ZCF4-dependent suppression of MMP-9 drives virulence in fluconazole-resistant Candida auris
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 30-Oct-2026 16:16 ET (30-Oct-2026 20:16 GMT/UTC)
While multidrug-resistant Candida auris poses a global threat to public health, the impact and mechanism of drug resistance on fungal virulence remain unclear. This study reveals that fluconazole-resistant C. auris exhibits enhanced fitness and resistance to macrophage killing under zinc deficiency by mobilizing intracellular zinc. The inhibition of gene encoding Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor 4 (ZCF4) contributes to C. auris resistance to macrophage killing by suppressing the PI3K-AKT- mTOR pathway and downstream matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity. Dietary zinc deficiency promotes the virulence of fluconazole-resistant C. auris. This research provides a mechanistic understanding of host-fungal interactions and highlights zinc intervention as a potential nutrient intervention strategy against fungal infection.
University Hospitals awarded PCORI funding to implement a telehealth-based program to treat complex psychiatric disorders by integrating behavioral health into primary care. The model includes a behavioral health coordinator and expands screening and treatment for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.