Chitosan, the Deacetylated Form of Chitin, Is Necessary for Cell Wall Integrity in Cryptococcus neoformans

• DOI: 10.1128/ec.00399-06
• Publication Date: 2007-03-31T01:05:54Z
• Authors: Lorina G. Baker; Charles A. Specht; Maureen J. Donlin; Jennifer K. Lodge
• Keywords: Chitin synthase; Antifungal drugs

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The cell wall excellent target for antifungal therapies as it essential organelle provides structure and integrity, needed the localization or attachment of known virulence factors, including polysaccharide capsule, melanin, phospholipase, critical host-pathogen interactions. In C. neoformans, chitosan produced by enzymatic removal acetyl groups from nascent chitin polymers has been implicated important component vegetative wall. this study, we identify four putative chitin/polysaccharide deacetylases neoformans. We have demonstrated three these deacetylases, Cda1, Cda2, Cda3, can account all during growth culture, but function one, Fpd1, remains undetermined. data suggest a model production vegetatively growing where convert generated synthase Chs3 into chitosan. Utilizing collection deacetylase deletion strains, determined growth, helps to maintain integrity aids bud separation. Additionally, necessary maintaining normal capsule width lack results "leaky melanin" phenotype. Our analysis indicates made them may prove be targets.