Determining the role of 14-3-3 protein in regulating intracellular growth of the human pathogen Cryptococcus

• Grant number: 19/07938-0
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Effective date (Start): December 30, 2019
• Effective date (End): April 04, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal researcher: Maria José Soares Mendes Giannini
• Grantee: Junya de Lacorte Singulani
• Supervisor abroad: Robin May
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Research place: University of Birmingham, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 17/06658-9 - Platform for antifungal development in a nanostructured lipid system aiming at efficacy and safety in alternative animal models, BP.PD

Abstract

Cryptococcus spp. cause invasive fungal infections, which are responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. The fungus can transfer among macrophages by both lytic and non-lytic methods, facilitating dissemination within the host organism. Previous studies have identified a key role for cryptococcal extracellular vesicles (EVs) in regulating the proliferation of this fungus within the host. The 14-3-3 protein is abundant in cryptococcal EVs and has been previously implicated in pathogenesis in other fungi. However, how 14-3-3 protein regulates cryptococcal virulence, and whether this is via an EV-mediated mechanism, remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this project is to analyze the role of 14-3-3 protein in the two major pathogenic species of Cryptococcus (C. neoformans and C. gattii) by combining genetic and pharmacological inhibition with in vitro infection assays and high-resolution imaging techniques.