Insights into LysM proteins of medically important yeasts.

LysM proteins are widely distributed in fungi of diverse lifestyles, including pathogens of humans and animals. Using bioinformatic methods, LysM proteins have been identified in representative yeasts of medical importance. However, LysM proteins have been found in only four ascomycete yeasts (Candida subhashii, C. tropicalis, Debaryomyces fabryi, and D. hansenii). In contrast, almost all basidiomycete yeasts contain at least one LysM effector but lack subgroup C chitinases. Notably, a unique LysM effector is highly conserved among all the lipid-dependent Malassezia species. The repertoire of LysM proteins in medically important yeasts appears to be more determined by the fungal lifestyle than by host colonization.