Genetic Interaction Analysis Reveals that Cryptococcus neoformans Utilizes Multiple Acetyl-CoA-Generating Pathways during Infection.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an important human fungal pathogen for which the external environment is its primary niche. Previous work has shown that two nonessential acetyl-CoA metabolism enzymes, ATP-citrate lyase () and acetyl-CoA synthetase (), play important roles in C. neoformans infection.

Gluconate Kinase Is Required for Gluconate Assimilation and Sporulation in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an environmental yeast and an opportunistic human pathogen. The ability to cause disease depends on the ability to adapt to the human host. Previous studies implicated nfectivity-elated inase (, CNAG_03048) as required for establishing an infection.

Structural Characterization of the Reaction and Substrate Specificity Mechanisms of Pathogenic Fungal Acetyl-CoA Synthetases.

Acetyl CoA synthetases (ACSs) are cyl-CoA/RPS/uciferase (ANL) superfamily enzymes that couple acetate with CoA to generate acetyl CoA, a key component of central carbon metabolism in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Normal mammalian cells are not dependent on ACSs, while tumor cells, fungi, and parasites rely on acetate as a precursor for acetyl CoA. Consequently, ACSs have emerged as a potential drug target.