Puf4 is methylated and exhibits a temperature-dependent interactome in <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i>

Post-transcriptional processes play a crucial role in modulating responses to various stressors, including temperature and antifungals. To ensure adaptation and survival, stressors must be accurately sensed, and responses tightly regulated. Post-translational modifications serve as a crucial regulatory layer that orchestrates nuanced stress responses. We highlight extensive methylation and phosphorylation of the RNA-binding protein Puf4 and explore the regulatory roles of select methylated arginines. We also found that the interactome network of Puf4 varies with temperature. Cryptococcus neoformans, a basidiomycete fungus that is also an important human pathogen, is an ideal system to illustrate the evolution of gene regulatory processes and how these kingdom or clade-specific regulatory modules contribute to the pathogenic potential of fungi.