C3 - 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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