Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
Measuring Phagocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia by Human Leukocytes using Flow Cytometry
Published on: December 7, 2019
Gene co-expression analysis identifies gene clusters associated with isotropic and polarized growth in Aspergillus
Tim J H Baltussen1, Jordy P M Coolen1, Jan Zoll1
1(a)Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (b)Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic fungus that extensively produces conidia. These microscopic asexually reproductive structures are small enough to reach the lungs. Germination of conidia followed by hyphal growth inside human lungs is a key step in the establishment of infection in immunocompromised patients. RNA-Seq was used to analyze the transcriptome of dormant and germinating A. fumigatus conidia. Construction of a gene co-expression network revealed four gene clusters (modules) correlated with a growth phase (dormant, isotropic growth, polarized growth). Transcripts levels of genes encoding for secondary metabolites were high in dormant conidia. During isotropic growth, transcript levels of genes involved in cell wall modifications increased. Two modules encoding for growth and cell cycle/DNA processing were associated with polarized growth. In addition, the co-expression network was used to identify highly connected intermodular hub genes. These genes may have a pivotal role in the respective module and could therefore be compelling therapeutic targets. Generally, cell wall remodeling is an important process during isotropic and polarized growth, characterized by an increase of transcripts coding for hyphal growth and cell cycle/DNA processing when polarized growth is initiated.
Insights
Aspergillus fumigatus conidia germination involves significant gene expression changes. Identifying key gene modules and hubs offers potential therapeutic targets for fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aspergillus fumigatus produces conidia that can cause lung infections in immunocompromised patients.
- Conidial germination and hyphal growth are critical for establishing infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the transcriptome of dormant and germinating Aspergillus fumigatus conidia.
- To identify gene expression patterns and regulatory networks associated with fungal growth phases.
- To discover potential therapeutic targets for invasive aspergillosis.
Main Methods:
- RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) was employed to profile gene expression.
- A gene co-expression network was constructed to identify modules and hub genes.
- Transcriptome analysis was performed on dormant, isotropic, and polarized growth stages.
Main Results:
- Four gene modules correlated with fungal growth phases (dormant, isotropic, polarized) were identified.
- Genes involved in secondary metabolites were highly expressed in dormant conidia.
- Cell wall modification genes increased during isotropic growth, while growth and cell cycle/DNA processing genes were associated with polarized growth.
- Intermodular hub genes with potential pivotal roles were discovered.
Conclusions:
- Fungal cell wall remodeling is crucial during growth, with distinct gene expression profiles for different growth phases.
- The identified hub genes represent promising targets for developing new antifungal therapies against Aspergillus fumigatus.
More Related Videos
15:01Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung
Published on: September 18, 2021
10:34Using an Automated Cell Counter to Simplify Gene Expression Studies: siRNA Knockdown of IL-4 Dependent Gene Expression in Namalwa Cells
Published on: April 14, 2010
Related Concept Videos
01:42What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
01:36What is Gene Expression?
02:35Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability