Molecular genetic analysis of Blastomyces dermatitidis reveals new insights about pathogenic mechanisms.
Fungal pathogens have emerged as a public health menace owing to the expanding population of vulnerable patients and to a heightened exposure to fungi in our environment, particularly for the systemic dimorphic fungi that inhabit soil worldwide. A better understanding of these microbes and their pathogenic mechanisms is badly needed to further research into therapeutic options. Advances in the molecular tools for genetic manipulation of Blastomyces dermatitidis have enhanced our ability to study this poorly understood dimorphic fungal pathogen. Recent refinements in gene-transfer technique, new selection markers, reliable reporter fusions and successes in gene targeting have shed light upon the importance of the mycelium-to-yeast transition and the crucial and complex role the BAD1 adhesin plays in pathogenesis.
Brandhorst
T Tristan
TT
Departments of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA.
Rooney
Peggy J
PJ
Sullivan
Thomas D
TD
Klein
Bruce
B
D001758:Blastomyces / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015966:Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal / Q000235:genetics; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D025301:Hyphae / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D014774:Virulence / Q000235:genetics; D015003:Yeasts / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development
D005656:Fungal Proteins; D006023:Glycoproteins