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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Importance of adhesins in virulence of Paracoccidioides spp.

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Author(s):
de Oliveira, Haroldo C. [1] ; da Silva, Julhiany de Fatima [1] ; Scorzoni, Liliana [1] ; Marcos, Caroline M. [1] ; Rossi, Sueen A. [1] ; de Paula e Silva, Ana C. A. [1] ; Assato, Patricia A. [1] ; da Silva, Rosangela A. M. [1] ; Fusco-Almeida, Ana M. [1] ; Mendes-Giannini, Maria J. S. [1]
Total Authors: 10
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, Lab Micol Clin, Dept Anal Clin, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut, Araraquara - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY; v. 6, APR 10 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 20
Abstract

Members of the Paracoccidioides genus are the etiologic agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). This genus is composed of two species: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii. The correct molecular taxonomic classification of these fungi has created new opportunities for studying and understanding their relationships with their hosts. Paracoccidioides spp. have features that permit their growth under adverse conditions, enable them to adhere to and invade host tissues and may contribute to disease development. Cell wall proteins called adhesins facilitate adhesion and are capable of mediating fungi-host interactions during infection. This study aimed to evaluate the adhesion profile of two species of the genus Paracoccidioides, to analyze the expression of adhesin-encoding genes by real-time PCR and to relate these results to the virulence of the species, as assessed using a survival curve in mice and in Galleria mellonella after blocking the adhesins. A high level of heterogeneity was observed in adhesion and adhesin expression, showing that the 14-3-3 and enolase molecules are the most highly expressed adhesins during pathogen-host interaction. Additionally, a survival curve revealed a correlation between the adhesion rate and survival, with P. brasiliensis showing higher adhesion and adhesin expression levels and greater virulence when compared with P. lutzii. After blocking 14-3-3 and enolase adhesins, we observed modifications in the virulence of these two species, revealing the importance of these molecules during the pathogenesis of members of the Paracoccidioides genus. These results revealed new insights into the host-pathogen interaction of this genus and may enhance our understanding of different isolates that could be useful for the treatment of this mycosis. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/18038-9 - Characterization and functional analysis of the gene for 14-3-3 protein involved in the process of adhesion of Paracoccidioides sp. complex and identification of potential targets in the treatment of paracoccidioidomycosis
Grantee:Maria José Soares Mendes Giannini
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants