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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.)

Updates in Paracoccidioides Biology and Genetic Advances in Fungus Manipulation

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Author(s):
Alencar Chaves, Alison Felipe [1] ; Navarro, Marina Valente [1] ; de Barros, Yasmin Nascimento [2] ; Silva, Rafael Souza [1] ; Xander, Patricia [2] ; Batista, Wagner Luiz [1, 2]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, BR-04023062 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Pharmaceut Sci, BR-09913030 Diadema - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Review article
Source: JOURNAL OF FUNGI; v. 7, n. 2 FEB 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

The dimorphic fungi of the Paracoccidioides genus are the causative agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). This disease is endemic in Latin America and primarily affects workers in rural areas. PCM is considered a neglected disease, despite being a disabling disease that has a notable impact on the public health system. Paracoccidioides spp. are thermally dimorphic fungi that present infective mycelia at 25 degrees C and differentiate into pathogenic yeast forms at 37 degrees C. This transition involves a series of morphological, structural, and metabolic changes which are essential for their survival inside hosts. As a pathogen, the fungus is subjected to several varieties of stress conditions, including the host immune response, which involves the production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, thermal stress due to temperature changes during the transition, pH alterations within phagolysosomes, and hypoxia inside granulomas. Over the years, studies focusing on understanding the establishment and development of PCM have been conducted with several limitations due to the low effectiveness of strategies for the genetic manipulation of Paracoccidioides spp. This review describes the most relevant biological features of Paracoccidioides spp., including aspects of the phylogeny, ecology, stress response, infection, and evasion mechanisms of the fungus. We also discuss the genetic aspects and difficulties of fungal manipulation, and, finally, describe the advances in molecular biology that may be employed in molecular research on this fungus in the future. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/04592-0 - Evaluation of S-nitrosylated proteins of the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis after nitrosative stress and identification of potential redox signaling pathways
Grantee:Wagner Luiz Batista
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants