Comparative genomic analysis of clinically relevant human skin-associated fungi

Sofie Agerbæk; Knud Nor Nielsen; Julie B K Sølberg; Ying Marlene Zhang; Zahra Akil Meften Al-Badran; Marc Stegger; Sonja Kabatnik; Matthias Mann; Rachel A Clark; Ditte M L Saunte; Alberto Santos; Marianne Bengtson Løvendorf; Beatrice Dyring-Andersen

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-6700810/v1

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Comparative genomic analysis of clinically relevant human skin-associated fungi

Journal article

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Comparative genomic analysis of clinically relevant human skin-associated fungi

Sofie Agerbæk, Knud Nor Nielsen, Julie B K Sølberg, Ying Marlene Zhang, Zahra Akil Meften Al-Badran, Marc Stegger, Sonja Kabatnik, Matthias Mann, Rachel A Clark, Ditte M L Saunte, …

Research square

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6700810/v1

PMID: 40585268

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Abstract

tinea

onychomycosis

dermatophyte

fungal genomics

superficial fungal infections

candida

Fungal skin infections represent a significant global health burden, affecting approximately one billion people annually. Despite their prevalence and major global health impact, the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenicity remain largely uncharacterized. Here we present high quality genomic datasets for 51 fungal strains, representing highly prevalent and clinically relevant species associated with human skin infections. Comparative genomics reveal substantial variation in genome size and gene contents, indicating genome compaction occurred as the fungi transitioned from free-living to host-associated lifestyles. We report two non-hybrid strains of, the causative agent of white piedra. Our analysis reveals substantial differences in metabolic adaptations across skin-associated fungi, corresponding to distinct body-site and nutrient niches. Significant differences were also present in the distribution of virulence factors and adhesins, which are imperative for biofilm formation and antifungal resistance. We discuss metabolic adaptation and virulence mechanisms revealed by our data in the context of clinical presentations, highlighting shared and lineage-specific adaptations. Together, these insights advance our knowledge of skin-associated fungi and their infection mechanisms while providing valuable resources and a foundation for future analyses to improve diagnostics and therapeutics for diverse diseases.

Details

Title: Comparative genomic analysis of clinically relevant human skin-associated fungi
Authors/Creators: Sofie Agerbæk - Zealand University Hospital
Knud Nor Nielsen - Technical University of Denmark
Julie B K Sølberg - Copenhagen University Hospital
Ying Marlene Zhang - Zealand University Hospital
Zahra Akil Meften Al-Badran - Copenhagen University Hospital
Marc Stegger - Murdoch University
Sonja Kabatnik - Zealand University Hospital
Matthias Mann - Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
Rachel A Clark - Mass General Brigham
Ditte M L Saunte - Gentofte Hospital
Alberto Santos - Technical University of Denmark
Marianne Bengtson Løvendorf - University of Copenhagen
Beatrice Dyring-Andersen - Zealand University Hospital
Publication Details: Research square
Publisher: Research Square Company
Grant note: R01 AI127654 / NIAID NIH HHS P30 AR069625 / NIAMS NIH HHS
Identifiers: 991005802449607891
Murdoch Affiliation: Harry Butler Institute
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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