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Investigation
Adaptation of pathogenic fungi to the host and development of new antifungal therapies
Research Lines
Content with Investigacion .
Mechanisms of pathogenic fungal host adaptation: Morphogenesis in Cryptococcus neoformans
One of the main mechanisms by which fungi are able to cause disease in humans is their ability to evade the immune response and adapt to the environmental conditions found in the host. In this regard, one of the yeasts that has the greatest ability to adapt to the host is Cryptococcus neoformans. This fungus is found in the environment, and is acquired by inhalation, although the most typical picture is meningitis in immunocompromised patients, mainly HIV+. The main phenotypic characteristic is the presence of a polysaccharide capsule surrounding the cell, which is considered a virulence factor. In addition, C. neoformans is able to increase cell size significantly forming “titan” cells, which can reach a diameter of more than 70 microns. In the laboratory, we are interested in the role of these titan cells in the virulence of C. neoformans. Recently, we have described in vitro media in which C. neoformans forms pseudo-titan cells, which has allowed us to identify new factors and pathways involved in this process.
Mechanisms of action of antifungals
In parallel, we have a line whose main objective is to characterize the mechanisms of action of antifungals. Specifically, we have focused our work on the effect of Amphotericin B (AmB). For decades it has been thought that this antifungal causes cell death after binding to ergosterol and pore formation. Our results indicate that this antifungal also induces strong oxidative stress in the cell, which occurs before cell integrity is lost. Furthermore, we have shown that oxidative stress is necessary for the fungicidal action of AmB. These results open the door to design new strategies to improve its efficiency in patients.
New therapeutic strategies
Work with AmB has led to research aimed at improving antifungal therapies. In particular, we have used the strategy of “off-patent” drug repositioning to search for new activities. Using this approach, we have identified several drugs that increase the effectiveness of AmB against major pathogenic yeasts, such as the antibiotic erythromycin. This approach has allowed us to identify drugs with antifungal activity against emerging pathogens, such as Candida auris.
Research projects
Content with Investigacion .
Projects with public funding
TITLE: Virulence factors of pathogenic yeasts and their influence on the host.
FUNDING ENTITY: Ministry of Education and Science.
POSITION HELD: Principal Investigator, Contracted “Ramón y Cajal”.
START/FINISH: 2006-2007
AMOUNT: 15,000 EUROS
TITLE: Characterization of fungal giant cells and their role during infection in mammals.
FINANCING ENTITY: Instituto de Salud Carlos III
POSITION HELD: Principal Investigator, Contracted “Ramón y Cajal”.
START/FINISH: 2006-2007
AMOUNT: 55,000 EUROS
TITLE: Search and identification of genes involved in the resistance to antifungal agents in
Cryptococcus neoformans
FUNDING ENTITY: Ministry of Science and Innovation.
POSITION HELD: Principal Investigator, Contracted “Ramón y Cajal”.
START/FINISH: 2008-2010
AMOUNT: 25,000 EUROS
COLLABORATORS: Juan Luis Rodríguez Tudela (National Center of Microbiology, ISCIII. Madrid); Manuel Cuenca Estrella (National Center of Microbiology, ISCIII. Madrid); Maria Jose Gianinni (Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas-UNESP). Brazil
TITLE: Role of morphological changes of the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans during host infection.
FUNDING ENTITY: Ministry of Science and Innovation. National Plan Program “Non-oriented Fundamental Research”, area of Biomedicine, SAF2008-03761.
POSITION HELD: Principal Investigator, Contracted “Ramón y Cajal”.
START/END: 2009-2011
AMOUNT: 46,000 EUROS
PROJECT TITLE: Identification of the molecular mechanisms involved in the morphogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformans and study of their function during infection.
FUNDING ENTITY: Ministry of Science and Innovation, National Plan for Non-Oriented Fundamental Research, Biomedicine Area, Referencia: SAF2011-25140
DURATION FROM: January 2012 UNTIL: December 2014
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Oscar Zaragoza Hernández
This project has an FPI grantee granted.
SUBSIDY: 90.000 euros
TITLE: Importance of morphogenesis in the virulence of pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans and improvement of amphotericin B-based cryptococcosis therapy. Reference: SAF2014-25140
FUNDING ENTITY: MINECO (Call for R+D+I Projects “RETOS INVESTIGACION)
POSITION HELD: Principal Investigator
START/FINISH: 2015-2017
Funding: 100.000 €.
TITLE: Study of the molecular basis and factors inducing morphological changes in Cryptococcus neoformans and characterization of new therapeutic strategies. Reference: SAF2017-86912-R
FUNDING ENTITY: MINECO (Call for R+D+I Projects “RETOS INVESTIGACION)
POSITION HELD: Principal Investigator
START/END: 2018-2020
Funding: 106.000 €.
TITLE: Mechanisms of adaptation of the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans to the lung. Reference: PID2020-114546RB
FUNDING ENTITY: Ministry of Science and Innovation, State Research Agency (Call “Proyectos I+D+I” 2020 - Modalities “Research Challenges” and “Knowledge Generation”).
POSITION HELD: Principal Researcher
START/END: 01/09/2021-31/05/2025
Funding: 143,990 €.
TITLE: Precision medicine against antimicrobial resistance. MePRAM Project.
FUNDING ENTITY: Research Projects on Precision Personalized Medicine of the Strategic Action in Health 2021-2023, under the PERTE for Vanguard Health and charged to the European funds of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
POSITION: Collaborator (Principal Investigator: Jesús Oteo Iglesias)
START/FINISH: 2023-2025
Funding: 4.339.500 €.
TITLE: Centre for Biomedical Research in Network. Infectious Diseases Area (CIBERINFEC)
Funding Agency: Insituto de Salud Carlos III. Reference: CB21/13/00105
Dates: 2022-2026 Funding: 85.000 € (first year)
PI: Emilia Mellado Terrado / CoPI: Óscar Zaragoza Hernández
TITLE: Study of the genetic, metabolic and cellular determinants that influence titan cell formation in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans and correlation with antifungal exposure.
CALL FOR PROJECTS: Knowledge Generation Projects.
FUNDING ENTITY. State Research Agency. Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
REFERENCE: Project PID2023-148686OB-I00 Project funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by FEDER, EU.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Oscar Zaragoza Hernández
START/END: 2024-2027
FUNDING: 180.000 €.
TITLE: Characterization of azole-resistant Candida parapsilosis isolates associated with hospital outbreaks: New strategies for their detection and treatment.
CALL: Strategic Action in Intramural Health.
FUNDING ENTITY. Carlos III Health Institute.
REFERENCE: AESI-2024 PI24CIII/00051
PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER: Oscar Zaragoza Hernández / Laura Alcázar Fuoli
START/FINISH: /01/012025-31/12/2027
FUNDING: 70.000 €.
Projects financed by biotechnology companies
PROJECT TITLE: Amphores. Evaluation of the induction of oxidative damage by Amphoterin B in susceptible and resistant yeast species.
FUNDING ENTITY: Gilead
DURATION FROM: 2011 TO: 2012
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Oscar Zaragoza Hernández
GRANT: 55,000 euros
TITLE: Fungomics. Evaluation of the activity of amphotericin B and other antifungals against human pathogenic fungi.
FINANCING ENTITY: Gilead
POSITION HELD: Principal Investigator
START/END: 2019-2020
TITLE: Antifungal susceptibility testing of a set of Candida spp to CD101 and anidulafungin in five microdilution plates.
FUNDING ENTITY: Cidara
POSITION HELD: Principal Investigator
START/END: 2018
TITLE: Cidara MultiCentre EUCAST study
FUNDING ENTITY: Cidara
POSITION HELD: Principal Investigator
START/END: 2016
TITLE: Characterization of triazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis isolates from Spanish hospitals
FUNDING ENTITY: Gilead Science
POSITION HELD: Principal Investigator
START/END: 2022-2023
TITLE: EUCAST multicentre MIC testing of manogepix meeting EUCAST ECOFF setting criteria
FUNDING ENTITY: Pfizer
POSITION HELD: Principal Investigator
START/END: 2023
Publications
Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Rivero-Menéndez O, Ayats J, Castro C, García-Rodríguez J, Goterris-Bonet L, Ibáñez-Martínez E, Linares-Sicilia MJ, Martin-Gomez MT, Martín-Mazuelos E, Pelaez T, Peman J, Rezusta A, Rojo S, Tejero R, Anza DV, Viñuelas J, Zapico MS, Cuenca-Estrella M; the FILPOP2 Project from GEMICOMED (SEIMC) and REIPI. Molecular Identification and Susceptibility Testing of Molds Isolated in a Prospective Surveillance of Triazole Resistance in Spain (FILPOP2 Study). Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2018 Aug 27;62(9):e00358-18. doi: 10.1128/AAC.00358-18. PMID: 29941643; PMCID: PMC6125503.
Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Rivero-Menéndez O, Ayats J, Castro C, García-Rodríguez J, Goterris-Bonet L, Ibáñez-Martínez E, Linares-Sicilia MJ, Martin-Gomez MT, Martín-Mazuelos E, Pelaez T, Peman J, Rezusta A, Rojo S, Tejero R, Anza DV, Viñuelas J, Zapico MS, Cuenca-Estrella M; the FILPOP2 Project from GEMICOMED (SEIMC) and REIPI. Molecular Identification and Susceptibility Testing of Molds Isolated in a Prospective Surveillance of Triazole Resistance in Spain (FILPOP2 Study). Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2018 Aug 27;62(9):e00358-18. doi: 10.1128/AAC.00358-18. PMID: 29941643; PMCID: PMC6125503.
PUBMED DOIGonçalves SM, Lagrou K, Rodrigues CS, Campos CF, Bernal-Martínez L, Rodrigues F, Silvestre R, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Maertens JA, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Evaluation of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cytokines as Biomarkers for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in At-Risk Patients. Front Microbiol. 2017 Nov 29;8:2362. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2017.02362. PMID: 29238334; PMCID: PMC5712575.
Gonçalves SM, Lagrou K, Rodrigues CS, Campos CF, Bernal-Martínez L, Rodrigues F, Silvestre R, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Maertens JA, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Evaluation of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cytokines as Biomarkers for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in At-Risk Patients. Front Microbiol. 2017 Nov 29;8:2362. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2017.02362. PMID: 29238334; PMCID: PMC5712575.
PUBMED DOIAlcazar-Fuoli L, Buitrago M, Gomez-Lopez A, Mellado E. An alternative host model of a mixed fungal infection by azole susceptible and resistant Aspergillus spp strains. Virulence. 2015;6(4):376-84. doi: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1025192. PMID: 26065322; PMCID: PMC4601236.
Alcazar-Fuoli L, Buitrago M, Gomez-Lopez A, Mellado E. An alternative host model of a mixed fungal infection by azole susceptible and resistant Aspergillus spp strains. Virulence. 2015;6(4):376-84. doi: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1025192. PMID: 26065322; PMCID: PMC4601236.
PUBMED DOIAlcazar-Fuoli L, Cairns T, Lopez JF, Zonja B, Pérez S, Barceló D, Igarashi Y, Bowyer P, Bignell E. A modified recombineering protocol for the genetic manipulation of gene clusters in Aspergillus fumigatus. PLoS One. 2014 Nov 5;9(11):e111875. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111875. PMID: 25372385; PMCID:PMC4221250.
Alcazar-Fuoli L, Cairns T, Lopez JF, Zonja B, Pérez S, Barceló D, Igarashi Y, Bowyer P, Bignell E. A modified recombineering protocol for the genetic manipulation of gene clusters in Aspergillus fumigatus. PLoS One. 2014 Nov 5;9(11):e111875. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111875. PMID: 25372385; PMCID:PMC4221250.
PUBMED DOIBertuzzi M, Schrettl M, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Cairns TC, Muñoz A, Walker LA, Herbst S, Safari M, Cheverton AM, Chen D, Liu H, Saijo S, Fedorova ND, Armstrong-James D, Munro CA, Read ND, Filler SG, Espeso EA, Nierman WC, Haas H, Bignell EM. The pH-responsive PacC transcription factor of Aspergillus fumigatus governs epithelial entry and tissue invasion during pulmonary aspergillosis. PLoS Pathog. 2014 Oct 16;10(10):e1004413. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004413.
Bertuzzi M, Schrettl M, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Cairns TC, Muñoz A, Walker LA, Herbst S, Safari M, Cheverton AM, Chen D, Liu H, Saijo S, Fedorova ND, Armstrong-James D, Munro CA, Read ND, Filler SG, Espeso EA, Nierman WC, Haas H, Bignell EM. The pH-responsive PacC transcription factor of Aspergillus fumigatus governs epithelial entry and tissue invasion during pulmonary aspergillosis. PLoS Pathog. 2014 Oct 16;10(10):e1004413. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004413.
DOIYasmin S, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Gründlinger M, Puempel T, Cairns T, Blatzer M, Lopez JF, Grimalt JO, Bignell E, Haas H. Mevalonate governs interdependency of ergosterol and siderophore biosyntheses in the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Feb 21;109(8):E497-504. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1106399108. Epub 2011 Nov 21. PMID: 22106303; PMCID: PMC3286978.
Yasmin S, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Gründlinger M, Puempel T, Cairns T, Blatzer M, Lopez JF, Grimalt JO, Bignell E, Haas H. Mevalonate governs interdependency of ergosterol and siderophore biosyntheses in the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Feb 21;109(8):E497-504. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1106399108. Epub 2011 Nov 21. PMID: 22106303; PMCID: PMC3286978.
PUBMED DOIImpaired Cytotoxic Response in PBMCs From Patients With COVID-19 Admitted to the ICU: Biomarkers to Predict Disease Severity.
Impaired Cytotoxic Response in PBMCs From Patients With COVID-19 Admitted to the ICU: Biomarkers to Predict Disease Severity. Vigón L, Fuertes D, García-Pérez J, Torres M, Rodríguez-Mora S, Mateos E, Corona M, Saez-Marín AJ, Malo R, Navarro C, Murciano-Antón MA, Cervero M, Alcamí J, García-Gutiérrez V, Planelles V, López-Huertas MR, Coiras M (AC). Front Immunol. 2021 May 26;12:665329. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.665329. eCollection 2021. PMID: 34122423.
PUBMED DOIIdentification of Immunological Parameters as Predictive Biomarkers of Relapse in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia on Treatment-Free Remission
Identification of Immunological Parameters as Predictive Biomarkers of Relapse in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia on Treatment-Free Remission. Vigón L, Luna A, Galán M, Rodríguez-Mora S, Fuertes D, Mateos E, Piris-Villaespesa M, Bautista G, San José E, Rivera-Torres J, Steegmann JL, de Ory F, Pérez-Olmeda M, Alcamí J, Planelles V, López-Huertas MR, García-Gutiérrez V, Coiras M (AC). J Clin Med. 2020 Dec 25;10(1):42. doi: 10.3390/jcm10010042. PMID: 33375572.
PUBMED DOICytotoxic cell populations developed during treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors protect autologous CD4+ T cells from HIV-1 infection
Cytotoxic cell populations developed during treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors protect autologous CD4+ T cells from HIV-1 infection. Vigón L, Rodríguez-Mora S, Luna A, Sandonís V, Mateos E, Bautista G, Steegmann JL, Climent N, Plana M, Pérez-Romero P, de Ory F, Alcamí J, García-Gutierrez V, Planelles V, López-Huertas MR, Coiras M (AC). Biochem Pharmacol. 2020 Dec;182:114203. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114203. PMID: 32828803.
PUBMED DOITyrosine Kinase Inhibition: a New Perspective in the Fight against HIV
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition: a New Perspective in the Fight against HIV. Rodríguez-Mora S, Spivak AM, Szaniawski MA, López-Huertas MR, Alcamí J, Planelles V, Coiras M (AC). Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2019 Oct;16(5):414-422. doi: 10.1007/s11904-019-00462-5. PMID: 31506864. Review.
PUBMED DOIDasatinib protects humanized mice from acute HIV-1 infection
Dasatinib protects humanized mice from acute HIV-1 infection. Salgado M, Martinez-Picado J, Gálvez C, Rodríguez-Mora S, Rivaya B, Urrea V, Mateos E, Alcamí J, Coiras M (AC). Biochem Pharmacol. 2020 Apr;174:113625. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113625. PMID: 31476293.
PUBMED DOIEvaluation of resistance to HIV-1 infection ex vivo of PBMCs isolated from patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with different tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Evaluation of resistance to HIV-1 infection ex vivo of PBMCs isolated from patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with different tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Bermejo M, Ambrosioni J, Bautista G, Climent N, Mateos E, Rovira C, Rodríguez-Mora S, López-Huertas MR, García-Gutiérrez V, Steegmann JL, Duarte R, Cervantes F, Plana M, Miró JM, Alcamí J, Coiras M (AC). Biochem Pharmacol. 2018 Oct;156:248-264. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.08.031. PMID: 30142322.
PUBMED DOIStaphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization in Spanish Children. The COSACO Nationwide Surveillance Study.
Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization in Spanish Children. The COSACO Nationwide Surveillance Study. Del Rosal T, Méndez-Echevarría A, Garcia-Vera C, Escosa-Garcia L, Agud M, Chaves F, Román F, Gutierrez-Fernandez J, Ruiz de Gopegui E, Ruiz-Carrascoso G, Ruiz-Gallego MDC, Bernet A, Quevedo SM, Fernández-Verdugo AM, Díez-Sebastian J, Calvo C; COSACO Study Group.
PUBMEDAntimicrobial Resistance and Distribution of Staphylococcus spp. Pulsotypes Isolated from Goat and Sheep Bulk Tank Milk in Southern Spain
Antimicrobial Resistance and Distribution of Staphylococcus spp. Pulsotypes Isolated from Goat and Sheep Bulk Tank Milk in Southern Spain. Barrero-Domínguez B, Luque I, Galán-Relaño Á, Vega-Pla JL, Huerta B, Román F, Astorga RJ. Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2019 Oct;16(10):723-730. doi: 10.1089/fpd.2018.2593. Epub 2019 Jun 3.Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2019. PMID: 31157980
PUBMEDPrevalence of pSCFS7-like vectors among cfr-positive staphylococcal population in Spain
Prevalence of pSCFS7-like vectors among cfr-positive staphylococcal population in Spain. Nguyen LTT*, Román F*, Morikawa K, Trincado P, Marcos C, Rojo-Martín MD, Cafini F. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2018 Aug;52(2):305-306.
PUBMEDMethodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus.
Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus. Cafini F, Thi Le Thuy N, Román F, Prieto J, Dubrac S, Msadek T, Morikawa K. J Vis Exp. 2017 Mar 10;(121).
PUBMEDEmergence of cfr-Mediated Linezolid Resistance in a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Epidemic Clone Isolated from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.
Emergence of cfr-Mediated Linezolid Resistance in a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Epidemic Clone Isolated from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis. de Dios Caballero J, Pastor MD, Vindel A, Máiz L, Yagüe G, Salvador C, Cobo M, Morosini MI, del Campo R, Cantón R; GEIFQ Study Group. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2015 Dec 14;60(3):1878-82.
PUBMEDMolecular epidemiology of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Spain: 2004-12.
Molecular epidemiology of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Spain: 2004-12. Vindel A, Trincado P, Cuevas O, Ballesteros C, Bouza E, Cercenado E. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2014 Nov;69(11):2913-9.
PUBMEDDraft Genome Sequence of Strain SA_ST125_MupR of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST125, a Major Clone in Spain.
Draft Genome Sequence of Strain SA_ST125_MupR of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST125, a Major Clone in Spain. Barrado L, Viedma E, Vindel A, Otero JR, Chaves F. Genome Announc. 2013 Aug 8;1(4).
PUBMEDDetection of linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with 23S rRNA and novel L4 riboprotein mutations in a cystic fibrosis patient in Spain.
Detection of linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with 23S rRNA and novel L4 riboprotein mutations in a cystic fibrosis patient in Spain. Román F, Roldán C, Trincado P, Ballesteros C, Carazo C, Vindel A. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2013 May;57(5):2428-9.
PUBMED9: Harvala H, Broberg E, Benschop K, Berginc N, Ladhani S, Susi P, Christiansen C, McKenna J, Allen D, Makiello P, McAllister G, Ca
9: Harvala H, Broberg E, Benschop K, Berginc N, Ladhani S, Susi P, Christiansen C, McKenna J, Allen D, Makiello P, McAllister G, Carmen M, Zakikhany K, Dyrdak R, Nielsen X, Madsen T, Paul J, Moore C, von Eije K, Piralla A, Carlier M, Vanoverschelde L, Poelman R, Anton A, López-Labrador FX, Pellegrinelli L, Keeren K, Maier M, Cassidy H, Derdas S, Savolainen-Kopra C, Diedrich S, Nordbø S, Buesa J, Bailly JL, Baldanti F, MacAdam A, Mirand A, Dudman S, Schuffenecker I, Kadambari S, Neyts J, Griffiths MJ, Richter J, Margaretto C, Govind S, Morley U, Adams O, Krokstad S, Dean J, Pons-Salort M, Prochazka B, Cabrerizo M, Majumdar M, Nebbia G, Wiewel M, Cottrell S, Coyle P, Martin J, Moore C, Midgley S, Horby P, Wolthers K, Simmonds P, Niesters H, Fischer TK. Recommendations for enterovirus diagnostics and characterisation within and beyond Europe. J Clin Virol. 2018 Apr; 101:11-17. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2018.01.008. Epub 2018 Feb 6. PMID: 29414181.
Inhibition of LpxC Increases Antibiotic Susceptibility in Acinetobacter baumannii
Inhibition of LpxC Increases Antibiotic Susceptibility in Acinetobacter baumannii. García-Quintanilla M, Caro-Vega JM, Pulido MR, Moreno-Martínez P, Pachón J, McConnell MJ. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2016 Jul 22;60(8):5076-9. doi: 10.1128/AAC.00407-16.
PUBMEDNew Panfungal Real-Time PCR Assay for Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infections.
4. Valero C, de la Cruz-Villar L, Zaragoza O, Buitrago MJ. New Panfungal Real-Time PCR Assay for Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infections. J Clin Microbiol. 2016 Dec;54(12):2910-2918. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01580-16. Epub 2016 Sep 14. PMID: 27629898.
DOIA Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Identification of Pneumocystis jirovecii, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii in Samples from AIDS Patients with Opportunistic Pneumonia
6. Gago S, Esteban C, Valero C, Zaragoza O, Puig de la Bellacasa J, Buitrago MJ. A multiplex real-time PCR assay for identification of Pneumocystis jirovecii, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii in samples from AIDS patients with opportunistic pneumonia. J Clin Microbiol. 2014 Apr;52(4):1168-76. doi: 10.1128/JCM.02895-13. Epub 2014 Jan 29. PMID: 24478409.
PUBMED DOIAnalysis of strain relatedness using High Resolution Melting in a case of recurrent candiduria
7. Gago S, Lorenzo B, Gomez-Lopez A, Cuesta I, Cuenca-Estrella M, Buitrago MJ. Analysis of strain relatedness using high resolution melting in a case of recurrent candiduria. BMC Microbiol. 2013 Jan 23;13:13. doi: 10.1186/1471-2180-13-13. PMID: 23343107.
PUBMED DOIHigh-Resolution Melting Analysis for Identification of the Cryptococcus neoformans-Cryptococcus gattii Complex
8. Gago S, Zaragoza Ó, Cuesta I, Rodríguez-Tudela JL, Cuenca-Estrella M, Buitrago MJ. High-resolution melting analysis for identification of the Cryptococcus neoformans-Cryptococcus gattii complex. J Clin Microbiol. 2011 Oct;49(10):3663-6. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01091-11. Epub 2011 Aug 10. PMID: 21832024.
PUBMED DOIPerformance of Panfungal- and Specific-PCR-Based Procedures for Etiological Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases on Tissue Biopsy Specimens with Proven Infection: a 7-Year Retrospective Analysis from a Reference Laboratory
9. Buitrago MJ, Bernal-Martinez L, Castelli MV, Rodriguez-Tudela JL, Cuenca-Estrella M Performance of panfungal--and specific-PCR-based procedures for etiological diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases on tissue biopsy specimens with proven infection: a 7-year retrospective analysis from a reference laboratory. J Clin Microbiol. 2014 May;52(5):1737-40. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00328-14. Epub 2014 Feb 26.PMID: 24574295.
PUBMED DOIEpidemiología actual y diagnóstico de laboratorio de las micosis endémicas en España
11. Buitrago MJ, Cuenca-Estrella M. [Current epidemiology and laboratory diagnosis of endemic mycoses in Spain]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2012 Aug;30(7):407-13. doi: 10.1016/j.eimc.2011.09.014. Epub 2011 Nov 29. PMID: 22130575 Review. Spanish.
PUBMED DOIA matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry reference database for the identification of Histoplasma capsulatum
12. Buitrago MJ, Bernal-Martínez L, Castelli MV, Rodríguez-Tudela JL, Cuenca-Estrella M. Histoplasmosis and paracoccidioidomycosis in a non-endemic area: a review of cases and diagnosis. J Travel Med. 2011 Jan-Feb;18(1):26-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2010.00477.x. Epub 2010 Nov 28. PMID: 21199139.
PUBMED DOICopy Number Variation of Mitochondrial DNA Genes in Pneumocystis jirovecii According to the Fungal Load in BAL Specimens
13. Valero C, Buitrago MJ, Gago S, Quiles-Melero I, García-Rodríguez J. A matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry reference database for the identification of Histoplasma capsulatum. Med Mycol. 2018 Apr 1;56 (3):307-314. doi: 10.1093/mmy/myx047. PMID: 28992262.
PUBMED DOICopy Number Variation of Mitochondrial DNA Genes in Pneumocystis jirovecii According to the Fungal Load in BAL Specimens
14. Valero C, Buitrago MJ, Gits-Muselli M, Benazra M, Sturny-Leclère A, Hamane S, Guigue N, Bretagne S, Alanio A. Copy Number Variation of Mitochondrial DNA Genes in Pneumocystis jirovecii According to the Fungal Load in BAL Specimens. Front Microbiol. 2016 Sep 12;7:1413. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01413. eCollection 2016. PMID: 27672381.
PUBMED DOIIdentification of Off-Patent Compounds That Present Antifungal Activity Against the Emerging Fungal Pathogen Candida auris
2: de Oliveira HC, Monteiro MC, Rossi SA, Pemán J, Ruiz-Gaitán A, Mendes- Giannini MJS, Mellado E, Zaragoza O. Identification of Off-Patent Compounds That Present Antifungal Activity Against the Emerging Fungal Pathogen Candida auris. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2019 Apr 2;9:83. PMCID: PMC6454888.
PUBMED DOICryptococcus neoformans can form titan-like cells in vitro in response to multiple signals
Trevijano-Contador N, de Oliveira HC, García-Rodas R, Rossi SA, Llorente I, Zaballos Á, Janbon G, Ariño J, Zaragoza Ó. Cryptococcus neoformans can form titan-like cells in vitro in response to multiple signals. PLoS Pathog. 2018 May 18;14(5):e1007007. PMCID: PMC6454888.
PUBMED DOICell Wall Changes in Amphotericin B-Resistant Strains from Candida tropicalis and Relationship with the Immune Responses Elicited by the Host
5: Mesa-Arango AC, Rueda C, Román E, Quintin J, Terrón MC, Luque D, Netea MG, Pla J, Zaragoza O. Cell Wall Changes in Amphotericin B-Resistant Strains from Candida tropicalis and Relationship with the Immune Responses Elicited by the Host. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2016 Mar 25;60(4):2326-35. PMCID: PMC4808153.
PUBMED DOIThe production of reactive oxygen species is a universal action mechanism of Amphotericin B against pathogenic yeasts and contributes to the fungicidal effect of this drug
8: Mesa-Arango AC, Trevijano-Contador N, Román E, Sánchez-Fresneda R, Casas C, Herrero E, Argüelles JC, Pla J, Cuenca-Estrella M, Zaragoza O. The production of reactive oxygen species is a universal action mechanism of Amphotericin B against pathogenic yeasts and contributes to the fungicidal effect of this drug. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2014 Nov;58(11):6627-38. PMCID: PMC4249417.
PUBMED DOICapsule Growth in Cryptococcus neoformans Is Coordinated with Cell Cycle Progression
9: García-Rodas R, Cordero RJ, Trevijano-Contador N, Janbon G, Moyrand F, Casadevall A, Zaragoza O. Capsule growth in Cryptococcus neoformans is coordinated with cell cycle progression. mBio. 2014 Jun 17;5(3):e00945-14. PMCID: PMC4056547.
PUBMED DOIThe interaction between Candida krusei and murine macrophages results in multiple outcomes, including intracellular survival and escape from killing
12: García-Rodas R, González-Camacho F, Rodríguez-Tudela JL, Cuenca-Estrella M, Zaragoza O. The interaction between Candida krusei and murine macrophages results in multiple outcomes, including intracellular survival and escape from killing. Infect Immun. 2011 Jun;79(6):2136-44. PMCID: PMC3125833.
PUBMED DOIHuman IgM Inhibits the Formation of Titan-Like Cells in Cryptococcus neoformans
14: Trevijano-Contador N, Pianalto KM, Nichols CB, Zaragoza O, Alspaugh JA, Pirofski LA. Human IgM Inhibits the Formation of Titan-Like Cells in Cryptococcus neoformans. Infect Immun. 2020 Mar 23;88(4):e00046-20. PMCID: PMC7093138.
PUBMED DOIThe lymphocyte scavenger receptor CD5 plays a nonredundant role in fungal infection
15: Velasco-de-Andrés M, Català C, Casadó-Llombart S, Simões I, Zaragoza O, Carreras E, Lozano F. The lymphocyte scavenger receptor CD5 plays a nonredundant role in fungal infection. Cell Mol Immunol. 2020 Apr 24.
PUBMED DOI