Lipid metabolism in Cryptococcus neoformans

FEMS Yeast Res. 2006 Jun;6(4):469-79. doi: 10.1111/j.1567-1364.2006.00080.x.

Abstract

In recent years, lipids have been shown to act as signalling molecules not only in mammalian cells but also in many other eukaryotes. Whereas in mammalian cells lipids regulate cellular functions that play crucial roles in the regulation of pathobiological processes, such as cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammation, in the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans lipids play key roles in the regulation of pathogenic traits required for the development of cryptococcosis, an infectious disease particularly frequent in immunocompromised individuals. In this minireview we discuss recent advances in the understanding of lipid metabolism in this important human pathogen, highlighting the potential of fungal lipid enzymatic pathways as promising new drug targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cryptococcosis / microbiology
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / enzymology*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / pathogenicity
  • Eicosanoids / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Mice
  • Phospholipases / metabolism
  • Sphingolipids / metabolism*

Substances

  • Eicosanoids
  • Sphingolipids
  • Phospholipases