F1Fo-ATP synthase subunit determines lethal pathogenic fungi infection

Fungal infections, especially candidiasis and aspergillosis, claim an unacceptably high fatality rate. The energy ATP that is necessary for fungal cell growth and function is synthesized mainly through oxidative phosphorylation, with the key enzyme being F1Fo-ATP synthase. But it remains unknown how this enzyme affects fungal pathogenicity. Here, we show that F1Fo-ATP synthase δ subunit deletion abrogates lethal Candida albicans infection without affecting intracellular ATP concentrations or growth. Mechanistically, δ subunit deletion reduces Pfk1 activity by interrupting Pfk1 phosphorylation to trigger its conformation shifts, decreases downstream FBP level, blocks Ras1-dependent and -independent cAMP-PKA pathways, and curtails virulence factors. Based on these findings, we engineer a small molecule compound targeting δ subunit that effectively protects mice from succumbing to invasive candidiasis. In summary, our findings reveal that F1Fo-ATP synthase δ subunit determines lethal infection from pathogenic fungi and represents a potential therapeutic target.