A eukaryotic intein (Cne PRP8) from Cryptococcus neoformans and potential use as a molecular target for treatment of severe microbial infection

摘要

Inteins are not known from any mammalian gene and as such they are potential molecular targets with regard to the treatment of severe microbial infections. Cryptococcus neoformans is one of the principal yeast pathogens in humans. It can cause incurable, frequently fatal infections and has become especially significant as a predominant secondary pathogen associated with pandemic HIV infection. The most common clinical manifestation is chronic meningitis, which may be accompanied by lesions on the skin and lungs. An isolated intein, Cne PRP, obtained from C.neoformans strain Cn3511 is described in addition to a method for screening an agent for antimicrobial activity against a microorganism comprising detecting inhibitors of the intein by monitoring intein function.