Transformation of Aspergillus based on the hygromycin B resistance marker from Escherichia coli

A new, heterologous, dominant marker for selection of Aspergillus transformants is described. This marker is based on the Escherichia coli hygromycin B (HmB) phosphotransferase gene (hph). Expression of the hph gene is controlled by A. nidulans gpd and trpC expression signals. An Aspergillus transformation vector was constructed which contains this marker and confers HmB resistance to Aspergillus species. With both A. niger and A. nidulans, transformation frequencies of 5-20 transformants per micrograms vector DNA were obtained. Cotransformation with other vectors was shown to be very efficient in both species, when selection for HmB resistance was applied.     

花生黄曲霉抗性与SR和α-微管蛋白相关性

信号识别颗粒受体在分泌性蛋白合成和分泌过程中起重要作用。微管蛋白对细胞内各种生命活动都是必需的。将数据库中花生抗黄曲霉和敏感品种的两类α-微管蛋白α和α7和SR蛋白进行序列比较分析发现,在种子发育早期5,α-微管蛋白在敏感品种各有三条EST,抗性品种各有一条EST,晚期7只有抗性品种各有一条EST。SR只在抗性品种的6、7时期各有一条EST,敏感品种中没有。用荧光定量PCR方法对抗性品种KB153与敏感品种JH1012发育中不同时期的果实和部位进行差异表达分析,结果表明在果实发育早期的小果期,SR、α-微管蛋白α和α7在抗性品种中都显著上调表达,说明SR介导的内质网蛋白质运输途径与黄曲霉抗性有关。SR基因在抗性品种的子叶中的表达也上调,这与抗性品种中一些贮藏蛋白含量尤其是蛋白酶抑制剂高于敏感品种的现象一致。     

两性霉素B抗真菌作用机制与病原性土曲霉对其耐药机制的研究进展

两性霉素B(amphotericin B,AMB)是经典的多烯类抗真菌药物,对病原真菌具有广谱抗菌活性,且不易产生耐药性.土曲霉是临床上常见的病原性曲霉,因其对AMB天然耐药而受到关注.现阶段,AMB的抗真菌作用机制有待进一步阐明,且真菌对AMB的耐药机制研究亦不充分.本文就AMB在土曲霉中诱导内源性活性氧(react...     

Invasive Aspergillosis: Resistance to Antifungal Drugs

Although the arsenal of agents with anti-Aspergillus activity has expanded over the last decade, mortality due to invasive aspergillosis remains unacceptably high. Resistance of the Aspergillus spp. species to antifungal drugs increased in the last 20 years with the increase in antifungal drugs use and might partially account for treatment failures. Recent advances in our understanding of mechanisms of antifungal drug action in Aspergillus, along with the standardization of in vitro susceptibility testing methods, have brought resistance testing to the forefront of clinical mycology. Recent modifications in taxonomy and understanding of the acquired resistance mechanisms of Aspergilli to drugs should support a better management of Aspergillus infections. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on epidemiology and underlying mechanisms involved in antifungal resistance in Aspergillus.     

制霉菌素抗性筛选高活性苎麻脱胶菌诱变菌株

利用制霉菌素抗性筛选高渗透性突变株,提高黑曲霉菌对苎麻纤维的脱胶能力,使微生物脱胶能用于工业生产实践之中.分别用紫外线、硫酸二乙酯、亚硝酸作为诱变剂对黑曲霉3.0.2菌株进行诱变处理.以制霉菌素抗性为遗传标记,从突变菌株中定向筛选得到一株高活性苎麻脱胶菌黑曲霉3.0.2-26.在以未经刮制的苎麻韧皮为主要碳源,0.7%(NH_4)_2SO_4为氮源,添加00.5%KCl;00.5%MgSO_4;0.1%K_2HPO_4; 0.1%酵母膏;Tween80 0.1%的培养液中,接入黑曲霉3.0.2-26,置30℃下,150 r/min处理30 h左右,脱胶苎麻纤维的残胶率平均为14.43%.     

Osmotic stress limits arsenic hypertolerance in Aspergillus sp. P37

Aspergillus sp. P37 is an arsenate-resistant fungus isolated from a river with a long history of heavy metal contamination. Its hypertolerant mechanism relies on an efficient arsenate reduction system in conjunction with increased coupling capabilities to glutathione and translocation of these complexes into the vacuolar system. Here, the comparison of arsenic resistance in two Aspergillus species and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence or absence of different osmolytes revealed a link between tolerance to osmotic stress and tolerance to arsenic in Aspergillus strains. Under osmotic stress generated by NaCl or KCl, both Aspergillus strains were less resistant to arsenite and arsenate. In the presence of sorbitol, Aspergillus strains were more resistant to arsenite. Intracellular accumulation of arsenic was affected by the presence of the osmolytes (NaCl or sorbitol), suggesting a major role for vacuoles in the detoxification of arsenic in Aspergillus.     

Transformation of Aspergillus aculeatus using the drug resistance gene of Aspergillus oryzae and the pyrG gene of Aspergillus nidulans

Transformation systems for Aspergillus aculeatus has been developed, based on the use of the pyrithiamine resistance gene of Aspergillus oryzae and the orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase gene (pyrG) of Aspergillus nidulans. An A. aculeatus mutant which can be transformed effectively by the A. nidulans pyrG gene was isolated as a transformation host. This is the first report of transformation of A. aculeatus.     

玉米种质对黄曲霉菌抗性的鉴定

以145个玉米自交系作为试验材料,对其籽粒人工接种黄曲霉菌(Aspergillus flavus),根据籽粒的发病情况进行抗性鉴定。结果表明:(1)各玉米自交系对黄曲霉菌的抗性有极显著的差异,在145个自交系中,高抗的8份,中抗的72份,中感的57份,高感的8份;(2)对黄曲霉菌有较高抗性的自交系大多数来自于我国的南方地区;(3)通过辐射处理,对于提高抗性可能有较好的效果;(4)爆裂玉米具有较好的抗性;(5)不同致病菌株接种,抗性反应有差异。     

Vaccination of mice against invasive aspergillosis with recombinant Aspergillus proteins and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides as adjuvants

In a murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with Aspergillus antigens induced the activation of CD4(+) Th1 cells capable of conferring resistance to the infection. Here we show that the combined, local delivery of unmethylated CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and the Asp f 16 Aspergillus allergen resulted in the functional maturation and activation of airway DCs capable of inducing Th1 priming and resistance to the fungus. Therefore, ODNs act as a potent adjuvant for the vaccine-induced protection against the fungus by promoting dominant Th1 response to Aspergillus antigens and allergens.     

Identification of three mutant loci conferring carboxin-resistance and development of a novel transformation system in Aspergillus oryzae

Mutants exhibiting resistance to the fungicide, carboxin, were isolated from Aspergillus oryzae, and the mutations in the three gene loci, which encode succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) B, C, and D subunits, were identified to be independently responsible for the resistance. A structural model of the SDH revealed the different mechanisms that confer carboxin-resistance in different mutations. The mutant AosdhB gene (AosdhB(cxr)) was further examined for possible use as a transformant selection marker. After transformation with AosdhB(cxr), carboxin-resistant colonies appeared within 4 days of culture, and all of the examined colonies carried the transgene. Insertion analyses revealed that the AosdhB(cxr) gene was integrated into AosdhB locus via homologous recombination at high efficiency. Furthermore, AosdhB(cxr) functioned as a successful selection marker in a transformation experiment in Aspergillus parasiticus, suggesting that this transformation system can be used for Aspergillus species.     

Fungitoxic effects of nonprotein imino acids on growth of saprophytic fungi isolated from the leaf surface of Calliandra haematocephala

Four saprophytic and pathogenic fungi were isolated from the leaf surface of Calliandra haematocephala, a tropical legume known to contain large amounts of rare nonprotein imino acids in its leaves and seeds. The fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus sp., Curvularia sp., and Penicillium sp. were cultured in the laboratory and tested for susceptibility to leaf extracts of the host plant and to proline, pipecolic acid, cis-5-hydroxypipecolic acid, and 2,4-trans-4,5-cis-4,5-dihydroxypipecolic acid. Fungal spore germination and germ tube growth were measured. Aspergillus sp. was inhibited by plant extracts and by pipecolic acid and cis-5-hydroxypipecolic acid. Curvularia sp. growth was stimulated by plant extracts and by pipecolic acid. The other two fungi were unaffected by any of the treatments. The data indicate that imino acids may play a role in the specific resistance of Calliandra spp. to Aspergillus sp.     

Mutants of Aspergillus nidulans with increased resistance to the alkylating agent, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine

The isolation and characterisation of mutants of Aspergillus nidulans showing resistance to MNNG is described. Such isolates were stable through prolonged subculture in the absence of the selective agent, and resistance segregated as an allele of a single gene in meiotic and mitotic analysis. MNNG-resistant strains showed an increase in resistance to EMS and UV irradiation but no cross-resistance to MMS was detected. Possible mechanisms of resistance to alkylating agents are discussed.     

Fungitoxic effects of nonprotein imino acids on growth of saprophytic fungi isolated from the leaf surface of Calliandra haematocephala.

Four saprophytic and pathogenic fungi were isolated from the leaf surface of Calliandra haematocephala, a tropical legume known to contain large amounts of rare nonprotein imino acids in its leaves and seeds. The fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus sp., Curvularia sp., and Penicillium sp. were cultured in the laboratory and tested for susceptibility to leaf extracts of the host plant and to proline, pipecolic acid, cis-5-hydroxypipecolic acid, and 2,4-trans-4,5-cis-4,5-dihydroxypipecolic acid. Fungal spore germination and germ tube growth were measured. Aspergillus sp. was inhibited by plant extracts and by pipecolic acid and cis-5-hydroxypipecolic acid. Curvularia sp. growth was stimulated by plant extracts and by pipecolic acid. The other two fungi were unaffected by any of the treatments. The data indicate that imino acids may play a role in the specific resistance of Calliandra spp. to Aspergillus sp.     

Gliotoxin effects on fungal growth: mechanisms and exploitation

Although initially investigated for its antifungal properties, little is actually known about the effect of gliotoxin on Aspergillus fumigatus and other fungi. We have observed that exposure of A. fumigatus to exogenous gliotoxin (14 μg/ml), under gliotoxin-limited growth conditions, results in significant alteration of the expression of 27 proteins (up- and down-regulated >1.9-fold; p<0.05) including de novo expression of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase, up-regulated allergen Asp f3 expression and down-regulated catalase and a peroxiredoxin levels. Significantly elevated glutathione GSH levels (p<0.05), along with concomitant resistance to diamide, were evident in A. fumigatus ΔgliT, lacking gliotoxin oxidoreductase, a gliotoxin self-protection gene. Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletents (Δsod1 and Δyap1) were hypersensitive to exogenous gliotoxin, while Δgsh1 was resistant. Significant gliotoxin-mediated (5 μg/ml) growth inhibition (p<0.001) of Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus niger, Cochliobolus heterostrophus and Neurospora crassa was also observed. Growth of Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium graminearum and Aspergillus oryzae was significantly inhibited (p<0.001) at gliotoxin (10 μg/ml), indicating differential gliotoxin sensitivity amongst fungi. Re-introduction of gliT into A. fumigatus ΔgliT, at a different locus (ctsD; AFUA_4G07040, an aspartic protease), with selection on gliotoxin, facilitated deletion of ctsD without use of additional antibiotic selection markers. Absence of ctsD expression was accompanied by restoration of gliT expression, and resistance to gliotoxin. Thus, we propose gliT/gliotoxin as a useful selection marker system for fungal transformation. Finally, we suggest incorporation of gliotoxin sensitivity assays into all future fungal functional genomic studies.     

黑曲霉pepB基因缺失菌株的构建及其功能分析

以黑曲霉(Aspergillus niger)GICC2773基因组DNA为模板,用PCR方法分别扩增pepB基因中的上游约1．4kb和下游约1．3kb两段DNA序列,将此两段序列按同一方向分别插入质粒pMW1中潮霉素抗性基因(hph)表达单元的5′和3′端,构建成重组质粒pMW1-pepB,用于通过同源重组靶向破坏基因组中的pepB基因。同源重组则采用原生质体-PEG方法,将酶切pMW1-pepB得到的线性片段转化A．niger GICC2773菌株,通过潮霉素选择平板得到62个Hgy抗性转化子,然后采用PCR方法从这些抗性转化子中筛选到1个由于同源重组产生的pepB基因缺失突变菌株pepB29。功能分析显示该突变株的酸性蛋白酶活性有明显下降,外源蛋白漆酶的分泌表达有所提高。     

Transformation of Aspergillus aculeatus Using the Drug Resistance Gene of Aspergillus oryzae and the pyrG Gene of Aspergillus nidulans

Transformation systems for Aspergillus aculeatus has been developed, based on the use of the pyrithiamine resistance gene of Aspergillus oryzae and the orotidine-5′-monophosphate decarboxylase gene (pyrG) of Aspergillus nidulans. An A. aculeatus mutant which can be transformed effectively by the A. nidulans pyrG gene was isolated as a transformation host. This is the first report of transformation of A. aculeatus.     

拮抗链霉菌S24抗菌物质的提取及其部分理化性质

拮抗链霉菌S24对黄曲霉、赭曲霉、黑曲霉等粮食和饲料中常见的曲霉菌具有广谱抗性,本试验通过牛津杯法测定抗菌物质的效价,研究了大孔吸附树脂对链霉菌S24产生的抗菌物质的吸附、解吸性能,筛选了解吸剂,并研究了抗菌物质的部分理化性质。结果表明,大孔吸附树脂AB-8对抗菌物质的吸附及解吸性能最好,其饱和吸附量为7.0822×104μg/g,最佳解吸剂为85%丙酮,以85%丙酮进行动态解吸,解吸率达93.82%。该抗菌物质对热稳定,对紫外线敏感,对有机溶剂不敏感,对酸敏感,对碱稳定,紫外全波长扫描发现该抗菌物质为多烯大环内酯类抗生素。     

Antifungal activity of some essential oils against toxigenic Aspergillus species

Increasing attentions have been paid on the application of essential oils and plant extracts for control of postharvest pathogens due to their natural origin and less appearance of resistance in fungi pathogens. Some Aspergillus species are toxigenic and responsible for many cases of food and feed contamination. Some Toxins that produce with some Aspergillus species are known to be potent hepatocarcinogens in animals and humans. The present work evaluated the parameters of antifungal activity of the essential oils of Zataria multiflora, Thymus migricus, Satureja hortensis, Foeniculum vulgare, Carum capticum and thiabendazol fungicide on survival and growth of different species of Aspergillus. Aerial part and seeds of plant species were collected then dried and its essential oils isolated by means of hydrodistillation. Antifungal activity was evaluated in vitro by poisonous medium technique with PDA medium at six concentrations. Results showed that all essential oils could inhibit the growth of Aspergillus species. The essential oil with the best effect and lowest EC50 and MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) was Z. multiflora (223 microl/l and 650 microl/l, respectively). The chemical composition of the Z. multiflora essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS.     

花生黄曲霉侵染抗性的SCAR标记

利用与花生黄曲霉侵染抗性基因紧密连锁的AFLP标记 “E45/M53-440”, 经PAGE凝胶电泳后回收、克隆、测序, 并根据测序结果设计PCR特异引物, 通过对PCR条件的优化, 成功地将AFLP标记“E45/M53-440”转化为实验结果稳定, 操作更简单的SCAR标记“AFs-412”, 标记与花生黄曲霉侵染抗性间的遗传距离为6.5 cM。利用获得的SCAR标记对抗、感黄曲霉的花生种质资源进行了分子鉴定, 结果表明标记与抗性鉴定结果具有较高的一致性, 证实了该标记应用于研究群体之外的育种潜力。SCAR标记的建立为开展花生黄曲霉侵染抗性的标记辅助选择育种提供了简便实用的鉴定技术。