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KRE genes are required for β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis, maintenance of capsule architecture and cell wall protein anchoring in Cryptococcus neoformans
Author(s) -
Gilbert Nicole M.,
Donlin Maureen J.,
Gerik Kimberly J.,
Specht Charles A.,
Djordjevic Julianne T.,
Wilson Christabel F.,
Sorrell Tania C.,
Lodge Jennifer K.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2010.07119.x
Subject(s) - cryptococcus neoformans , cell wall , virulence , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , mutant , cell , glucan , cryptococcosis , fungal protein , gene , biochemistry
Summary The polysaccharide β‐1,6‐glucan is a major component of the cell wall of Cryptococcus neoformans , but its function has not been investigated in this fungal pathogen. We have identified and characterized seven genes, belonging to the KRE family, which are putatively involved in β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis. The H99 deletion mutants kre5 Δ and kre6 Δ skn1 Δ contained less cell wall β‐1,6‐glucan, grew slowly with an aberrant morphology, were highly sensitive to environmental and chemical stress and were avirulent in a mouse inhalation model of infection. These two mutants displayed alterations in cell wall chitosan and the exopolysaccharide capsule, a primary cryptococcal virulence determinant. The cell wall content of the GPI‐anchored phospholipase B1 (Plb1) enzyme, which is required for cryptococcal cell wall integrity and virulence, was reduced in kre5 Δ and kre6 Δ skn1 Δ. Our results indicate that KRE5 , KRE6 and SKN1 are involved in β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis, maintenance of cell wall integrity and retention of mannoproteins and known cryptococcal virulence factors in the cell wall of C. neoformans . This study sets the stage for future investigations into the function of this abundant cell wall polymer.