RNA-sequencing analysis of fluconazole-treated wild-type and upc2A null cells [Fluconazole]

Purpose: Compare the fluconazole-induced transcriptome of isogenic wild-type and upc2A null cells. Methods: Prepare total RNA from wild-type and upc2A null cells grown under unstressed conditions or challenged with 50 microgram/ml fluconazole for 6 hours. Use standard RNA-seq to evaluate and compare the transcriptomic changes caused by fluconazole in the presence or absence of UPC2A. Results: These data established that over 100 genes were induced by fluconazole in a UPC2A-dependent manner. However, most fluconazole-induced genes (>500) did not require the presence of UPC2A. Fluconazole-induced genes included the expected genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis but also large number of plasma membrane-localized transporters. Conclusions: These data suggest that Upc2A provided transcriptional co-regulation between membrane transporters and the lipid environment in which these proteins function. A significant portion of the fluconazole-induced transcriptome does not require the presence of Upc2A, suggesting the presence of other transcriptional circuits responsive to this pharmacologic block of ergosterol biosynthesis. Candida glabrata mRNA profiles of wild-type (WT) and upc2A null strains grown +/- fluconazole treatment.