The malate synthase of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a linked surface protein that behaves as an anchorless adhesin
Carregando...
Data
2009-12
Título da Revista
ISSN da Revista
Título de Volume
Editor
Resumo
Background: The pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the agent of
paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). This is a pulmonary mycosis acquired by inhalation of fungal
airborne propagules that can disseminate to several organs and tissues leading to a severe form of
the disease. Adhesion and invasion to host cells are essential steps involved in the internalization
and dissemination of pathogens. Inside the host, P. brasiliensis may use the glyoxylate cycle for
intracellular survival.
Results: Here, we provide evidence that the malate synthase of P. brasiliensis (PbMLS) is located on
the fungal cell surface, and is secreted. PbMLS was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and polyclonal
antibody was obtained against this protein. By using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, PbMLS
was detected in the cytoplasm and in the cell wall of the mother, but mainly of budding cells of the
P. brasiliensis yeast phase. PbMLSr and its respective polyclonal antibody produced against this
protein inhibited the interaction of P. brasiliensis with in vitro cultured epithelial cells A549.
Conclusion: These observations indicated that cell wall-associated PbMLS could be mediating the
binding of fungal cells to the host, thus contributing to the adhesion of fungus to host tissues and
to the dissemination of infection, behaving as an anchorless adhesin.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Citação
SILVA NETO, Benedito Rodrigues da; SILVA, Julhiany de Fátima da; MENDES-GIANNINI, Maria José Soares; LENZI, Henrique Leonel; SOARES, Célia Maria de Almeida; PEREIRA, Maristela. The malate synthase of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a linked surface protein that behaves as an anchorless adhesin. BMC Microbiology, London, v. 9, p. 272, Dec. 2009.