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Phylogenomic analyses reveal the diversity of laccase-coding genes in Fonsecaea genomes

Leandro Ferreira Moreno1,2,3, Peiying Feng1,4, Vinicius Almir Weiss3

  • 1CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Plos One
|February 11, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study identifies and characterizes laccase genes in Fonsecaea fungi, crucial for melanin production and pathogenicity. Understanding these black yeast genes offers insights into fungal virulence factors.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Fonsecaea are black yeast-like fungi causing serious human infections like chromoblastomycosis.
  • Melanin and assimilation of aromatic hydrocarbons are proposed virulence factors in Fonsecaea.
  • Laccases, a type of multicopper oxidase, are essential for fungal melanin production and extremotolerance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize laccase-coding genes in Fonsecaea species.
  • To determine the genomic location of these laccase genes.
  • To gain insights into carbon acquisition and melanin production in Fonsecaea.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis to identify laccase genes.
  • Genomic location determination using bioinformatics tools.
  • Comparative analysis across five Fonsecaea species.

Main Results:

  • Identification of multiple laccase genes within the Fonsecaea genus.
  • Characterization of these genes, including their potential functions.
  • Determination of their distribution across different Fonsecaea species.

Conclusions:

  • Fonsecaea species possess a diverse set of laccase genes.
  • These genes are likely involved in melanin biosynthesis and adaptation.
  • Further research into Fonsecaea laccases can illuminate fungal pathogenicity mechanisms.

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