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Related Experiment Videos

Iron acquisition by Cryptococcus neoformans

S E Vartivarian1, R E Cowart, E J Anaissie

  • 1Department of Medical Specialties, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.

Journal of Medical and Veterinary Mycology : Bi-Monthly Publication of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology
|May 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary
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The pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans acquires iron via cell surface reduction of ferric iron to ferrous iron and direct uptake of ferric iron chelates, bypassing siderophore production. This reveals novel iron acquisition mechanisms in fungi.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Mycology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Iron is vital for microbial growth and metabolism.
  • Pathogenic microbes typically use siderophores for iron acquisition.
  • Cryptococcus neoformans lacks siderophore production, leaving its iron uptake mechanism unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alternative iron acquisition pathways in Cryptococcus neoformans.
  • To examine the role of cell surface interactions in iron uptake.
  • To identify mechanisms beyond siderophore utilization.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized radiolabelled ferrous iron (FeII) and ferric iron (FeIII) chelates for uptake experiments.
  • Investigated the effect of bathophenanthroline sulphonate (Fe2+ chelator) on iron acquisition.

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  • Assessed the impact of KCN and dinitrophenol on iron uptake processes.

    • Main Results:

    • Evidence suggests the presence of iron(II) receptors and surface reduction of ferric iron to ferrous iron.
    • Iron(II) uptake exhibited hyperbolic kinetics and was inhibited by bathophenanthroline sulphonate.
    • Cryptococcus neoformans acquired iron from ferric citrate and pyrophosphate, with reduced uptake in the presence of bathophenanthroline sulphonate.
    • KCN inhibited iron(II) uptake significantly, while dinitrophenol had no effect.

    Conclusions:

    • Cryptococcus neoformans acquires iron through cell surface reduction of ferric chelates to ferrous iron, followed by ferrous iron uptake.
    • The yeast also directly acquires iron via interaction of ferric chelates with a surface component.
    • These findings elucidate novel iron acquisition strategies in Cryptococcus neoformans, independent of siderophores.