Transcriptome overview of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis proteases

Genet Mol Res. 2005 Jun 30;4(2):358-71.

Abstract

Proteases perform a wide variety of functions inside and outside cells, regulating many biological processes. Infectious microorganisms use proteases, either secreted or attached to their cell surface to weaken and invade their hosts. Therefore, proteases are targets for drugs against a diverse set of diseases. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the most prevalent fungal pathogen causing systemic mycosis in Latin America. The development of paracoccidioidomycosis depends on interactions between fungal and host components and proteases have been described as important factors implicated in the mechanism of host colonization by fungi. The primary goal for this study is to present an overview of the transcriptome sequences--identified cDNAs that encode proteases. We obtained a total of 53 cDNAs encoding proteases; 15 were classified as ATP-independent, 12 as ATP-dependent, 22 as proteasome subunits, and 4 as deubiquitinating proteases. The mechanisms and biological activity of these proteases differ in substrate specificity and in catalytic mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • DNA, Complementary / analysis*
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Expressed Sequence Tags
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Paracoccidioides / enzymology*
  • Paracoccidioides / genetics
  • Paracoccidioides / pathogenicity
  • Paracoccidioidomycosis / virology
  • Peptide Hydrolases / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics*
  • Virulence

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • Peptide Hydrolases