We have identified an ALG3 homolog (CnALG3), coding for a dolichyl-phosphate-mannose dependent α-1,3-mannosyltransferase, in the human pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. The CnALG3 gene encodes a protein of 447 amino acids, showing approximately 33% sequence identity to the homologs of other yeast. For functional analysis of CnALG3, we constructed a null mutant strain and analyzed the N-glycan structures by HPLC and exoglycosidase treatment. CnALG3 was shown to be responsible for the conversion of Man5GlcNAc2-Dol-PP to Man6GlcNAc2-Dol-PP, the earliest step to attach a mannose to the lipid-linked oligosaccharide in the ER. The Cnalg3Δ mutant strain displayed a moderate defect in capsule biosynthesis, and exhibited more increased sensitivity to oxidative and cell wall stresses compared to the wild-type. The C. neoformans phospholipase PLB1, which is a glycoprotein aiding fungal traversal across the blood-brain barrier, was shown to have truncated N-glycans in the alg3Δ, which showed more apparent decrease than in the och1Δ and mnn2Δ. Moreover, the Cnalg3Δ showed fully attenuated virulence in a mouse model of cryptococcosis, suggesting that the alteration of N-glycan assembly affect considerably pathogenicity of C. neoformans. However, the non-opsonic phagocytosis of Cnalg3Δ was shown to be comparable to that of Cncap59Δ during cryptococcal pathogenesis, indicating that the truncated N-linked glycans may not affect the early steps in interaction with macrophages.
저자
Eun Jung Thak [ Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea ]
Dong-jik Lee [ Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea ]
Hyun Ah Kang [ Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea ]
본 학회는 화학, 생화학, 분자생물학, 미생물학, 식품공학, 의학, 약학, 유전공학 및 생물공학, 환경 및 기타 공업 등 전 분야의 탄수화물관련 이론과 기술을 연구 발전시키고 산학협동을 통해 이를 보급하여 국내 관련 산업의 발전 및 국민생활의 과학화에 기여하고자 하며, 이러한 목표와 비젼의 실현을 위해 회원들이 적극적인 참여와 활동을 전개하고자 한다.