The Transcriptome ofExophiala dermatitidisduringEx-vivoSkin Model Infection.
The black yeastExophiala dermatitidisis a widespread polyextremophile and human pathogen, that is found in extreme natural habitats and man-made environments such as dishwashers. It can cause various diseases ranging from phaeohyphomycosis and systemic infections, with fatality rates reaching 40%. While the number of cases in immunocompromised patients are increasing, knowledge of the infections, virulence factors and host response is still scarce. In this study, for the first time, an artificial infection of anex-vivoskin model withExophiala dermatitidiswas monitored microscopically and transcriptomically. Results show thatExophiala dermatitidisis able to actively grow and penetrate the skin. The analysis of the genomic and RNA-sequencing data delivers a rich and complex transcriptome where circular RNAs, fusion transcripts, long non-coding RNAs and antisense transcripts are found. Changes in transcription strongly affect pathways related to nutrients acquisition, energy metabolism, cell wall, morphological switch, and known virulence factors. The L-Tyrosine melanin pathway is specifically upregulated during infection. Moreover the production of secondary metabolites, especially alkaloids, is increased. Our study is the first that gives an insight into the complexity of the transcriptome ofExophiala dermatitidisduring artificial skin infections and reveals new virulence factors.
Department of Biotechnology, VIBT EQ Extremophile Center, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria.
Caroline
C
Poyntner
Department of Biotechnology, VIBT EQ Extremophile Center, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria.
Barbara
B
Blasi
Department for Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Molecular Plant Physiology and Crop Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria.
Elsa
E
Arcalis
Klinikum Bremen-Mitte, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, Center for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, University Bremen Bremen, Germany.
Ursula
U
Mirastschijski
Department of Biotechnology, VIBT EQ Extremophile Center, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria.
Katja
K
Sterflinger
Department of Biotechnology, VIBT EQ Extremophile Center, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria.
Hakim
H
Tafer
D005093:Exophiala / Q000235:genetics*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D060446:Phaeohyphomycosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology
RNA sequencing; black yeast; fungal pathogens; skin infection; skin model; virulence