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Updated: Jan 25, 2026
11:07
Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: December 19, 2014
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Life Cycle of Cryptococcus neoformans.
Youbao Zhao1, Jianfeng Lin1, Yumeng Fan1
1Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; email: xiaorong.lin@uga.edu, youbao.zhao@uga.edu, jianfeng.lin@uga.edu, yumeng.fan25@uga.edu.
Annual Review of Microbiology
|May 15, 2019
Summary
Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus causing meningitis, has a complex life cycle. Understanding its yeast-to-hypha transition and sexual reproduction impacts cryptococcal populations and pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Microbial Pathogenesis
- Eukaryotic Biology
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is a widespread fungus and opportunistic pathogen responsible for cryptococcal meningitis.
- Recent advancements in genomics, genetics, and molecular biology have enhanced understanding of C. neoformans.
- C. neoformans serves as a model organism for studying eukaryotic processes and microbial pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the life cycle of Cryptococcus neoformans.
- To emphasize the regulation of the yeast-to-hypha transition.
- To discuss the impacts of the life cycle on cryptococcal populations and pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent progress in C. neoformans research.
- Analysis of genomic, genetic, and cellular/molecular biology data.
- Focus on the regulation of morphological transitions and sexual reproduction.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of the C. neoformans life cycle.
- Elucidation of factors regulating the yeast-to-hypha transition.
- Exploration of diverse sexual reproduction modes in C. neoformans.
Conclusions:
- The life cycle of C. neoformans significantly influences its population dynamics.
- Understanding the life cycle provides insights into cryptococcal pathogenesis.
- C. neoformans' life cycle research is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
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