Histoplasma capsulatum

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Histoplasma capsulatum

Classification

Higher order taxa

Cellular Organisms; Eukaryota (Superkingdom); Fungi (Kingdom); Dikarya (Subkingdom); Ascomycota (Phylum); Pezizomycotina (Subphylum); Eurotiomycetes (Class); Eurotiomycetidae (Subclass); Onygenales (Order); Ajellomycetaceae (Family); Ajellomyces (Genus) [16]

Species

Species: Ajellomyces capsulata

Anamorph (an asexal reproductive stage): Histoplasma capsulatum [5]

Description and significance

Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.

Mycelial phase from a culture at 20°C on Sabouraud’s glucose agar (Unstained).

Yeast phase from a culture at 37°C on Kurung medium (Unstained).

Genome structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

References

1. Bossche, Hugo, Frank Odds, and David Kerridge. Dimorphic Fungi in Biology and Medicine. 1st ed. New York and London: Plenum Press, 1993

2. Chang, Ryan. "Histoplasmosis." 19 Sep 2005. emedicine. 25 Aug 2007 <http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic1021.htm>.

3. Hayward, Chris A. "Microorganisms." Encyclopedia of Life Sciences 20062006 1-13. <http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/emrw/9780470015902/els/article/a0000460/current/pdf>.

4. Heitman, Joseph, Scott G. Filler, Aaron P. Mitchell, and John E. Edwards, Jr.Molecular Principles of Fungal Pathogenesis. 1st ed. New York: ASM Press, 2006. (Heitman et al. 321-331)

5. Heitman, Joseph, Scott G. Filler, Aaron P. Mitchell, and John E. Edwards, Jr.Molecular Principles of Fungal Pathogenesis. 1st ed. New York: ASM Press, 2006. (Heitman et al. 611-626)

6. "Histoplasmosis." Histoplasmosis Resource Guide. Mar 2007. National Eye Institute. 25 Aug 2007 <http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/histoplasmosis/index.asp>.

7. "Histoplasmosis." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 12 Oct 2005. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 25 Aug 2007 <http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/histoplasmosis_g.htm>.

8. Hwang, Lena, Davina Hocking-Murray, Adam K. Bahrami, Margareta Andersson, and Jasper Rine. "Identifying Phase-specific Genes in the Fungal Pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum Using Genomic Shotgun Microarray." Molecular Biology of the Cell June 2003 2314-2326. .

9. Johnson, Clayton, Jonathan T. Prigge, Aaron D. Warren, and Joan E. McEwen. "Characterization of an alternative oxidase activity of Histoplasma Capsulatum." Yeast 2003 381-388. .

10. Kendrick, Bryce. "Fungi: Ecological Importane and Impact on Humans." Encyclopedia of Life Sciences 20012001 1-5. <http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/emrw/9780470015902/els/article/a0000369/current/pdf>.

11. Kobayashi, George S. "Mycoses." Encyclopedia of Life Sciences 20012001 1-6. <http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/emrw/9780470015902/els/article/a0000371/current/pdf>.

12. Kobayashi, George S.. "Molecular Basis of Adaptation in Histoplasma capsulatum ." Washington University School of Medicine. 25 Aug 2007 <http://research.medicine.wustl.edu/OCFR/Research.nsf/Abstracts/64ABA9996B650C50862567ED00029E69?OpenDocument&VW=Infectious+Diseases>.

13. Lai, Chung-Hsu, Chun-Kai Huang, Chuen Chin, Ya-Ting Yang, and Hsiu-Fang Lin. "Indigenous Case of Disseminated Histoplasmosis, Taiwan." Emerging Infectious Diseases Jan 2007 127-129. .

14. Maubon, Daniele, Stephane Simon, and Christine Aznar. "Histoplasmosis diagnosis using a polymerase chain reaction method. Application on human samples in French Guiana, South America." 04 Aug 2007

15. Mitchell, Thomas G. "Fungal Pathogens of Human." Encyclopedia of Life Science 20022002 1-15. <http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/emrw/9780470015902/els/article/a0000359/current/pdf?hd=All%2Chistoplasma&hd=All%2Ccapsulatum>.

16. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Taxonomy Browser. Taxonomy ID:5037

17. Nittler, M.Paige, Davina Hocking-Murray, Catherine K. Foo, and Anita Sil. "Identification of Histoplasma capsulatum Transcripts Induced in Response to Reactive Nitrogen Species." Molecular Biology of the Cell Oct 2005 4792-4813. .

18. Rappleye, C. A., Eissenberg, L. G. & Goldman, W. E. Histoplasma capsulatum (1,3)-glucan blocks innate immune recognition by the -glucan receptor. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 23, 1366–1370 (2007)

Edited by Shen-Yin (Mandy) Hung of Rachel Larsen