CPS1, a homolog of the Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3 polysaccharide synthase gene, is important for the pathobiology of Cryptococcus neoformans.

ABSTRACT: The polysaccharide capsule is known to be the major factor required for the virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans. We have cloned and characterized a gene, designated CPS1, that encodes a protein containing a glycosyltransferase moiety and shares similarity with the type 3 polysaccharide synthase encoded by the cap3B gene of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Cps1p also shares similarity with hyaluronan synthase of higher eukaryotes. Deletion of the CPS1 gene from a serotype D strain of C. neoformans resulted in a slight reduction of the capsule size as observed by using an India ink preparation. The growth at 37 degrees C was impaired, and the ability to associate with human brain endothelial cells in vitro was also significantly reduced by the deletion of CPS1. Using site-specific mutagenesis, we

SUBMITTER: Chang YC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1489683 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature