A histidine kinase PmHHK1 regulates polar growth, sporulation and cell wall composition in the dimorphic fungus Penicillium marneffei

作者：Wang Feng; Tao Juhong; Qian Zhen; You Song; Dong Hui; Shen Huan; Chen Xiaoxun; Tang Shengrong; Ren Shuangxi^*

来源：Mycological Research, 2009, 113(9): 915-923.

DOI：10.1016/j.mycres.2009.03.006

• Cell wall
• Drug target
• Histidine kinase
• Polar growth
• Promoter
• RNA interference
• Sporulation

Penicillium marneffei is an important opportunistic dimorphic fungal pathogen that can cause fatal systemic mycosis in AIDS patients. To find new ways of overcoming infection, candidate virulence associated genes and virulence mechanisms are under intensive investigation. in the present study, we have examined the function of a novel P. marneffei histidine kinase gene (PmHHK1) using dsRNAi mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Our results showed that reduction of PmHHK1 expression produces significant changes in morphogenesis (including polarized growth), sporulation and cell wall composition. Two-component signaling systems are widespread in the eukaryotes outside the animal kingdom, and could be potential drug targets for antifungal chemotherapy.

• 出版日期2009-9
• 单位上海人类基因组研究中心; 沈阳药科大学