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cAMP signalling in pathogenic fungi: control of dimorphic switching and pathogenicity
M I Borges-Walmsley1, A R Walmsley
1Divn of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Abstract:
Morphological changes in pathogenic fungi often underlie the development of virulence and infection by these organisms. Our knowledge of the components of the cell signalling pathways controlling morphological switching has, to a large extent, come from studies of pseudohyphal growth of the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in which control is exerted via changes in the intracellular cAMP and mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades. There is evidence that pathogenic fungi also utilize these pathways to control dimorphic switching between saprobic and pathogenic forms and, as such, the elements of these pathways have potential as drug targets.
Insights
Pathogenic fungi switch forms to cause infection. Cell signaling pathways, like those in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, control this switch and are potential drug targets for treating fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Mycology
Background:
- Morphological changes in pathogenic fungi are key to virulence and infection.
- Cell signaling pathways, particularly cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, regulate morphological switching.
- Studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have elucidated key components of these pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cell signaling pathways in the dimorphic switching of pathogenic fungi.
- To identify potential drug targets within these conserved signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of signaling pathway components between model yeasts and pathogenic fungi.
- Review of existing literature on fungal morphology and virulence.
Main Results:
- Pathogenic fungi appear to utilize similar cAMP and MAPK signaling pathways as Saccharomyces cerevisiae for morphological control.
- These conserved pathways regulate the transition between saprobic and pathogenic growth forms.
Conclusions:
- The cell signaling pathways controlling fungal morphological switching are conserved across species.
- Elements within these pathways represent promising targets for antifungal drug development.