Signalling Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Cryptococcus

Overview

Journal Cell Microbiol

Publisher Wiley

Specialties Cell Biology
Microbiology

Date 2009 Jan 28

PMID 19170685

Citations 84

Authors

Lukasz Kozubowski

Soo Chan Lee

Joseph Heitman

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

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.

Citing Articles

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