Metabolic adaptation in Cryptococcus neoformans during early murine pulmonary infection.

ABSTRACT:

Summary

The pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans generally initiates infection in mammalian lung tissue and subsequently disseminates to the brain. We performed serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) on C. neoformans cells recovered from the lungs of mice and found elevated expression of genes for central carbon metabolism including functions for acetyl-CoA production and utilization. Deletion of the highly expressed ACS1 gene encoding acetyl-CoA synthetase revealed a requirement for growth on acetate and for full virulence. Transcripts for transporters (e.g. for monosaccharides, iron, copper and acetate) and for stress-response proteins were also elevated thus indicating a nutrient-limited and hostile host environment. The pattern of regulation was reminiscent of the contr

SUBMITTER: Hu G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2730461 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature