title: Cryptococcal 3-Hydroxy Fatty Acids Protect Cells Against Amoebal Phagocytosis.
abstract: We previously reported on a 3-hydroxy fatty acid that is secreted via cryptococcal capsular protuberances - possibly to promote pathogenesis and survival. Thus, we investigated the role of this molecule in mediating the fate of Cryptococcus (C.) neoformans and the related species C. gattii when predated upon by amoebae. We show that this molecule protects cells against the phagocytic effects of amoebae. C. neoformans UOFS Y-1378 (which produces 3-hydroxy fatty acids) was less sensitive toward amoebae compared to C. neoformans LMPE 046 and C. gattii R265 (both do not produce 3-hydroxy fatty acids) and addition of 3-hydroxy fatty acids to C. neoformans LMPE 046 and C. gattii R265 culture media, causes these strains to become more resistant to amoebal predation. Conversely, addition of aspirin (a 3-hydroxy fatty acid inhibitor) to C. neoformans UOFS Y-1378 culture media made cells more susceptible to amoebae. Our data suggest that this molecule is secreted at a high enough concentration to effect intracellular signaling within amoeba, which in turn, promotes fungal survival.
authors.affiliation: Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa.
authors.forename: Uju L
authors.initials: UL
authors.lastname: Madu
authors.affiliation: Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa.
authors.forename: Adepemi O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Ogundeji
authors.affiliation: Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa.
authors.forename: Bonang M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Mochochoko
authors.affiliation: Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa.
authors.forename: Carolina H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Pohl
authors.affiliation: Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa.
authors.forename: Jacobus
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Albertyn
authors.affiliation: Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa.
authors.forename: Chantel W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Swart
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: J William
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Allwood
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Southam
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Warwick B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham Birmingham, UK ; Institute of Microbiology and Infection and the School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Robin C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: May
authors.affiliation: Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa ; Institute of Microbiology and Infection and the School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Olihile M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Sebolai
keywords: 3-Hydroxy fatty acids; Amoeba; Cryptococcus; phagocytosis; protection