Background The escalating threat of antifungal resistance stemming from Trichosporon asahii (T. asahii) biofilms necessitates the pursuit of innovative therapeutic strategies. Among these approaches, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT), an emerging therapeutic modality, has exhibited promising potential in eradicating T. asahii biofilms. Methods The inhibitory activity was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. To delve deeper into the efficacy of ALA-PDT in eliminating T. asahii biofilms, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptional analysis utilizing transcriptome sequencing. Results ALA-PDT demonstrated a profound inhibitory effect on the viability of T. asahii biofilms. Our investigation unveiled 2720 differentially expressed genes following exposure to ALA-PDT. Subsequent meticulous scrutiny allowed for the annotation of genes with a ≥ twofold change in transcription, focusing on Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Particularly noteworthy were the upregulated genes associated with oxidation–reduction processes, oxidoreductase activity, and catalytic activity. Conversely, the downregulated genes were linked to ATP binding, protein phosphorylation, and protein kinase activity. Additionally, we observed a surge in the transcription of genes that may be involved in oxidative stress (e.g., A1Q1_05494) as well as genes that may be involved in morphogenesis and biofilm formation (e.g., A1Q1_04029, A1Q1_01345, A1Q1_08069, and A1Q1_01456) following ALA-PDT treatment. Conclusions Our findings underscore the substantial impact of ALA-PDT on the transcriptional regulation of genes related to oxidative stress, morphogenesis, and biofilm formation, paving the way for novel therapeutic avenues in combating T. asahii biofilms.

Rosa rugosa is an important aromatic plant and produces flowers that are used in medicine, food, plant essential oils, hydrosols, and other aromatic products. 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) is the main effective substance in the volatile organic compounds of rose fragrance, and its synthesis mechanism in R. rugosa needs to be investigated. We herein present a haplotype-resolved genome of R. rugosa cv. Hanxiang (HX). Pathways mediating the synthesis of scent-related metabolites were deciphered in depth. Allelic imbalances reveal the distinct roles of different haplotyping in shaping the key trait including fragrance during the flower development stages. We deciphered the population structure and genetic composition of rose. Selected and mutated genes in groups of separated aromas including but not limited to one rate-limiting enzymes, primary amine oxidases, is responsible for the high level of 2-PE biosynthesis in R. rugosa , which could provide new genetic resources for enhancing aroma in other species.