RodA is a class I 14 kDa hydrophobin protein which is known to coat the spores and conidia of the filamentous fungi Aspergillus fumigatus.[1] Mutants of A. fumigatus, whose rodA gene is knocked out , are characterized by a decreased ability to adhere to proteins such as bovine serum albumin and collagen, in addition to the inability to disperse their conidia.[2] It has been suggested that the rodA coating of A. fumigatus spores serves a role in masking the pathogen from the host immune response.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ de Jesus Carrion,S.,Leal Jr., S.M., Paul-Latge,J.,Pearlman, E.,Hydrophobin RodA protein is essential for masking the host immune response and enhancing fungal survival of Aspergillus fumigatus during corneal infection. The Journal of Immunology 188(55.9) May 2012
- ^ THAU, N.,MONOD, M.,CRESTANI, B., ROLLAND, C., TRONCHIN, G., LATGE, J.P.,PARIS, S.,Rodletless mutants of Aspergillus Fumigatus. Infection and Immunity. 62(10) Oct 1994 4380-4388
- ^ Bruns S, Kniemeyer O, Hasenberg M, Aimanianda V, Nietzsche S, et al. (2010) Production of Extracellular Traps against Aspergillus fumigatus In Vitro and in Infected Lung Tissue Is Dependent on Invading Neutrophils and Influenced by Hydrophobin RodA. PLoS Pathog 6(4): e1000873. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1000873
Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction