Ergosterol biosynthesis characterization in Aspergillus fumigatus by sterol analysis.

ALCÁZAR-FUOLI, LAURA; MELLADO, EMILIA; GARCIA-EFFRON, GUILLERMO; LÓPEZ, JORDI; GRIMALT, JOAN; CUENCA-ESTRELLA, MANUEL; RODRÍGUEZ-TUDELA, JUAN LUIS

La Colle sur Loup - Francia

Congreso; Second FEBS Advanced Lecture Course “Human Fungal Pathogens-Molecular Mechanisms of Host-Pathogen Interactions and Virulence”.; 2007

The sterol composition of Aspergillus fumigatus was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in different strains (susceptible and resistant to azole drugs). Also, sterolswere analyzed in several A. fumigatus mutant strains deficient in enzymatic steps of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway such as 14- sterol demethylases (Cyp51A and Cyp51B) and C-5 sterol desaturases (Erg3A, Erg3B and Erg3C). All sterols identified from azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to the susceptible strain (CM-237). However, sterol composition ofmutants strains were different depending on the lacking enzyme. The analysis of the sterol composition in these mutant strains led to a better understanding of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway in this important fungus.