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Diversity of laccase among Cryptococcus neoformans serotypes
Shoko Ito-Kuwa1, Kenjirou Nakamura, Brenda Valderrama
1Advanced Research Center, Nippon Dental University at Niigata, Niigata 951-8580, Japan. kuwas@ngt.ndu.ac.jp
Microbiology and Immunology
|September 30, 2008
Summary
The LAC1 gene, which produces melanin, a virulence factor in Cryptococcus neoformans, shows limited variability across its serotypes. Laccase protein sequences were conserved, particularly in copper-binding regions, indicating a shared evolutionary origin.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic yeast with five serotypes (A, D, B, C, AD).
- Melanin, a key virulence factor, is synthesized by laccase, an enzyme encoded by the LAC1 gene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the natural variability of the LAC1 gene across different Cryptococcus neoformans serotypes.
- To analyze the phylogenetic relationships of laccase proteins within Cryptococcus and related fungi.
Main Methods:
- Determined laccase protein sequences from 55 Cryptococcus strains.
- Reconstructed phylogenetic trees using laccase sequences from various fungal species.
Main Results:
- Laccase protein length varied (613-624 amino acids) across serotypes.
- Intra-serotype variation was minimal, with highest variation observed in two serotype B strains.
- Sequence similarity ranged from 80-96% between serotypes, with conserved copper-binding regions.
- Phylogenetic analysis grouped all five serotype laccases into a single monophyletic clade.
Conclusions:
- The LAC1 gene exhibits strong conservation across Cryptococcus neoformans serotypes, suggesting a common evolutionary path.
- Laccase protein sequences are highly conserved, particularly in functional regions, despite serotype differences.
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