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Lignin-Modifying Enzymes in <i>Scedosporium</i> Species
oleh: Wilfried Poirier, Jean-Philippe Bouchara, Sandrine Giraud
Format: | Article |
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Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2023-01-01 |
Deskripsi
<i>Scedosporium</i> species are usually soil saprophytes but some members of the genus such as <i>S. apiospermum</i> and <i>S. aurantiacum</i> have been regularly reported as causing human respiratory infections, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Because of their low sensitivity to almost all available antifungal drugs, a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of these fungi is mandatory. Likewise, identification of the origin of the contamination of patients with CF may be helpful to propose prophylactic measures. In this aim, environmental studies were conducted demonstrating that <i>Scedosporium</i> species are abundant in human-made environments and associated with nutrient-rich substrates. Although their natural habitat remains unknown, there is accumulated evidence to consider them as wood-decaying fungi. This study aimed to demonstrate the ability of these fungi to utilize lignocellulose compounds, especially lignin, as a carbon source. First, the lignolytic properties of <i>Scedosporium</i> species were confirmed by cultural methods, and biochemical assays suggested the involvement of peroxidases and oxidases as lignin-modifying enzymes. <i>Scedosporium</i> genomes were then screened using tBLASTn searches. Fifteen candidate genes were identified, including four peroxidase and seven oxidase genes, and some of them were shown, by real-time PCR experiments, to be overexpressed in lignin-containing medium, thus confirming their involvement in lignin degradation.