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RNAi-Based Functional Genomics Identifies New Virulence Determinants in Mucormycosis
Trung Anh Trieu1, María Isabel Navarro-Mendoza1, Carlos Pérez-Arques1
1Departmento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Spain.
Plos Pathogens
|January 21, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a new RNAi platform to study fungal pathogens like Mucor circinelloides. This tool identified two key genes, mcplD and mcmyo5, crucial for the fungus
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Mucorales are emerging fungal pathogens causing lethal mucormycosis.
- Limited genetic tractability hinders functional studies of Mucorales virulence factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an RNAi-based functional genomic platform for Mucorales.
- To identify novel virulence factors in Mucor circinelloides using a forward genetic approach.
Main Methods:
- Developed a whole-genome RNAi library for Mucor circinelloides.
- Screened transformants for altered phenotypes, including reduced virulence.
- Identified and characterized mcplD and mcmyo5 genes.
Main Results:
- The RNAi platform generated diverse fungal phenotypes.
- mcplD (Phospholipase D) and mcmyo5 (Myosin V) were identified as essential for M. circinelloides virulence.
- Knock-out mutants exhibited reduced virulence in Galleria mellonella and Mus musculus models.
Conclusions:
- The RNAi platform is a robust tool for studying Mucorales virulence.
- mcplD and mcmyo5 are novel virulence determinants in M. circinelloides.
- These genes represent potential targets for antifungal therapies.
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