Cell wall α-1,3-glucan is required to anchor the Cryptococcus neoformans capsule
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Molecular Microbiology
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for serious disease in humans. Critical for virulence of this fungus is an elaborate polysaccharide capsule, which impedes the host immune response. We found that association of the capsule with the cell requires a specific component of the cell wall, α-1,3-glucan. Post-transcriptional inhibition of α-1,3-glucan synthase expression, using double-stranded RNA interference, yields cells that are unable to assemble a capsule although they generate its polysaccharide components. The resulting cryptococci are slow-growing and acapsular. This finding demonstrates a novel mode of polysaccharide attachment and an important application of RNA interference in fungi. The elimination of the capsule by reducing the expression of a single gene suggests a potential avenue for antifungal chemotherapy.
First Page
1401
Last Page
1409
DOI
10.1046/j.1365-2958.2003.03780.x
Publication Date
11-1-2003
Recommended Citation
Reese, Amy J. and Doering, Tamara L., "Cell wall α-1,3-glucan is required to anchor the Cryptococcus neoformans capsule" (2003). Basic Sciences Faculty Publications. 158.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2958.2003.03780.x
https://collections.uhsp.edu/basic-sciences_pubs/158