Strain heterogeneity in a non-pathogenic Aspergillus fungus highlights factors associated with virulence

Author(s):Show less -

Rinker, David C. ; Sauters, Thomas J. C. ; Steffen, Karin ; Gumilang, Adiyantara ; Raja, Huzefa A. ; Rangel-Grimaldo, Manuel ; Pinzan, Camila Figueiredo ; de Castro, Patricia Alves ; dos Reis, Thaila Fernanda ; Delbaje, Endrews ; Houbraken, Jos ; Goldman, Gustavo H. ; Oberlies, Nicholas H. ; Rokas, Antonis

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY; v. 7, n. 1, p. 16-pg., 2024-09-04.

Abstract

Fungal pathogens exhibit extensive strain heterogeneity, including variation in virulence. Whether closely related non-pathogenic species also exhibit strain heterogeneity remains unknown. Here, we comprehensively characterized the pathogenic potentials (i.e., the ability to cause morbidity and mortality) of 16 diverse strains of Aspergillus fischeri, a non-pathogenic close relative of the major pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. In vitro immune response assays and in vivo virulence assays using a mouse model of pulmonary aspergillosis showed that A. fischeri strains varied widely in their pathogenic potential. Furthermore, pangenome analyses suggest that A. fischeri genomic and phenotypic diversity is even greater. Genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic profiling identified several pathways and secondary metabolites associated with variation in virulence. Notably, strain virulence was associated with the simultaneous presence of the secondary metabolites hexadehydroastechrome and gliotoxin. We submit that examining the pathogenic potentials of non-pathogenic close relatives is key for understanding the origins of fungal pathogenicity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/00206-0 - Characterization of mitogenomes of Aspergillus fumigatus populations with strains resistant and susceptible to antifungal drugs
• Grantee: Endrews Delbaje
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/04977-5 - The identification of new pathways and compounds that can enhance caspofungin activity against Aspergillus fumigatus
• Grantee: Gustavo Henrique Goldman
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants