosis of a wide range of fungal pathogens. These approaches hold great promise but, as the authors discuss, require further work to form a consensus approach.
The development of molecular biology techniques in pathogenic fungi has also had a great impact on the approach to antifungal drug discovery, particularly through the identification of potential drug targets. However, we should still appreciate that it is likely to be many years before clinically useful inhibitors of these targets are identified. In Chapter 6, the authors present recent advances in the development of high-throughput genomic approaches to identify the essential targets required. Of these approaches, conditional expression systems and haploinsufficiency are the most promising, since these can be further adapted to develop target-specific cell-based screening strategies.
The book clearly meets the stated aim of the editors ‘…to help the busy research scientist and/or teacher of medical mycology to keep abreast of all the latest advances…’. Overall, the book provides essential reading covering recent advances, utilizing molecular biology approaches, to further our understanding of fungal pathogens of humans. Despite the book’s high cost, it would be a valuable addition to collections and is recommended reading for those with an interest in the molecular biology of human pathogenic fungi.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.