Experimental evolution of fungal pathogens as a tool to unravel host adaptation and virulence
Abstract
Microbial pathogenesis has evolved over time and continues to evolve.Some virulence factors are selected for by their contribution to survival in the environment and only accidentally enable virulence in susceptible hosts [1].Other pathogens co-evolve(d) with hosts to aid their survival and propagation.These processes could be described as a gigantic and, arguably, successful natural experiment, which has been ongoing for millions of years.Evolution can be leveraged to understand microbial virulence when recreated under laboratory conditions.Such evolution experiments (or "adaptive laboratory evolution") are still rarely used compared to other approaches.However, their strength is that they test functions throughout the genome without the need of any initial hypothesis.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Fungal Infections and Studies
Antifungal resistance and susceptibility
Fungal and yeast genetics research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- PLoS Pathogens
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science (PLoS)
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- e1014149–e1014149
- Publication date
- 24 April 2026
- Language
- EN