Characterization of the SKN7 ortholog of Aspergillus fumigatus

Reactive oxidant intermediates play a major role in the killing of Aspergillus fumigatus by phagocytes. In yeasts, SKN7 is a transcription factor contributing to the oxidative stress response. We investigated here the role of afSkn7p in the adaptation of A. fumigatus against oxidative stress. To analyze functionally the afSKN7 in A. fumigatus, we modified a quick PCR fusion methodology for targeted deletion in A. fumigatus. The afskn7Δ mutant was morphologically similar to the wild-type strain, but showed a growth inhibition phenotype associated with hydrogen peroxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide. However, no significant virulence differences were observed between wild type, mutant and reconstituted strains in a murine model of pulmonary aspergillosis. This result indicated that an increased sensitivity of A. fumigatus to peroxides in vitro is not correlated with a modification of fungal virulence.