Understanding Aspergillus fumigatus galactosaminogalactan biosynthesis: A few questions remain.

ABSTRACT: Half a century after their discovery, polymers of N-acetylgalactosamine produced by the Aspergilli have garnered new interest as mediators of fungal virulence. Recent work has focused on the Aspergillus fumigatus secreted and cell wall-associated heteropolymer, galactosaminogalactan (GAG). This polymer, composed of galactose (Gal) and partially deacetylated N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), plays a role in a variety of pathogenic processes including biofilm formation, immune modulation and evasion, and resistance to antifungals. Given its many potential contributions to fungal pathogenesis, GAG is a promising therapeutic target for novel antifungal strategies. As such, several studies have sought to elucidate the biosynthetic pathways required for GAG production and secr

SUBMITTER: Le Mauff F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9860509 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature