Proteomic Profile of Cryptococcus neoformans Biofilm Reveals Changes in Metabolic Processes

• DOI: 10.1021/pr401075f
• Publication Date: 2014-01-19T15:38:57Z
• Authors: Lucélia Santi; Walter O. Beys-da...; Markus Berger; Diego Calzolari; Jorge A. Guimarães; James J. Moresco; John R. Yates
• Keywords: Metabolic pathway; Shotgun proteomics; Proteolysis

Cryptococcus neoformans, a pathogenic yeast, causes meningoencephalitis, especially in immunocompromised patients, leading some cases to death. Microbes biofilms can cause persistent infections, which are harder treat. Cryptococcal becoming common due the growing use of brain valves and other medical devices. Using shotgun proteomics we determine differences protein abundance between biofilm planktonic cells. Applying bioinformatic tools, also evaluated metabolic pathways involved maintenance interactions. Our proteomic data suggest general changes metabolism, turnover, global stress responses. Biofilm cells show an increase proteins related oxidation-reduction, proteolysis, response reduction process, transport, translation. An pyruvate-utilizing enzymes was detected, suggesting shift from TCA cycle fermentation-derived energy acquisition. Additionally, assign putative roles 33 previously categorized as hypothetical. Many were identified studies bacterial biofilm, potentially revealing conserved strategy lifestyle.