Akira Watanabe

This study identifies Aspergillus latus, a hybrid species, as a causative agent of aspergillosis in Japan, showing reduced susceptibility to certain antifungals.

The paper develops and validates a LAMP assay to detect the TR46 azole resistance gene in Aspergillus fumigatus, showing it is specific and rapid for identifying resistant isolates.

The paper compares genome and transcriptome data from five Aspergillus species to analyze variations in biosynthetic gene cluster expression, finding that conserved clusters show diverse expression patterns despite genetic conservation.

This study uses genome-wide association analysis to identify genetic loci associated with itraconazole sensitivity in Aspergillus fumigatus clinical isolates, finding two SNPs linked to susceptibility and validating one through CRISPR/Cas-9 knockout.