Cloning and molecular analysis of the catalase 1 gene from Rhizopus oryzae
Author: Beáta LINKA
Consultant: Dr.Tamás PAPP
Institute: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science, Department of Microbiology
The aim of our study was the identification and molecular analysis of genetic elements
being in connection with the virulence of zygomycetous fungi, above all Rhizopus and
Rhizomucor species. Members of the two genera often cause animal and human mycoses. The
high-risk population has been growing continuously in the recent years, which drew attention
to these mycoses. Moreover these fungi have an intrinsic resistance against the recently
available antifungal agents, therefore the improvement of new treatments, and preventive
strategies are highly desirable. The risk factors of zygomycoses are immunosupression,
diabetic ketoacidosis, deferoxamine treatment to manage an iron or aluminium overload,
leukaemia, and burn injuries. These disorders are often attached with the reduction of
neutrophil granulocytes, neutropenia. The fungal catalases have a key role in the defense
against the reactive oxygen species produced by the host neutrophil granulocytes, however
genetic feature of these enzymes have been scarcely studied till now.
The genetical analysis of the gene encoding catalase gene was performed and the
investigation of regulation and effect of gene inactivation are in progress.
Keywords: Rhizopus, catalase, virulence factor zygomycosis