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Draft Genome Sequences of Three Airborne Aspergilli Series Versicolores
Antoine Géry1, Virginie Séguin1, Julie Bonhomme2
1Normandie Univ, Unicaen & Unirouen, ToxEMAC-ABTE, Centre F. Baclesse, Caen, France.
Abstract:
The Aspergilli of the section Nidulantes series Versicolores are among the most recurrent molds in indoor environments. These species cause damage to the quality of air. Indeed, they are responsible for allergies, aggravation of asthma and can even cause infections in immunocompromised patients. Molds belonging to the Versicolores series also produce sterigmatocystin, a mycotoxin classified as potential human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (group 2B). Here, we provide for the first time the genome of three species of the series Versicolores: Aspergillus creber, Aspergillus jensenii and Aspergillus protuberus which are the most abundant species of this series in bioaerosols. The genomes of these three species could be assembled with a percentage of completeness of 97.02%, 96.21% and 95.35% for Aspergillus creber, A. jensenii and A. protuberus respectively. These data will allow to study the genes and gene clusters responsible for the expression of virulence factors, the biosynthesis of mycotoxins and the proliferation of these ubiquitous and recurrent molds.
Insights
The genomes of three common indoor molds, Aspergillus creber, A. jensenii, and A. protuberus, were sequenced. This research aids in understanding their potential health risks, including allergies and mycotoxin production.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Mycology
- Genomics
Background:
- The Aspergilli section Nidulantes series Versicolores are prevalent indoor molds impacting air quality.
- These molds are linked to allergies, asthma exacerbation, and infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Versicolores series molds produce sterigmatocystin, a potential human carcinogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first genome sequences for three abundant Versicolores series species: Aspergillus creber, Aspergillus jensenii, and Aspergillus protuberus.
- To enable future research into the genetic basis of virulence factors, mycotoxin biosynthesis, and proliferation of these molds.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing and assembly of Aspergillus creber, Aspergillus jensenii, and Aspergillus protuberus.
Main Results:
- High-quality genome assemblies were achieved with completeness percentages of 97.02% for A. creber, 96.21% for A. jensenii, and 95.35% for A. protuberus.
Conclusions:
- The newly sequenced genomes offer a valuable resource for studying the biological mechanisms underlying the health impacts of these common molds.
- This genomic data will facilitate investigations into virulence, mycotoxin production, and the ecological success of Versicolores molds.
