Protein kinase A signaling and calcium ions are major players in PAF mediated toxicity against Aspergillus niger. Issue 11 (14th April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Binder, Ulrike; Benčina, Mojca; Fizil, Ádám; Batta, Gyula; Chhillar, Anil K.; Marx, Florentine
• Is Part Of: FEBS letters. Volume 589:Issue 11(2015)
• Page Start: 1266
• Page End: 1271
• Publication Date: 2015-04-14
• Subjects: Antifungal protein -- PAF -- Aspergillus niger -- Calcium homeostasis -- Protein kinase A signaling; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Biochimie -- Périodiques; Biochemistry; Biophysics; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 572.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.03.037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-5793

Abstract

Abstract : The Penicillium chrysogenum antifungal protein PAF is toxic against potentially pathogenic Ascomycetes. We used the highly sensitive aequorin‐expressing model Aspergillus niger to identify a defined change in cytoplasmic free Ca 2+ dynamics in response to PAF. This Ca 2+ signature depended on an intact positively charged lysine‐rich PAF motif. By combining Ca 2+ measurements in A. niger mutants with deregulated cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling, we proved the interconnection of Ca 2+ perturbation and cAMP/PKA signaling in the mechanistic function of PAF. A deep understanding of the mode of action of PAF is an invaluable prerequisite for its future application as new antifungal drug. Abstract : Aspergillus niger is highly susceptible to the antifungal protein PAF. Ca 2+ and cAMP/PKA signalling are interconnected in response to PAF. PAF toxicity requires the activation of the cAMP/PkaA signaling cascade. PAF evokes a sustained increase in the [Ca 2+ ]c resting level. Only a functional PAF protein interferes with the fungal Ca 2+ homeostasis. PAF represents a promising molecule to develop new antifungal strategies.