Comparative analysis of whole genomes and transcriptomes of

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Genomics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Microsporum canis is a zoophilic dermatophyte causing superficial and invasive infections.
• Understanding the genomic basis of M. canis virulence is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the genomes and transcriptomes of invasive and noninvasive Microsporum canis strains.
• To investigate the genetic factors contributing to M. canis invasiveness and antifungal resistance.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis.
• Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) and gene expression profiling.
• Antifungal susceptibility testing.

Main Results:

• Invasive M. canis strains exhibited significant genomic rearrangements (translocations, inversions) and variations (SNPs, Indels) compared to noninvasive strains.
• Invasive strains showed enrichment in pathways related to membrane components, iron/heme binding, DNA replication, and ribosome biogenesis.
• Invasive strains displayed slightly reduced susceptibility to multiple antifungal agents, potentially indicating acquired drug resistance.

Conclusions:

• Genomic alterations in M. canis strains correlate with invasiveness and may contribute to refractory infections.
• Enriched gene pathways in invasive strains likely facilitate deeper tissue invasion.
• Acquired antifungal drug resistance could be a factor in treatment failures for disseminated M. canis infections.