S. L. Knowles

Evolutionary origin, population diversity, and diagnostics for a cryptic hybrid pathogen

This study identifies and characterizes the cryptic fungal pathogen Aspergillus latus, revealing its hybrid origin and developing genomic and phenotypic markers for accurate diagnosis.

Genomic and phenotypic trait variation of the opportunistic human pathogen Aspergillus flavus and its non-pathogenic close relatives

This study compares genomic and phenotypic traits of Aspergillus flavus and its non-pathogenic relatives to understand pathogenicity evolution.

Regulation of gliotoxin biosynthesis and protection in Aspergillus species

This study identifies conserved transcription factors and genes involved in gliotoxin protection in Aspergillus species through RNA-sequencing and deletion screening.

Genomic and phenotypic analysis of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus

The paper analyzes the genomes and phenotypes of four Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from COVID-19 patients, finding minor genomic differences and variable virulence traits.

Biosynthetic gene clusters, secondary metabolite profiles, and cards of virulence in the closest nonpathogenic relatives of Aspergillus fumigatus

The paper compares secondary metabolite profiles and biosynthetic gene clusters between the pathogenic Aspergillus fumigatus and its nonpathogenic relatives A. fischeri and A. oerlinghausenensis, identifying conserved and diverged virulence-associated traits.

Gliotoxin, a known virulence factor in the major human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, is also biosynthesized by the non-pathogenic relative A. fischeri

This study shows that the non-pathogenic Aspergillus fischeri produces gliotoxin like the pathogenic A. fumigatus, but losing secondary metabolite production does not affect its virulence.

Characterizing the pathogenic, genomic, and chemical traits of Aspergillus fischeri, a close relative of the major human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus

This study compares Aspergillus fischeri and Aspergillus fumigatus to understand differences in pathogenicity, finding A. fischeri is less virulent, grows slower under stress, and has divergent secondary metabolism.