Signalling pathways in the pathogenesis of Cryptococcus.
Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)
Efficient communication with the environment is critical for all living organisms. Fungi utilize complex signalling systems to sense their environments and control proliferation, development and in some cases virulence. Well-studied signalling pathways include the protein kinase A/cyclic AMP (cAMP), protein kinase C (PKC)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), lipid signalling cascades, and the calcium-calcineurin signalling pathway. The human pathogenic basidiomycetous fungus Cryptococcus neoformans deploys sensitive signalling systems to survive in the human host, leading to life-threatening meningoencephalitis. Known virulence traits of this fungus, including the antioxidant melanin production, the antiphagocytic polysaccharide capsule and the ability to grow at 37 degrees C, are orchestrated by complex signalling networks, whose understanding is crucial to better treat, diagnose and prevent cryptococcosis.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Kozubowski, L; Lee, SC; Heitman, J
Published Date
- March 2009
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 11 / 3
Start / End Page
- 370 - 380
PubMed ID
- 19170685
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC3310389
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1462-5822
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2008.01273.x
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- India