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Virulence Traits and Population Genomics of the Black Yeast Aureobasidium melanogenum

Anja Černoša1, Xiaohuan Sun2, Cene Gostinčar1,3

  • 1Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals significant variability in the opportunistic pathogen Aureobasidium melanogenum, including its ability to grow at human body temperature and assimilate hydrocarbons. Genomic analysis suggests some strains may have higher virulence potential.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Fungal Pathogenesis
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Aureobasidium melanogenum is an opportunistic human pathogen commonly found indoors.
  • Key traits linked to its pathogenicity have not been systematically investigated.
  • Understanding these traits is crucial for managing health risks and biotechnological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically evaluate phenotypic traits of A. melanogenum relevant to pathogenesis.
  • To investigate the genetic basis of these traits through whole-genome sequencing.
  • To explore the population structure and evolutionary dynamics of A. melanogenum.

Main Methods:

  • Phenotypic characterization of 49 A. melanogenum strains for growth at 37°C, siderophore production, hemolytic activity, and assimilation of hydrocarbons and neurotransmitters.
  • Whole-genome sequencing of all 49 strains.
  • Population genomic analyses to infer population structure and mating system.

Main Results:

  • All strains except one grew at 37°C; all produced siderophores and exhibited hemolytic activity.
  • Significant inter-strain variability was observed in hydrocarbon and neurotransmitter assimilation, with novel findings on aromatic hydrocarbon assimilation in Dothideales.
  • Genomic analysis identified genes related to siderophore production and hemolysis, revealing a clonal population structure with a high prevalence of diploidy and heterozygosity.

Conclusions:

  • A. melanogenum exhibits considerable phenotypic diversity, impacting its pathogenic potential.
  • The study provides genomic insights into virulence factors and population structure, aiding in taxonomic clarification.
  • Findings contribute to understanding the medical risks and biotechnological potential of Aureobasidium species.
Keywords:
Aureobasidium melanogenumdiploidyhemolysishydrocarbonsneurotransmitterspopulation genomicssiderophoresvirulence

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