Tools for Assessing Translation in Cryptococcus neoformans

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans is a ubiquitous environmental fungus capable of establishing an infection in a human host. Rapid changes in environments and exposure to the host immune system results in a significant amount of cellular stress, which is effectively combated at the level of translatome reprogramming. Repression of translation following stress allows for the specific reallocation of limited resources. Understanding the mechanisms involved in regulating translation in C. neoformans during host infection is critical in the development of new antifungal drugs. In this review, we discuss the main tools available for assessing changes in translation state and translational output during cellular stress.

Antifungal activity of eumelanin-inspired indoylenepheyleneethynylene against Cryptococcus neoformans

“…In addition, we saw a reduction in ribosomal protein translation in our treated populations. Regulation of translation is crucial for C. neoformans to adapt to the environmental stressors ( Knowles et al, 2021 ).…”

“…In addition, we saw a reduction in ribosomal protein translation in our treated populations. Regulation of translation is crucial for C. neoformans to adapt to the environmental stressors (Knowles et al, 2021). This capability of C. neoformans to adapt to stressors demonstrates not only its cellular mechanisms, but also its plasticity of its cell wall, which plays a key role in the defense of the cell from environmental stress and maintains integrity of the cell (Rodrigues et al, 2008;Garcia-Rubio et al, 2020;Upadhya et al, 2023).…”

Contributions of Ccr4 and Gcn2 to the Translational Response of C. neoformans to Host-Relevant Stressors and Integrated Stress Response Induction

“…Polysome and disome profiling was performed as previously described ( 56 ). Briefly, each cell pellet was resuspended in 1 mL of polysome lysis buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl [pH 8.0], 140 mM KCl, 5 mM MgCl 2 , 1% Triton X-100, 25 mg/mL heparin sodium sulfate, and 0.1 mg/mL cycloheximide) and transferred to a microcentrifuge tube.…”

Human–Fungal Pathogen Interactions from the Perspective of Immunoproteomics Analyses

“…When organisms encounter stress, global translational repression allows the cells to reallocate valuable energetic resources to mount an appropriate response to specific environmental stressors [ 79 , 80 ]. Pathogenic fungi are exposed to several host-derived stressors, such as elevated temperature, reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and deficiencies in essential nutrients.…”