Amoeba Predation of Cryptococcus neoformans Results in Pleiotropic Changes to Traits Associated with Virulence
Man Shun Fu, Livia C. Liporagi-Lopes, Samuel Ribeiro dos Santos, Jennifer L. Tenor, John R. Perfect, Christina A. Cuomo, Arturo Casadevall
Abstract
changes its virulence through interactions with protozoa is unknown. Our study indicates that fungal survival in the face of amoeba predation is associated with the emergence of pleiotropic phenotypic and genomic changes that increase the chance of fungal survival, with this diversity suggesting a bet-hedging strategy to ensure that some forms survive.
Topics & Concepts
Cryptococcus neoformansVirulenceBiologyFungal pathogenAmoeba (genus)FungusMicrobiologyCryptococcosisCryptococcusPredationHuman pathogenYeastPathogenPathogenic fungusEcologyGeneGeneticsBotanyFungal Infections and StudiesAntifungal resistance and susceptibilityPlant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases