The cell wall of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis: insights from its transcriptome

The cell wall of a human pathogenic fungus is in contact with the host, serves as a barrier against host defense mechanisms and harbors most fungal antigens. In addition, cell wall biosynthesis pathways have been recognized as essential to viability and as specific drug targets. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a dimorphic fungus that presents mycelium morphology in the free environment and causes infection in a yeast form. The morphogenetic conversion is correlated with changes in the cell wall composition, organization and structure. Based on transcriptome analysis, the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and remodeling of cell wall polysaccharides, as well as several cell wall-associated molecules of P. brasiliensis, were identified and addressed in further detail.