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The putative autophagy regulator Atg7 affects the physiology and pathogenic mechanisms of Cryptococcus neoformans

Debora L Oliveira1, Fernanda L Fonseca1, Daniel Zamith-Miranda2

  • 1Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Future Microbiology
|October 30, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Autophagy protein 7 (Atg7) in Cryptococcus neoformans impacts virulence. Deleting Atg7 impaired autophagy but increased pigmentation and cell size, leading to reduced survival and host interaction.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Autophagy is a crucial cellular process.
  • Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of autophagy protein 7 (Atg7) in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Main Methods:

  • Gene deletion of Atg7 in C. neoformans via biolistic transformation.
  • Characterization of autophagy, pigmentation, cell size, and host interactions.

Main Results:

  • Atg7 deletion resulted in defective autophagy, enhanced pigmentation, and increased cell size.
  • The atg7Δ mutant showed decreased survival in mice and increased susceptibility to phagocytes.

Conclusions:

  • Atg7 is implicated in the pathogenicity mechanisms of Cryptococcus neoformans.
  • Atg7 influences fungal physiology and host-pathogen interactions.
Keywords:
ATG7Cryptococcus neoformansautophagymacrophagesvirulence

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