The MpkA MAP kinase module regulates cell wall integrity signaling and pyomelanin formation in Aspergillus fumigatus

Fungal Genet Biol. 2009 Dec;46(12):909-18. doi: 10.1016/j.fgb.2009.08.005. Epub 2009 Aug 26.

Abstract

Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important air-borne fungal pathogen, causing severe infections in immunocompromised patients. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of various cellular responses to environmental changes in eukaryotes. Genome Blast analysis revealed that the central core of the cell wall integrity signaling pathway in A. fumigatus is composed of three protein kinases designated Bck1, Mkk2 and MpkA. This pathway is of particular interest because it represents a possible target for new antifungal drugs. Deletion of these genes resulted in severe sensitivity of the mutants against cell wall-disturbing compounds and drastic alterations of the fungal morphology. Western blot analysis demonstrated that Bck1 and Mkk2 directly activate MpkA during vegetative growth and under cell wall stress conditions further confirming that Bck1, Mkk2 and MpkA form a MAP kinase module. Interestingly, this MAP kinase module affects the formation of pyomelanin derived from tyrosine degradation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / drug effects
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / enzymology
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / genetics
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / metabolism*
  • Cell Wall / drug effects
  • Cell Wall / genetics
  • Cell Wall / metabolism*
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Deletion
  • Genetic Complementation Test
  • MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases / genetics
  • MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases / metabolism
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System* / drug effects
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System* / genetics
  • Melanins / biosynthesis*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / genetics
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / metabolism
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction* / genetics

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Melanins
  • pyomelanin
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases