Identification of major proteins secreted by Cryptococcus neoformans

FEMS Yeast Res. 2006 Jun;6(4):645-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1567-1364.2006.00043.x.

Abstract

The characterization of proteins secreted by Cryptococcus neoformans is of relevance to the identification of vaccine candidates, because concentrated supernatants from the fungus have been shown to be immunoprotective in previous studies. After fractionation of supernatants by anion exchange chromatography and preparative electrophoresis, we obtained the N-terminal amino acid sequences of 13 major proteins. Using a C. neoformans nucleotide database, we were able to clone and sequence the ORFs coding for 12 of these proteins. Some of the genes are identical to previously described ones, while six encode novel proteins, including four putative mannoproteins. The molecular characterization of these and other secreted products may provide useful information in the development of immune-based strategies to control cryptococcosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / genetics
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / growth & development
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / metabolism*
  • Culture Media, Conditioned / chemistry
  • Fungal Proteins / chemistry*
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Molecular Sequence Data

Substances

  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • mannoproteins