Riboflavin and pantothenic acid biosynthesis are crucial for iron homeostasis and virulence in the pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent airborne fungal pathogen, causing invasive fungal infections mainly in immunosuppressed individuals. Death rates from invasive aspergillosis remain high because of limited treatment options and increasing antifungal resistance. The aim of this study was to identify key fungal-specific genes participating in vitamin B biosynthesis in A. fumigatus. Because these genes are absent in humans they can serve as possible novel targets for antifungal drug development.

Methods

By sequence homology we identified, deleted and analysed four key A. fumigatus genes (riboB, panA, pyroA, thiB) involved respectively in the biosynthesis of riboflavin (vitamin B2), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and thiamine (vitamin

SUBMITTER: Dietl AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6068542 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature