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Pseudogymnoascus destructans Transcriptional Response to Chronic Copper Stress
Saika Anne1,2, Maranda R McDonald2, Yuan Lu3
1Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
Abstract:
Copper (Cu) is an essential metal micronutrient, and a fungal pathogen's ability to thrive in diverse niches across a broad range of bioavailable copper levels is vital for host colonization and fungal propagation. Recent transcriptomic studies have implied that trace metal acquisition is important for the propagation of the white nose syndrome (WNS) causing fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, on bat hosts. This report characterizes the P. destructans transcriptional response to Cu-withholding and Cu-overload stress. We identify 583 differently expressed genes (DEGs) that respond to Cu-withholding stress and 667 DEGs that respond to Cu-overload stress. We find that the P. destructans Cu-transporter genes CTR1a and CTR1b, as well as two homologs to Cryptococcus neoformans Cbi1/BIM1 VC83_03095 (BLP2) and VC83_07867 (BLP3), are highly regulated by Cu-withholding stress. We identify a cluster of genes, VC83_01834 - VC83_01838, that are regulated by copper bioavailability, which we identify as the Cu-Responsive gene Cluster (CRC). We find that chronic exposure to elevated copper levels leads to an increase in genes associated with DNA repair and DNA replication fidelity. A comparison of our transcriptomic datasets with P. destructans at WNS fungal infection sites reveals several putative fungal virulence factors that respond to environmental copper stress.
Insights
This study reveals how the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which causes white-nose syndrome (WNS), responds to varying copper levels. Copper stress impacts gene expression, potentially affecting fungal virulence and survival in bats.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for fungal growth and survival.
- The white-nose syndrome (WNS) fungus, Pseudogymnopecans destructans, requires trace metal acquisition for propagation in bats.
- Understanding fungal responses to environmental copper is crucial for managing WNS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the transcriptional response of P. destructans to copper-withholding and copper-overload stress.
- To identify genes and pathways regulated by copper bioavailability in P. destructans.
- To explore potential links between copper stress response and fungal virulence.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptomic analysis of P. destructans under varying copper conditions.
- Identification and characterization of differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
- Comparison of gene expression data with fungal samples from WNS infection sites.
Main Results:
- 583 DEGs identified under copper-withholding stress; 667 DEGs under copper-overload stress.
- Key copper transporter genes (CTR1a, CTR1b) and BLP2/BLP3 homologs regulated by copper-withholding.
- A novel copper-responsive gene cluster (CRC) identified.
- Elevated copper induces DNA repair and replication genes.
- Several putative virulence factors responding to copper stress identified.
Conclusions:
- P. destructans exhibits significant transcriptional changes in response to copper availability.
- Copper homeostasis mechanisms are critical for P. destructans survival and potential virulence.
- Environmental copper levels may influence WNS pathogenesis.
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