Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) adapts to its environment by adapting its phenotype or gene expression; selectively upregulating genes to produce more proteins that promotes Pd growth within that environment. Thus Pd's production of proteins varies depending on its surroundings or environment. This is done by detection of its environment, followed by a signaling pathway to selectively upregulate genes encoding proteins that promote Pd growth depending on the environment Pd is in. The author suggests that a potential target for therapeutics for white nose syndrome is the signaling pathway that Pd utilizes to initiate upregulation of these genes thus, if blocked, potentially becoming less virulent in bats.

Among the proteins produced by Pd invading the bat skin are proteins that help evade the bat's immune response [Glucan endo-1, 3-β glucosidase (VC83_07327) and Mannan endo-1, 6-α mannosidase (VC83_07145)]. This mechanism may potentially avoid inflammation as a side effect in the design of therapeutics such as microneedle patches with attenuated medicinal fungi with microfluidics that allow the fungi metabolite to be dosed into the patient. The genes of these proteins along with the signaling pathway that upregulates its gene expression must be genetically engineered into attenuated medicinal fungi. The operating condition of the fungi within the patch will depend upon the particular medicinal fungi utilized. This innovation is an attempt to utilize the Pd's evolved adaptation to environmental conditions like the extracellular matrix in mammals.