title: Cyclic AMP signaling in Cryptococcus neoformans.
abstract: As pathogenic microorganisms establish an infection, they must be able to sense host-specific signals and respond by elaborating determinants that allow for survival in these hostile conditions. Pathogen cell surface proteins detect these signals and activate signal transduction cascades that ultimately alter gene expression resulting in an adaptive cellular response. Here we review the mechanisms by which a pathogenic fungus uses the highly conserved cAMP signal transduction pathway to regulate cellular differentiation as well as its virulence potential.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Read
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pukkila-Worley
authors.forename: J Andrew
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Alspaugh
mesh_terms: D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D000242:Cyclic AMP