Short-term evolution strategies for host adaptation and drug escape in human fungal pathogens
Chapman Beekman, Iuliana V. Ene
Abstract
Research on human fungal pathogens has historically taken a backseat to other infectious diseases, perhaps due to a common misperception that fungi largely cause superficial infections [1]. In reality, fungi can be life-threatening to those who become immunocompromised during medical procedures or through conditions such as HIV and diabetes. Invasive fungal infections are estimated to kill over 1 million people every year, with mortality rates reaching 50% Significant challenges to the treatment of fungal infections include the limited availability of antifungals and the innate ability of fungi to rapidly evolve and adapt to fluctuating conditions. This adaptive ability is partially driven by extensive genomic plasticity, with many species acquiring diverse ploidy states, chromosomal rearrangements, and point mutations during host colonization Genetic plasticity enables rapid increases in virulence and antifungal drug resistance, which often translate to poor disease outcomes. Short-term evolution (microevolution) strategies in fungal pathogens are therefore essential for environmental adaptation in the mammalian host, and their study can inform adaptive mechanisms in other eukaryotes.