title: The alpha-specific cell identity factor Sxi1alpha is not required for virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans.
abstract: Cryptococcus neoformans is a human fungal pathogen that has two mating types (a and alpha). Experiments have shown that in some backgrounds alpha strains are more virulent than a strains. Our studies reveal that the only known alpha-specific factor, SXI1alpha, is not necessary for virulence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Christina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Hull
authors.forename: Gary M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Heitman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D017353:Gene Deletion; D015966:Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal; D005800:Genes, Fungal / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D016919:Meningitis, Cryptococcal / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D051379:Mice; D008811:Mice, Inbred DBA; D012703:Serotyping; D014774:Virulence