Melanization in Cryptococcus neoformans Requires Complex Regulation
Radamés J. B. Cordero, Emma Camacho, Arturo Casadevall
Abstract
The fungal human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans undergoes melanization in response to nutrient starvation and exposure to exogenous melanin precursors. Melanization protects the fungus against host defense mechanisms such as oxidative damage and other environmental stressors (e.g., heat/cold stress, antimicrobial compounds, ionizing radiation).
Topics & Concepts
Cryptococcus neoformansMelaninBiologyMicrobiologyCell biologyFungusCryptococcosisGeneticsBotanyFungal Infections and StudiesPlant-Microbe Interactions and ImmunityPlant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases