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Published on: June 19, 2013
Pathogenicity is associated with population structure in a fungal pathogen of humans
E Anne Hatmaker1,2, Amelia E Barber3, Milton T Drott4
1Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
Abstract:
Aspergillus flavus is a clinically and agriculturally important saprotrophic fungus responsible for severe human infections and extensive crop losses. We analyzed genomic data from 250 (95 clinical and 155 environmental) A. flavus isolates from 9 countries, including 70 newly sequenced clinical isolates, to examine population and pan-genome structure and their relationship to pathogenicity. We identified five A. flavus populations, including a new population, D, corresponding to distinct clades in the genome-wide phylogeny. Strikingly, > 75% of clinical isolates were from population D. Accessory genes, including genes within biosynthetic gene clusters, were significantly more common in some populations but rare in others. Population D was enriched for genes associated with zinc ion binding, lipid metabolism, and certain types of hydrolase activity. In contrast to the major human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus pathogenicity in humans is strongly associated with population structure, making it a great system for investigating how population-specific genes contribute to pathogenicity.
Insights
Aspergillus flavus, a fungus causing human infections and crop loss, shows distinct genetic populations. Clinical infections are strongly linked to a specific population (D), highlighting population structure
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Genomics
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Aspergillus flavus is a significant fungal pathogen affecting both human health and agriculture.
- Understanding the genetic basis of A. flavus pathogenicity is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the population structure and pan-genome of Aspergillus flavus.
- To determine the relationship between population genetics and pathogenicity in A. flavus.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis of 250 A. flavus isolates (95 clinical, 155 environmental) from 9 countries.
- Sequencing of 70 new clinical isolates.
- Phylogenomic analysis to identify distinct populations and assess gene content variation.
Main Results:
- Identification of five distinct A. flavus populations, including a novel population D.
- >75% of clinical isolates belonged to population D.
- Population D showed enrichment for genes involved in zinc ion binding, lipid metabolism, and hydrolase activity, and a higher prevalence of accessory genes.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus flavus pathogenicity in humans is strongly associated with its population structure.
- Population-specific genetic factors, particularly in population D, likely contribute to A. flavus virulence.
- A. flavus serves as a valuable model for studying the role of population-specific genes in fungal pathogenicity.
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