Registered report protocol: Quantitative analysis of septin Cdc10-associated proteome in Cryptococcus neoformans

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Cell Biology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast pathogen causing infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
• Its virulence is linked to growth at 37°C, capsule formation, and melanin production.
• Septin proteins Cdc3 and Cdc12 are essential for C. neoformans proliferation at 37°C and virulence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the unknown role of septins in enabling C. neoformans to grow at host temperature.
• To identify septin Cdc10 binding partners, particularly those involved in high-temperature stress response.
• To elucidate mechanisms of C. neoformans survival during infection and discover potential drug targets.

Main Methods:

• Global analysis of septin Cdc10 binding partners in C. neoformans.
• Investigating protein interactions under high-temperature stress conditions.

Main Results:

• Septins are essential for C. neoformans growth at 37°C and virulence.
• Septin-interacting proteins at high temperatures are yet to be fully characterized.
• This study aims to uncover these interactions.

Conclusions:

• Understanding septin function at high temperatures is key to C. neoformans pathogenesis.
• Identifying septin-interacting proteins may reveal novel therapeutic targets for cryptococcosis.