1887

Abstract

The cDNA (encoding ATP sulfurylase) was cloned by complementation of the corresponding mutation in . Sequence analysis showed high similarity between the deduced amino acid sequence of the Met3p and other fungal ATP sulfurylases. A mutant was made by targeted insertional mutagenesis, which had the expected auxotrophic phenotype, and reconstituted the mutant to Met. , the mutant had a substantial defect in melanin formation, significantly reduced growth rate, and greatly increased thermotolerance. In the murine inhalation infection model, the mutant was avirulent and was deficient in its ability to survive in mice. It is concluded that, in contrast to the yeast form of , in the sulfate-assimilation arm of the methionine biosynthetic pathway plays an important role , even in the presence of abundant exogenous methionine, and is critical for virulence, and indeed for survival,

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2002-08-01
2024-03-29
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