Ribbon Diagram (IMAGE) Duke University Caption This ribbon diagram shows two views of the structure of the enzyme Tps2 as it removes a phosphate from a sugar molecule (yellow, orange and red). The result of this process is a sugar called trehalose which forms a tough coating on pathogenic fungi, enabling them to make the transition from the ambient temperature of the environment to the much hotter temperature inside a human host. Duke researchers hope that by interfering with Tps2's operation, they can prevent pathogens such as Cryptococcus, Candida, and Aspergillus from establishing an infection. Credit Yi Miao, Duke University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.