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Characterization of a High-Affinity Copper Transporter in the White-Nose Syndrome Causing Fungal Pathogen
Alyssa D Friudenberg1, Saika Anne2, Ryan L Peterson1,2
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, Texas, United States, 78666.
Abstract:
Copper is an essential micronutrient and the ability to scavenge tightly bound or trace levels of copper ions at the host-pathogen interface is vital for fungal proliferation in animal hosts. Recent studies suggest that trace metal ion acquisition is critical for the establishment and propagation of Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungal pathogen responsible for white-nose syndrome (WNS), on their bat host. However, little is known about these metal acquisition pathways in P. destructans. In this study, we report the characterization of the P. destructans high-affinity copper transporter VC83_00191 (PdCTR1a), which is implicated as a virulence factor associated with the WNS disease state. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a recombinant expression host, we find that PdCTR1a localizes to the cell surface plasma membrane and can efficiently traffic Cu-ions into the yeast cytoplasm. Complementary studies in the native P. destructans fungus provide evidence that PdCTR1a transcripts and protein levels are dictated by Cu-bioavailability in the growth media. Our study demonstrates that PdCTR1a is a functional high-affinity copper transporter and is relevant to Cu-homeostasis pathways in P. destructans.
Insights
This study identifies a high-affinity copper transporter, PdCTR1a, in the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. This transporter is crucial for copper uptake and may be a virulence factor in white-nose syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pathogen Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Copper is essential for fungal growth, particularly at the host-pathogen interface.
- Trace metal acquisition is critical for Pseudogymnoascus destructans (P. destructans), the fungus causing white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats.
- Understanding metal acquisition pathways in P. destructans is vital for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the high-affinity copper transporter PdCTR1a in P. destructans.
- To investigate the role of PdCTR1a as a potential virulence factor in WNS.
- To determine the regulation of PdCTR1a by copper availability.
Main Methods:
- Recombinant expression of PdCTR1a in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Localization studies using yeast as a model system.
- Analysis of PdCTR1a transcript and protein levels in P. destructans under varying copper conditions.
Main Results:
- PdCTR1a was successfully expressed and localized to the plasma membrane in yeast.
- The transporter demonstrated efficient copper ion uptake into yeast cells.
- PdCTR1a expression in P. destructans is regulated by copper bioavailability in the growth medium.
Conclusions:
- PdCTR1a is a functional high-affinity copper transporter in P. destructans.
- This transporter plays a role in copper homeostasis within the fungus.
- PdCTR1a is implicated as a virulence factor associated with the WNS disease state.
