Work

Virulence-Associated Enzymes of Cryptococcus neoformans

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Enzymes play key roles in fungal pathogenesis. Manipulation of enzyme expression or activity can significantly alter the infection process, and enzyme expression profiles can be a hallmark of disease. Hence, enzymes are worthy targets for better understanding pathogenesis and identifying new options for combatting fungal infections. Advances in genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and mass spectrometry have enabled the identification and characterization of new fungal enzymes. This review focuses on recent developments in the virulence-associated enzymes from Cryptococcus neoformans. The enzymatic suite of C. neoformans has evolved for environmental survival, but several of these enzymes play a dual role in colonizing the mammalian host. We also discuss new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies that could be based on the underlying enzymology.

Source: Eukaryotic Cell

DOI: 10.1128/ec.00103-15

Authors: Fausto Almeida, Julie M. Wolf, Arturo Casadevall

Institutions: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, Yeshiva University, Johns Hopkins University

Language: English

Topic: Fungal Infections and Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases