In this project, the growth of fungal hyphae is modeled. As a parameterized approach, different hyphal structures can be learned, simulated and reproduced for further analysis or applications. The algorithm is implemented as a recursive approach, which allows to potentially grow a new hyphal branch at each depth level. The angle of curvature, frequency of new branching, and piercing (in the alveolus) is also parameterized, making it highly adaptable for different scenarios. Interactions with immune cells (alveolar macrophages) is realized according to the set of rules within the agent-based modeling.
Hyphal growth simulation
Publications
The spatial organization of sphingofungin biosynthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus and its cross-interaction with sphingolipid metabolism.
Jojić K*, Gherlone F*, Cseresnyés Z, Bissell AU, Hoefgen S, Hoffmann S, Huang Y, Janevska S, Figge MT, Valiante V
Sphingofungins are sphinganine analog mycotoxins acting as inhibitors of serine palmitoyl transferases, enzymes responsible for the first step in the sphingolipid biosynthesis. Eukaryotic cells are highly organized with various structures and organelles to facilitate cellular processes and chemical reactions, including the ones occurring as part of the secondary metabolism. We studied how sphingofungin biosynthesis is […]
The global RNA–RNA interactome of Klebsiella pneumoniae unveils a small RNA regulator of cell division.
Ruhland E, Siemers M*, Gerst R*, Späth F, Vogt LN, Figge MT, Papenfort K, Fröhlich KS#
The ubiquitous RNA chaperone Hfq is involved in the regulation of key biological processes in many species across the bacterial kingdom. In the opportunistic human pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae, deletion of the hfq gene affects the global transcriptome, virulence, and stress resistance; however, the ligands of the major RNA-binding protein in this species have remained elusive. […]
Nanobody-mediated neutralization of candidalysin prevents epithelial damage and inflammatory responses that drive vulvovaginal candidiasis pathogenesis.
Valentine M*, Rudolph P*, Dietschmann A, Tsavou A, Mogavero S, Lee S, Priest EL, Zhurgenbayeva G, Jablonowski N, Timme S, Eggeling C, Allert S, Dolk E, Naglik JR, Figge MT, Gresnigt MS*#, Hube B*#
Candida albicans can cause mucosal infections in humans. This includes oropharyngeal candidiasis, which is commonly observed in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients, and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is the most frequent manifestation of candidiasis. Epithelial cell invasion by C. albicans hyphae is accompanied by the secretion of candidalysin, a peptide toxin that causes epithelial cell […]