Cryptococcus neoformans Can Utilize the Bacterial Melanin Precursor Homogentisic Acid for Fungal Melanogenesis

Cryptococcus neoformans can utilize the bacterial melanin precursor 1 homogentisic acid for fungal melanogenesis 2

Cryptococcus neoformans can utilize the bacterial melanin precursor homogentisic acid for fungal melanogenesis.

Cryptococcus neoformans melanizes in the environment and in mammalian tissues, but the process of melanization in either venue is mysterious given that this microbe produces melanin only from exogenous substrates. Understanding the process of melanization is important because melanization is believed to protect against various stresses in the environment, including UV radiation, and pigment pro...

Melanin, melanin "ghosts," and melanin composition in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Melanin synthesis is associated with virulence for the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Exposure of nonmelanized C. neoformans 4067 cells to 4 M guanidinium isothiocyanate followed by 6 M HCl at 100 degrees C resulted in complete solubilization of cellular structures. However, exposure of melanized C. neoformans 24067 to the same conditions produced a suspension of black particles. An...

The copper interference with the melanogenesis OF Cryptococcus neoformans.

Melanin is a pigment produced by laccase, a phenoloxydase enzyme, and is related to the virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans as it is also considered an adaption mechanism to environmental conditions and protection against UV radiation, phagocytic system attack and antifungal drugs. Laccase synthesis is stimulated by several factors, including copper metabolism. The current study shows C. neofo...

Laccase and melanin in the pathogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcosis, caused by an encapsulated fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans, has emerged as a life threatening infection in HIV positive individuals and other immunocompromised hosts. The present review describes laccase and its product melanin as an important virulence factor of Cryptococcus neoformans and illustrates the approaches used in elucidating the pathogenesis of cryptococcosis. Charact...