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FSH1 regulates the phenotype and pathogenicity of the pathogenic dermatophyte Microsporum canis
Furong Zhang1, Can Tan1, Yu Xu2
1Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Chengdu, Sichuan 11736, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Microsporum canis (M. canis) is a common pathogen that causes tinea capitis and is present worldwide. The incidence of M. canis infection, particularly tinea capitis, has been increasing in China. In our previous studies, family of serine hydrolases 1 (FSH1) was identified as a potential virulence factor in tinea capitis infection caused by M. canis. To determine the function of this gene in M. canis, FSH1 was knocked down using double‑stranded RNA interference mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR analysis was used to confirm gene knockdown. Loss of FSH1 expression by RNAi resulted in a minor phenotype alteration, but M. canis pathogenicity in guinea pig cutaneous infection was decreased compared with the wild‑type strain. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate that FSH1 is associated with macroconidia septa formation and is an important contributor to M. canis virulence. These findings may advance the understanding of the function of the FSH1 gene and provide a foundation for future studies on macroconidia septa formation and pathogenicity of M. canis.
Insights
Family of serine hydrolases 1 (FSH1) is crucial for Microsporum canis virulence and macroconidia septa formation. Knocking down FSH1 reduced M. canis pathogenicity in guinea pig infections, highlighting its role in fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Medical Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Microsporum canis (M. canis) is a globally prevalent pathogen causing tinea capitis, with rising incidence in China.
- Previous research identified the family of serine hydrolases 1 (FSH1) as a potential virulence factor in M. canis infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the functional role of the FSH1 gene in M. canis.
- To investigate the association of FSH1 with macroconidia septa formation and M. canis pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Gene knockdown of FSH1 in M. canis using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated double-stranded RNA interference.
- Confirmation of gene knockdown via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).
- Assessment of M. canis pathogenicity through guinea pig cutaneous infection models.
Main Results:
- RNA interference-mediated knockdown of FSH1 resulted in minimal phenotypic alterations in M. canis.
- Reduced M. canis pathogenicity was observed in guinea pig models following FSH1 knockdown compared to wild-type strains.
- FSH1 was identified as being associated with macroconidia septa formation in M. canis.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates that FSH1 is a significant contributor to M. canis virulence.
- FSH1 plays a role in the formation of macroconidia septa.
- These findings provide a foundation for understanding FSH1's function and M. canis pathogenicity.
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