Genomic approaches to investigate the pathogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans, a model pathogenic fungus, exemplifies the application of several genome-wide approaches to investigate fungal pathogenicity. This review focuses on the application of genome-wide approaches to large populations of clinical and environmental isolates rather than to a small number of well-defined laboratory strains. Specific examples include the construction and utilization of genetic linkage maps, analyses of quantitative trait genes and loci, and the use of genome-wide genetic markers in population studies.