Abstract
Aim: Melanin has been linked to pathogenesis in several fungi. They often produce melanin-like pigments in the presence of L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), but this is poorly studied in Candida glabrata. Methods & materials: C. glabrata was grown in minimal medium with or without L-DOPA supplementation and submitted to a chemical treatment with denaturant and hot acid. Results: C. glabrata turned black when grown in the presence of L-DOPA, whereas cells grown without L-DOPA supplementation remained white. Biophysical properties demonstrated that the pigment was melanin. Melanized C. glabrata cells were effectively protected from azoles and amphotericin B, incubation at 42°C and macrophage killing. Conclusion: In the presence of L-DOPA, C. glabrata produces melanin, increases antifungal resistance and enhances host survival.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 509-520 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Future Microbiology |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2021 |
Keywords
- Candida glabrata
- L-DOPA
- melanin
- survival
- virulence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Microbiology
- Microbiology (medical)