α1,3 glucans are dispensable in Aspergillus fumigatus

Eukaryot Cell. 2012 Jan;11(1):26-9. doi: 10.1128/EC.05270-11. Epub 2011 Nov 4.

Abstract

A triple α1,3 glucan synthase mutant of Aspergillus fumigatus obtained by successive deletions of the three α1,3 glucan synthase genes (AGS1, AGS2, and AGS3) has a cell wall devoid of α1,3 glucans. The lack of α1,3 glucans affects neither conidial germination nor mycelial vegetative growth and is compensated by an increase in β1,3 glucan and/or chitin content.

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus fumigatus / enzymology
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / genetics
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / physiology*
  • Cell Wall / metabolism
  • Chitin / metabolism
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics*
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Glucans / metabolism*
  • Glucosyltransferases / genetics*
  • Microbial Viability
  • Mycelium / enzymology
  • Mycelium / genetics
  • Mycelium / physiology
  • Phenotype
  • Spores, Fungal / enzymology
  • Spores, Fungal / genetics
  • Spores, Fungal / physiology

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins
  • Glucans
  • Chitin
  • alpha-1,3-glucan
  • 1,4-glucan
  • 1,3-alpha-D-glucan synthase
  • Glucosyltransferases