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Sequencing the Aspergillus fumigatus genome
David W Denning1, Michael J Anderson, Geoffrey Turner
1School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. ddenning@man.ac.uk
Abstract:
Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common mould pathogen of human beings and unusually causes both invasive disease in immunocompromised patients and allergic disease in patients with atopic immune systems. 4% of patients dying in modern European teaching hospitals have invasive aspergillosis and it is the leading infectious cause of death in leukaemia and bone marrow transplant patients. Until 2001, only two licensed antifungal drugs were available to treat aspergillosis-amphotericin B and itraconazole. Its 28-30Mb genome is being sequenced in an international collaboration, with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (UK) and The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR, USA) as the two main centres. A whole-genome shotgun approach was adopted and initiated in 2001 with an expected completion date in 2003. The complete sequence will permit identification of pathways specific to pathogenic Aspergillus species, help identify new targets for antifungal drugs, and enable investigations into the basic biology of fungi. Numerous secondary metabolic pathways with biotechnological applications and pharmacological properties are found in the Aspergilli and the genome sequence will facilitate research in this area.
Insights
The sequencing of the Aspergillus fumigatus genome aids in understanding fungal pathogens and developing new antifungal drugs. This research is crucial for treating invasive aspergillosis, a deadly infection in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Genomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aspergillus fumigatus is a common fungal pathogen causing invasive and allergic diseases.
- Invasive aspergillosis is a leading cause of death in immunocompromised patients, with limited treatment options.
- The genome sequencing of A. fumigatus was initiated in 2001.
Purpose of the Study:
- To facilitate the identification of pathogenic pathways specific to Aspergillus species.
- To aid in the discovery of novel targets for antifungal drug development.
- To enable research into the fundamental biology of fungi.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome shotgun sequencing approach.
- International collaborative effort involving major research institutions.
- Expected completion of the 28-30Mb genome sequence in 2003.
Main Results:
- The complete genome sequence provides a foundation for identifying species-specific pathways.
- Potential for discovering new antifungal drug targets.
- Facilitates research into fungal secondary metabolites with biotechnological and pharmacological applications.
Conclusions:
- The A. fumigatus genome sequence is a vital resource for advancing our understanding of fungal pathogenesis.
- It promises to accelerate the development of new therapies for aspergillosis.
- Opens avenues for exploring the biotechnological potential of Aspergillus species.