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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.)

Expression of genes containing tandem repeat patterns involved in the fungal-host interaction and in the response to antifungals in Trichophyton rubrum

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Author(s):
de Abreu, Mariana Heinzen [1] ; Bitencourt, Tamires Aparecida [2] ; Franco, Matheus Eloy [3] ; Moreli, Igor Sawasaki [1] ; Michelotto Cantelli, Bruna Aline [1] ; Komoto, Tatiana Takahasi [1] ; Marins, Mozart [1] ; Fachin, Ana Lucia [1]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Ribeirao Preto, Unidade Biotecnol, Av Costabile Romano 2201, BR-14096900 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
[2] Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Genet, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil
[3] Inst Fed Sul Minas, Campus Machado, Machado - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: MYCOSES; v. 63, n. 6 APR 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Background Trichophyton rubrum is the most common aetiological agent of human dermatophytoses. These infections mainly occur in keratinised layers such as skin, hair and nails because the fungus uses keratin as a nutrient source. Fluconazole and amphotericin are antifungal agents most commonly used to treat dermatophytoses and acts on cell membrane ergosterol. Despite the clinical importance of T rubrum, the mechanisms underlying the fungal-host relationship have not yet been clarified. Tandem repeats (TRs) are short DNA sequences that are involved in a variety of adaptive functions, including the process of fungal infection. It is known that the larger the number of TRs in the genome, the greater the capacity of cell-cell junction and surface adhesion, especially when these repeats are present in regions encoding cell surface proteins. Objectives To identify in silico T rubrum genes containing TR patterns and to analyse the modulation of these genes in culture medium containing keratin (a model simulating skin infection) and antifungal drugs. Methods The Dermatophyte Tandem Repeats Database (DTRDB) and the FaaPred tool were used to identify four T rubrum genes containing TR patterns. Quantitative real-time (RT) PCR was used to evaluate the gene expression during the growth of T rubrum on keratin and in the presence of fluconazole, amphotericin B and Congo red (acts in the cell wall). Results The expression of these genes was found to be induced in culture medium containing keratin. In addition, these genes were induced in the presence of antifungal agents, especially fluconazole, indicating an adaptive response to the stress caused by this drug. Conclusion The results suggest an important role of genes containing TRs in the fungal-host interaction and in the susceptibility to inhibitory compounds, indicating these sequences as new potential targets for the development of antifungal agents. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/23435-8 - Molecular mechanisms involved in resistance and adaptive response to fungal inhibitors
Grantee:Tamires Aparecida Bitencourt
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 16/22701-9 - Study of the response to antifungal and fungal-host interaction of T.rubrum dermatophyte using different models of infection
Grantee:Ana Lucia Fachin Saltoratto
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 19/10514-8 - Screening of new antifungal molecules and characterization of pathogenicity process of the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum
Grantee:Ana Lucia Fachin Saltoratto
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants