Comparative genomics and the evolution of pathogenicity in human pathogenic fungi.
Moran, Gary P Coleman, David C Sullivan, Derek J
Moran, Gary P
Coleman, David C
Sullivan, Derek J
Advisors
Editors
Other Contributors
Date
2011-01
Date Submitted
Keywords
Other Subjects
Subject Mesh
Aspergillus
Candida
Coccidioides
Cryptococcus
Evolution, Molecular
Fungi
Genome-Wide Association Study
Humans
Virulence Factors
Candida
Coccidioides
Cryptococcus
Evolution, Molecular
Fungi
Genome-Wide Association Study
Humans
Virulence Factors
Planned Date
Start Date
Collaborators
Principal Investigators
Alternative Titles
Publisher
Abstract
Because most fungi have evolved to be free-living in the environment and because the infections they cause are usually opportunistic in nature, it is often difficult to identify specific traits that contribute to fungal pathogenesis. In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of sequenced genomes of human fungal pathogens, and comparison of these sequences has proved to be an excellent resource for exploring commonalities and differences in how these species interact with their hosts. In order to survive in the human body, fungi must be able to adapt to new nutrient sources and environmental stresses. Therefore, genes involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and transport and genes encoding secondary metabolites tend to be overrepresented in pathogenic species (e.g., Aspergillus fumigatus). However, it is clear that human commensal yeast species such as Candida albicans have also evolved a range of specific factors that facilitate direct interaction with host tissues. The evolution of virulence across the human pathogenic fungi has occurred largely through very similar mechanisms. One of the most important mechanisms is gene duplication and the expansion of gene families, particularly in subtelomeric regions. Unlike the case for prokaryotic pathogens, horizontal transfer of genes between species and other genera does not seem to have played a significant role in the evolution of fungal virulence. New sequencing technologies promise the prospect of even greater numbers of genome sequences, facilitating the sequencing of multiple genomes and transcriptomes within individual species, and will undoubtedly contribute to a deeper insight into fungal pathogenesis.
Language
en
ISSN
1535-9786
eISSN
ISBN
DOI
10.1128/EC.00242-10
PMID
21076011