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Two alpha(1-3) glucan synthases with different functions in Aspergillus fumigatus
1Aspergillus Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France. abeauvai@pasteur.fr
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|March 5, 2005
Summary
Alpha(1-3) glucan synthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus involves Ags1p and Ags2p. Disrupting these genes alters cell morphology but does not affect virulence, indicating alpha(1-3) glucan
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Alpha(1-3) glucan is a key component of the Aspergillus fumigatus cell wall.
- The synthesis of this polymer has not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the roles of AGS1 and AGS2 genes in alpha(1-3) glucan synthesis.
- Determine the function and localization of Ags1p and Ags2p.
- Assess the impact of altered alpha(1-3) glucan content on fungal morphology and virulence.
Main Methods:
- Gene disruption of AGS1 and AGS2 in A. fumigatus.
- Analysis of cell wall composition, hyphal morphology, and conidiation.
- Cellular localization studies of Ags1p and Ags2p.
- Development of a mixed infection model for virulence assessment using quantitative PCR.
Main Results:
- Both Deltaags mutants exhibited altered hyphal morphology and reduced conidiation.
- Only the Deltaags1 mutant showed a significant reduction in alpha(1-3) glucan content.
- Ags1p localized to the cell periphery, while Ags2p was intracellular.
- Mutant strains with reduced alpha(1-3) glucan content did not show decreased virulence in the experimental model.
Conclusions:
- Ags1p and Ags2p have distinct functions in A. fumigatus.
- Ags1p is the primary synthase for cell wall alpha(1-3) glucan.
- Reduced alpha(1-3) glucan content does not significantly impact A. fumigatus pathogenicity.
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