The iron-responsive, GATA-type transcription factor Cir1 influences mating in Cryptococcus neoformans.

ABSTRACT: Mating and sexual development have been associated with virulence in various fungal pathogens including Cryptococcus neoformans. This fungus is a significant pathogen of humans because it causes life-threatening cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompromised people such as AIDS patients. The virulence of C. neoformans is known to be associated with the mating type of the cells (α or a), with the α mating type being predominant among clinical isolates. However, the mechanisms by which mating and sexual development are controlled by environmental conditions and their relationship with virulence require further investigation. Cir1 is a GATA-type transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes required for utilization of essential metals such as iron and copper, and also genes requir

SUBMITTER: Jung WH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3906865 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature