The pneumocystis Ace2 transcription factor regulates cell wall-remodeling genes and organism virulence

Abstract

Background: Ace2 transcription factors regulate fungal cell wall remodeling. Results: Pneumocystis carinii Ace2 (PcAce2) is activated by lung matrix proteins and participates in fungal virulence. Conclusion: PcAce2 represents a key component of life cycle regulation that is induced by Pneumocystis contact with host substrates. Significance: This is the first example demonstrating a contact-induced activation of the Ace2 transcription factor. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.