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A Landscape of the Genomic Structure of Cryptococcus neoformans in Colombian Isolates

Luz Helena Patiño1, Marina Muñoz1, Angie Lorena Ramírez1

  • 1Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Genomic analysis of Cryptococcus neoformans in Colombia reveals intraspecific divergence. Colombian isolates, primarily VNI type, show moderate genetic variation, suggesting no major adaptations for host interaction.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Genomics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cryptococcus neoformans causes lethal meningoencephalitis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Colombia has the second-highest burden of Cryptococcosis globally, necessitating regional genomic studies.
  • Limited genomic data exists for C. neoformans from South America, hindering comprehensive understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To sequence and analyze the genomic architecture of Colombian C. neoformans isolates.
  • To evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of these strains with global C. neoformans genomes.
  • To investigate intraspecific divergence and potential host adaptation mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Whole genome sequencing of 29 Colombian C. neoformans isolates.
  • Phylogenomic analysis comparing isolates to publicly available genomes.
  • Analysis of karyotype, gene copy number variations, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Main Results:

  • 97% of Colombian isolates belonged to the VNI molecular type, with identified sub-lineages and sub-clades.
  • Genomic analysis revealed stable karyotypes, low gene copy number variations, and moderate SNPs.
  • Observed SNP differences between sub-lineages suggest involvement in crucial fungal biological processes.

Conclusions:

  • Colombian C. neoformans isolates exhibit significant intraspecific divergence.
  • Findings suggest Colombian C. neoformans may not require major structural genomic changes for host adaptation.
  • This study provides the first whole genome data for Colombian C. neoformans isolates.
Keywords:
CNVCryptococcus neoformansSNPwhole genome sequencing

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