Cell wall integrity is dependent on the PKC1 signal transduction pathway in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Cell wall biogenesis and integrity are crucial for fungal growth, pathogenesis and survival, and are attractive targets for antifungal therapy. In this study, we identify, delete and analyse mutant strains for 10 genes involved in the PKC1 signal transduction pathway and its regulation in Cryptococcus neoformans. The kinases Bck1 and Mkk2 are critical for maintaining integrity, and deletion of each of these causes severe phenotypes different from each other. In stark contrast to results seen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a deletion in LRG1 has severe repercussions for the cell, and one in ROM2 has little effect. Also surprisingly, the phosphatase Ppg1 is crucial for cell integrity. These data indicate that the mechanisms of maintaining cell integrity differ between the two fungi. Deletions in SSD1 and PUF4, potential alternative regulators of cell integrity, also exhibit phenotypes. This is the first comprehensive analysis examining genes involved the maintenance of cell integrity in C. neoformans and sets the foundation for future biochemical and virulence studies.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Gerik, KJ; Donlin, MJ; Soto, CE; Banks, AM; Banks, IR; Maligie, MA; Selitrennikoff, CP; Lodge, JK

Published Date

  • October 2005

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 58 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 393 - 408

PubMed ID

  • 16194228

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0950-382X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2005.04843.x

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England