Year: 2023
Type: preprint
Abstract: SUMMARY Glycogen is a glucose storage molecule comprised of branched α-1,4-glucan chains, best known as an energy reserve that can be broken down to fuel central metabolism. Because fungal cells have a specialized need for glucose in building cell wall glucans, we investigated whether glycogen is used for this process. For these studies we focused on the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans , which causes over 112,000 deaths per year worldwide. We identified two enzymes that influence formation of both glycogen and the cell wall: Gly-cogenin (Glg1), which initiates glycogen synthesis, and a novel protein that we call G lucan o rganizing e nzyme 1 (Goe1). We discovered that cells missing Glg1 lack α-1,4-glucan in their walls, indicating that this material is derived from glycogen. Without Goe1, glycogen rosettes are mislocalized and β-1,3-glucan in the cell wall is reduced. Altogether, our results provide mechanisms for a close association between glycogen and cell wall.
Authors: Liza Loza, Tamara L. Doering
Institution: Washington University in St. Louis
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4387938728