Abstract: Objective: To determine the influence of HOG1 gene on stress, virulence factors and anti-fungal drug sensitivity of Cryptococcus gattii. Methods: The growth difference of Cryptococcus gattii (wild strain, hog1Δ strain and reconstruction strain) in high osmotic pressure medium and antifungal medium, and the bacterial capsule size in the YEPD medium and melanin production in the caffeine medium were compared. Results: hog1Δ strain showed growth limitation in high osmotic pressure medium and antifungal medium, reduction of capsule synthesis in YEPD medium and less melanin production in caffeine medium. Conclusion: HOG1 gene plays an essential role in the environmental stress, production of virulence factors and antifungal drug sensitivity of Cryptococcus gattii.

Key words: Cryptococcus gattii, HOG1 gene, HOG-MAPK pathway