The expression of selected non-ribosomal peptide synthetases in Aspergillus fumigatus is controlled by the availability of free iron

FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2005 Jul 1;248(1):83-91. doi: 10.1016/j.femsle.2005.05.028.

Abstract

Three non-ribosomal peptide synthetase genes, termed sidD, sidC and sidE, have been identified in Aspergillus fumigatus. Gene expression analysis by RT-PCR confirms that expression of both sidD and C was reduced by up to 90% under iron-replete conditions indicative of a likely role in siderophore biosynthesis. SidE expression was less sensitive to iron levels. In addition, two proteins purified from mycelia grown under iron-limiting conditions corresponded to SidD ( approximately 200 kDa) and SidC (496 kDa) as determined by MALDI ToF peptide mass fingerprinting and MALDI LIFT-ToF/ToF. Siderophore synthetases are unique in bacteria and fungi and represent an attractive target for antimicrobial chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus fumigatus / enzymology*
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / genetics
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / physiology
  • Iron / chemistry
  • Iron / metabolism*
  • Peptide Synthases / genetics
  • Peptide Synthases / metabolism*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Siderophores / metabolism*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization

Substances

  • Siderophores
  • Iron
  • Peptide Synthases
  • non-ribosomal peptide synthase