Uncovering the Shield: Gene Duplication Behind Antifungal Resistance in Madurella fahalii

Mycetoma, a devastating neglected tropical disease, often resists standard treatment with itraconazole when caused by the fungus Madurella fahalii. In a recent study, researchers from Japan identified the mechanism behind this resistance: an additional gene encoding a variant of cytochrome P450 14-α sterol demethylase. Using genetic engineering, protein modeling, and computer simulations, the team demonstrated how this second gene reduces treatment effectiveness, guiding the development of future effective therapies.