Aspergillus fumigatus FhdA Transcription Factor Is Important for Mitochondrial Activity and Codon Usage Regulation during the Caspofungin Paradoxical Effect

Author(s)

Colabardini, Ana Cristina ; Van Rhijn, Norman ; LaBella, Abigail L. ; Valero, Clara ; Dineen, Lauren ; Rokas, Antonis ; Goldman, Gustavo H.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy; v. 66, n. 9, p. 4-pg., 2022-08-02.

Abstract

Aspergillus fumigatus is the main etiological agent of aspergillosis. The antifungal drug caspofungin (CSP) can be used against A. fumigatus, and CSP tolerance is observed. We have previously shown that the transcription factor FhdA is important for mitochondrial activity. Here, we show that FhdA regulates genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II and III. FhdA influences the expression of tRNAs that are important for mitochondrial function upon CSP. Our results show a completely novel mechanism that is impacted by CSP. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/00715-3 - Molecular characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus transcription factors involved in calcium metabolism.
• Grantee: Clara Isabel Valero Fernández
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/07536-4 - Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Paradoxal Growth Induced by Caspofungin in Aspergillus fumigatus
• Grantee: Ana Cristina Colabardini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/07870-9 - The influence of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) on the expression of genetic determinants important for Aspergillus fumigatus virulence
• Grantee: Gustavo Henrique Goldman
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants