GSE158481
Differentially expressed genes in absence of histone H3K4 methyltransferase Set1 in Candida albicans
Candida albicans is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen. It exists as a member of human normal flora but can cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. Transition to pathogenic C. albicans requires a change in gene expression of various genes. As the histone-modifying enzymes can regulate gene expression, they can be considered as a factor controlling the virulence of C. albicans. Among them, it has been reported that the absence of H3K4 methyltransferase Set1 reduces the virulence of C. albicans. However, Set1-regulated genes responsible for this attenuated virulence phenotype are unknown. Here, we identified that the Set1 positively regulates the expression of mitochondrial protein genes and oxidative stress response-related genes through the methylation of H3K4. Levels of cellular mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ?set1 are also higher than those in the wild-type. Furthermore, Set1 deletion increases sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Set1 deleted mutant also does not form its colony properly when it interacts with macrophage in vitro, in agreement with its attenuated virulence in vivo. Therefore, Set1 is required to inhibit cellular ROS production by positive regulation of mitochondrial protein genes and oxidative stress response-related genes expression, and consequently, the Set1-mediated gene expression assists C. albicans in defending against ROS generated from the host more rapidly. Overall design: mRNA profiles of wild-type and ?set1 were generated by deep sequencing, in duplicate, by Illumina HiSeq 2500