Impact of Protein Palmitoylation on the Virulence Potential of Cryptococcus neoformans.

ABSTRACT: The localization and specialized function of Ras-like proteins are largely determined by posttranslational processing events. In a highly regulated process, palmitoyl groups may be added to C-terminal cysteine residues, targeting these proteins to specific membranes. In the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, Ras1 protein palmitoylation is essential for growth at high temperature but is dispensable for sexual differentiation. Ras1 palmitoylation is also required for localization of this protein on the plasma membrane. Together, these results support a model in which specific Ras functions are mediated from different subcellular locations. We therefore hypothesize that proteins that activate Ras1 or mediate Ras1 localization to the plasma membrane will be important for C. neoform

SUBMITTER: Nichols CB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4486677 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature