Phenotypic heterogeneity in genetically clonal populations facilitates cellular adaptation to adverse environmental conditions while enabling a return to the basal physiological state. It also plays a crucial role in pathogenicity and the acquisition of drug resistance in unicellular organisms and cancer cells, yet the exact contributing factors remain elusive. In this review, we outline the current state of understanding concerning the contribution of phenotypic heterogeneity to fungal pathogenesis and antifungal drug resistance.
Keywords: anti fungal drugs; drug resistance; fungal pathogenesis; fungi; medical mycology; phenotypic heterogeneity.
© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of FEMS.