Prof. Dr. Axel A. Brakhage
Activation of MAP kinase networks of Aspergillus fumigatus during the interaction of the fungus with the host

Abstract:
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are essential signalling modules that are evolutionary conserved among eukaryotes, and transduce stimuli from the cell surface to the nucleus. The presence of multiple MAPK cascades allows cells to generate unique responses to a variety of signalling inputs. MAPK pathways control key cellular functions. In fungi three conserved MAPK cascades have been identified, each of them carrying out specific functions in cell fusion and differentiation (Fus3/Kss1), cell integrity (Slt2/Mpk1) or stress adaptation (Hog1). There is strong evidence that these MAPK pathways are master control switches for pathogenicity in some fungi. MAPK cascades regulate key virulence functions, including host-induced spore germination, polarized hyphal growth, adhesion to the host surface, differentiation of specialized infection structures, remodelling of the fungal cell wall or secretion of enzymes and toxins. MAPK pathways are also cross-talking to other conserved key signalling cascades such as the PKA-cAMP pathway and the calcium-calmodulin-pathway.
In the proposed project, activation of MAPK cascades during the interaction of the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus and immune effector cells will be analysed.

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