Original Publication Date: 18 October, 2016
Publication / Source: Future Microbiology
Authors: Oliveira DL, Fonesca FL, Zamith-Miranda D et al
Aim: We investigated the involvement of the autophagy protein 7 (Atg7) in physiology and pathogenic potential of Cryptococcus neoformans. Materials & methods: The C. neoformans gene encoding Atg7 was deleted by biolistic transformation for characterization of autophagy mechanisms, pigment formation, cell dimensions, interaction with phagocytes and pathogenic potential in vivo. Results & conclusion: ATG7 deletion resulted in defective autophagy mechanisms, enhanced pigmentation and increased cellular size both in vitro and in vivo.