Cryptococcus neoformans
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyCalcium Binding Protein Ncs1 Is Calcineurin Regulated in Cryptococcus neoformans and Essential for Cell Division and VirulenceCryptococcus neoformans is the major cause of fungal meningitis in HIV-infected patients. Several studies have highlighted the important contributions of Ca2+ signaling and homeostasis to the virulence of C. neoformans. Here, we identify the cryptococcal ortholog of neuronal calcium...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyVariation in Cell Surface Hydrophobicity among Cryptococcus neoformans Strains Influences Interactions with AmoebasThe interaction of a microbial cell with its environment is influenced by the biophysical properties of a cell. The affinity of the cell surface for water, defined by the cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), is a biophysical parameter that varies among different strains of Cryptococcus neoformans. The CSH influences the phagocytosis of the yeast by its natural predator...
Commentary | Molecular Biology and PhysiologymSphere of Influence: the Power of Yeast Genetics Still Going Strong!Felipe Santiago-Tirado studies the cell biology of cryptococcal infections.
Editor's Pick Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyIntranasal Inoculation of Cryptococcus neoformans in Mice Produces Nasal Infection with Rapid Brain DisseminationCryptococcus neoformans causes an estimated 181, 000 deaths each year, mostly associated with untreated HIV/AIDS. C. neoformans has a ubiquitous worldwide distribution. Humans become infected from exposure to environmental sources, after which the fungus lays dormant within the human body. Upon AIDS...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyThe Buoyancy of Cryptococcus neoformans Is Affected by Capsule SizeThe buoyancy of a microbial cell is an important physical characteristic that may affect its transportability in fluids and interactions with tissues during infection. The polysaccharide capsule surrounding C. neoformans is required for infection and dissemination in the host. Our results indicate that the capsule has a significant effect on reducing cryptococcal cell...
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionNovel Antifungal Compounds Discovered in Medicines for Malaria Venture’s Malaria BoxMuch like the recent increase in drug-resistant bacteria, there is a rise in antifungal-resistant strains of pathogenic fungi. There is a need for novel and more potent antifungal therapeutics. Consequently, we investigated a mixed library of drug-like and probe-like compounds with activity in Plasmodium spp. for activity against two common fungal pathogens, ...
Opinion/Hypothesis | Host-Microbe BiologyContinental Drift and Speciation of the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii Species Complexes
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionDiscovery of a Novel Antifungal Agent in the Pathogen BoxCryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans are two major human fungal pathogens and together account for over 1.4 million infections annually, with very high mortality rates. These fungi often infect immunocompromised individuals, such as HIV/AIDS patients. In an effort to identify novel drugs...
Editor's Pick Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyPho4 Is Essential for Dissemination of Cryptococcus neoformans to the Host Brain by Promoting Phosphate Uptake and Growth at Alkaline pHCryptococcal meningitis is fatal without treatment and responsible for more than 500,000 deaths annually. To be a successful pathogen, C. neoformans must obtain an adequate supply of essential nutrients, including phosphate, from various host niches. Phosphate acquisition in fungi is regulated by the PHO signaling cascade, which is activated when intracellular...
Perspective | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyThe Case for Adopting the “Species Complex” Nomenclature for the Etiologic Agents of Cryptococcosis