Selected Grantee Publications

The Buoyancy of Cryptococcal Cells and Its Implications for Transport and Persistence of Cryptococcus in Aqueous Environments

Jimenez et al., mSphere. 2024.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39601568/

Cryptococcosis is a major fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening infections. Researchers discovered that Cryptococcus has unique buoyancy properties that help with its survival and spread through water transport. This study explores how these fungal cells remain suspended in liquid, potentially enhancing their ability to survive in their surroundings and infect new hosts. Understanding the role of cellular buoyancy in Cryptococcus transport could improve strategies to prevent spread in aqueous settings, offering new insights into fungal infection risks. Supported by ORIP (T32OD011089), NIAID, and NHLBI.