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Characterization of mitogenomes from four Mucorales species and insights into pathogenicity

Guanzhao Liang1,2,3, Meijie Zhang1,2,3, Wenqi Xu1,2,3

  • 1Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.

Mycoses
|September 27, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study links Mucorales fungal pathogenicity to mitochondrial genome features. Differences in mitogenomes correlate with varying virulence, offering insights into fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Genomics
  • Pathogen Biology

Background:

  • Mucorales fungi can cause severe human infections.
  • Mitochondria are crucial for fungal energy metabolism and pathogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between mitogenomic features and pathogenicity in four Mucorales species.
  • To compare the mitogenomes of *Mucor irregularis*, *Mucor hiemalis*, *Lichtheimia corymbifera*, and *Rhizopus arrhizus*.

Main Methods:

  • Virulence was assessed using *Galleria mellonella* larvae models and clinical data.
  • Mitogenomes were sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq and analyzed for gene content, arrangement, and variations.
  • Mitochondrial gene copy numbers were quantified using RT-qPCR.

Main Results:

  • Pathogenicity varied among the four Mucorales species, correlating with mitochondrial gene copy numbers.
  • Complete mitogenomes were obtained, revealing significant differences in length and gene organization.
  • *M. irregularis* and *M. hiemalis* showed greater mitogenomic similarity than *L. corymbifera* and *R. arrhizus*.
  • GC content appeared related to fungal thermal adaptability.

Conclusions:

  • Mitogenomic characteristics are associated with the clinical pathogenicity of Mucorales species.
  • Understanding these variations can inform strategies against Mucorales infections.
  • Further research into mitochondrial genome structure and transcriptional regulation is warranted.
Keywords:
Lichtheimia corymbiferaMucor hiemalisMucor irregularisRhizopus arrhizusmitochondrial genomepathogenicity

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