Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen that poses serious risks, especially to individuals with compromised immune systems. It is a primary cause of meningitis in HIV/AIDS patients, potentially leading to brain damage or death, and can also cause severe respiratory and systemic infections. Although rare, this fungus is a major public health concern due to its resistance to some antifungal medications. In 2022, it was added to the WHO Critical Priority Group of deadly pathogens.
C. neoformans can change form or shape during its life cycle, a process known as pleomorphism, which is linked to its virulence. For instance, hypervirulent strains display larger capsules, greater variation in cell size, and increased shedding of capsules and microcells. The mechanisms behind pleomorphism remain largely unexplored.
Research opportunities regarding this research topic include:
- Studying the effect of environmental factors like temperature, carbon dioxide, and pH on gene expression and pleomorphic behaviors, including capsule production and cell-wall synthesis.
- Applying high-throughput techniques such as RNA-Seq and live-cell imaging to explore the basis of pleomorphism.
- Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 for genome editing to investigate genes and pathways related to pleomorphism.
- Examining the role of post-translational modifications, such as ubiquitination and SUMOylation, in pleomorphism.
- Investigating the involvement of liquid-liquid phase separation and membrane-less organelles in pleomorphism and virulence.
C. neoformans can change form or shape during its life cycle, a process known as pleomorphism, which is linked to its virulence. For instance, hypervirulent strains display larger capsules, greater variation in cell size, and increased shedding of capsules and microcells. The mechanisms behind pleomorphism remain largely unexplored.
Research opportunities regarding this research topic include:
- Studying the effect of environmental factors like temperature, carbon dioxide, and pH on gene expression and pleomorphic behaviors, including capsule production and cell-wall synthesis.
- Applying high-throughput techniques such as RNA-Seq and live-cell imaging to explore the basis of pleomorphism.
- Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 for genome editing to investigate genes and pathways related to pleomorphism.
- Examining the role of post-translational modifications, such as ubiquitination and SUMOylation, in pleomorphism.
- Investigating the involvement of liquid-liquid phase separation and membrane-less organelles in pleomorphism and virulence.
