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Genes encoding antigenic surface glycoproteins in Pneumocystis from humans
S L Stringer1, T Garbe, S M Sunkin
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Ohio 45267.
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Researchers isolated and sequenced two gpA/MSG genes from human Pneumocystis, finding they differ from those in other mammals. This microbe causes AIDS-associated pneumonia in humans.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pneumocystis is a eukaryotic microbe responsible for pneumocystosis, a significant pneumonia in AIDS patients.
- Pneumocystis research often uses animal models, as the microbe affects various mammalian species.
- A large surface glycoprotein (gpA/MSG) is present in Pneumocystis across different hosts, with potential cross-reactivity of antibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and partially sequence presumptive gpA/MSG genes from human-derived Pneumocystis.
- To compare these human gpA/MSG genes and their predicted peptides with those from other host species.
- To investigate the genomic organization of gpA/MSG-related sequences in human-derived Pneumocystis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of gene sequences from human-derived Pneumocystis.
- Partial gene sequencing of the identified gpA/MSG candidates.
- Bioinformatic analysis and comparison of human gpA/MSG sequences with existing data from rat and ferret Pneumocystis.
- Genomic analysis to determine the copy number of related sequences.
Main Results:
- Two presumptive gpA/MSG genes were successfully isolated and partially sequenced from human-derived Pneumocystis.
- The human-derived gpA/MSG genes and their predicted peptide sequences showed distinct differences compared to those previously reported from rat and ferret Pneumocystis.
- The genome of human-derived Pneumocystis was found to contain multiple copies of sequences related to the two cloned gpA/MSG genes.
Conclusions:
- The study provides the first partial sequence of gpA/MSG genes from human-derived Pneumocystis.
- Significant genetic divergence exists in the gpA/MSG gene between human and animal Pneumocystis isolates.
- The polyploid nature of the human Pneumocystis genome regarding gpA/MSG genes warrants further investigation.