Histoplasma requires SID1, a member of an iron-regulated siderophore gene cluster, for host colonization.

ABSTRACT: The macrophage is the primary host cell for the fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum during mammalian infections, yet little is known about fungal genes required for intracellular replication in the host. Since the ability to scavenge iron from the host is important for the virulence of most pathogens, we investigated the role of iron acquisition in H. capsulatum pathogenesis. H. capsulatum acquires iron through the action of ferric reductases and the production of siderophores, but the genes responsible for these activities and their role in virulence have not been determined. We identified a discrete set of co-regulated genes whose transcription is induced under low iron conditions. These genes all appeared to be involved in the synthesis, secretion, and utilization of siderophores. Su

SUBMITTER: Hwang LH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2275787 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature