A putative P-type ATPase, Apt1, is involved in stress tolerance and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans.

ABSTRACT: The export of virulence factors, such as the capsule polysaccharide, to the cell surface is a critical aspect of the pathogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans. A view of capsule export via exocytosis and extracellular vesicles is emerging, but the molecular mechanisms underlying virulence factor transport pathways remain to be established. In this study, we characterized the APT1 gene, which encodes a predicted integral membrane P-type ATPase belonging to the type IV, Drs2 family of aminophospholipid translocases (flippases) (APTs). APTs maintain the phospholipid asymmetry that is critical in membrane fusion events for trafficking and in establishing cell polarity. Deletion of the APT1 gene resulted in phenotypes consistent with similar roles in C. neoformans. These included altered actin d

SUBMITTER: Hu G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2805298 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature