Characterization and analysis of expression of microRNAs-like in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Pb18

Fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides comprise etiologic agents of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the main systemic mycoses in Latin America. At temperatures from 22ºC to 26ºC Paracoccidioides spp. grow as mycelium and in the host or at 36ºC they form yeast cells. The morphological transition from mycelium or conidia to the yeast phase is essential for development of disease in the host. In fungi, small regulatory RNAs have been described during different morphological phases, suggesting a possible regulatory role of those microRNAs in steps essential for fungal growth on the environment and host. With the objective to identify Paracoccidioides microRNAs and perform an RNA-Seq analyses of their expression during the fungus developmental phases, small RNAs were purified and sequenced in Illumina HiSeq 2000/2500 platforms. Analysis of the libraries of small RNAs from mycelium, transition and yeast phases of this fungus revealed 44 microRNAs differentially regulated throughout development. The differential expression profile of these microRNAs suggests a possible role in regulation of genes possibly important for successful infection and development of Paracoccidioidomycosis.