Comparative gene expression analysis in closely related dermatophytes reveals secondary metabolism as a candidate driver of virulence

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F61388971%3A_____%2F25%3A00641317" target="_blank" >RIV/61388971:_____/25:00641317 - isvavai.cz</a>

Alternative codes found

RIV/00216208:11310/25:10505097

Result on the web

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01383-25" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01383-25</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01383-25" target="_blank" >10.1128/spectrum.01383-25</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Comparative gene expression analysis in closely related dermatophytes reveals secondary metabolism as a candidate driver of virulence

Original language description

Dermatophytes are important fungal skin pathogens affecting humans and animals worldwide. Although several virulence factors have been identified using genomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic approaches, their roles remain incompletely understood. In this study, we applied a comparative approach using four closely related taxa within the Trichophyton benhamiae complex, which differ in infectivity despite sharing common hosts. We focused on the emerging zoonotic pathogen T.benhamiae var. luteum, currently responsible for epidemic outbreaks in Europe, and compared it to its less infective relatives. A set of 16 candidate genes, informed by preliminary transcriptomic screening, was assessed via RT-qPCR across 12 strains grown in vitro (Sabouraud dextrose broth) and ex vivo (murine skin explants). Genes associated with secondary metabolism were consistently upregulated under ex vivo conditions, particularly in T.benhamiae var. luteum. While two of the biosynthetic gene clusters examined are linked to known metabolites, others remain uncharacterized. These findings reveal key gene expression differences that may explain the enhanced infectivity of emerging strains and underscore the potential role of secondary metabolites in dermatophyte virulence. They also highlight the need for improved genome annotation in T.benhamiae to better understand the molecular basis of pathogenesis.IMPORTANCETrichophyton benhamiae var. luteum is an emerging fungal pathogen responsible for a rising number of skin infections transmitted from guinea pigs to humans, especially in Europe. We investigated why this pathogen spreads more effectively than its close relatives, which infect the same hosts but are less epidemic. Using a laboratory model that mimics skin infection, we found that genes involved in producing fungal compounds-called secondary metabolites, some of which act as toxins-are more active in this pathogen. These compounds may help the fungus suppress the host immune response and establish infection. Our findings shed light on how fungal pathogens adapt to their hosts and highlight gene pathways that could be targeted in future diagnostics or treatments. Understanding these mechanisms is key to managing emerging fungal threats in both animals and humans.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

—

OECD FORD branch

10606 - Microbiology

Project

<a href="/en/project/EH22_008%2F0004597" target="_blank" >EH22_008/0004597: Talking microbes - understanding microbial interactions within One Health framework</a><br>

Continuities

I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Microbiology Spectrum

ISSN

2165-0497

e-ISSN

2165-0497

Volume of the periodical

13

Issue of the periodical within the volume

11

Country of publishing house

US - UNITED STATES

Number of pages

19

Pages from-to

e0138325

UT code for WoS article

001589766100001

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-105020939782