Comparative gene expression analysis in closely related dermatophytes reveals secondary metabolism as a candidate driver of virulence.

ABSTRACT: Dermatophytes are important fungal skin pathogens affecting humans and animals worldwide. Although several virulence factors have been identified using genomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic approaches, their roles remain incompletely understood. In this study, we applied a comparative approach using four closely related taxa within the Trichophyton benhamiae complex, which differ in infectivity despite sharing common hosts. We focused on the emerging zoonotic pathogen T.benhamiae var. luteum, currently responsible for epidemic outbreaks in Europe, and compared it to its less infective relatives. A set of 16 candidate genes, informed by preliminary transcriptomic screening, was assessed via RT-qPCR across 12 strains grown in vitro (Sabouraud dextrose broth) and

SUBMITTER: Machova L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12584700 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature