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STRIPAK complex defects result in pseudosexual reproduction in Cryptococcus neoformans
Patricia P Peterson1, Sarah Croog1, Yeseul Choi1
1Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|April 29, 2025
Summary
The STRIPAK complex in Cryptococcus neoformans is crucial for sexual reproduction and genome stability. Disruptions lead to altered reproductive modes and potential impacts on fungal pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cellular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- STRIPAK is an evolutionarily conserved signaling complex involved in diverse cellular processes.
- In Cryptococcus neoformans, STRIPAK maintains genome stability and controls development.
- Sexual reproduction in C. neoformans is linked to virulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the roles of STRIPAK subunits Pph22 and Far8 in C. neoformans sexual development.
- Determine how STRIPAK influences reproductive modes and nuclear inheritance.
Main Methods:
- Gene deletion mutants (pph22Δ, far8Δ) were created and analyzed.
- Sexual and pseudosexual reproduction assays were performed.
- Overexpression of PPG1 was used to assess functional redundancy.
Main Results:
- pph22Δ mutants showed defects in sexual reproduction, impaired meiosis, and spore formation.
- Pph22 deletion led to exclusive pseudosexual reproduction.
- Overexpression of PPG1 rescued defects and restored sexual reproduction preference.
- far8Δ mutants also exhibited high rates of pseudosexual reproduction.
Conclusions:
- STRIPAK complex, particularly Pph22 and Far8, plays distinct roles in regulating sexual reproduction modes in C. neoformans.
- STRIPAK influences nuclear inheritance and meiotic progression.
- Disruptions in STRIPAK impact fungal genome integrity and pathogenesis.
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