Pleiotropic function of intersectin homologue Cin1 in Cryptococcus neoformans.

ABSTRACT: The manifestation of virulence traits in Cryptococcus neoformans is thought to rely on intracellular transport, a process not fully explored in this pathogenic fungus. Through interaction cloning, we identified a multi-modular protein, Cin1 (cryptococcal intersectin 1), whose domain structure is similar to that of the human endocytic protein ITSN1. Cin1 contains an N-terminal EH domain, a central coiled-coil region, a WH2 domain, two SH3 domains and a C-terminal RhoGEF (DH)-PH domain. Interestingly, alternative mRNA splicing resulted in two Cin1 isoforms, and Cin1 homologues are also restricted to basidiomycetous fungi. Disruption of the CIN1 gene had a pleiotropic effect on growth, normal cytokinesis, intracellular transports and the production of several virulence factors. Additionally,

SUBMITTER: Shen G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3074581 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature