Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans can synthesize melanin from a variety of substrates, including L-dopa (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine). Growth in minimal medium with L-dopa resulted in progressive accumulation of melanin in stationary phase cells. Melanized and non-melanized yeast cells were exposed to heat (42-47°C) and cold (-20°C), and the percentage of survival determined. Melanized cells were less susceptible to heat than non-melanized cells of the same age. Melanized cells from early stationary phase cultures were less susceptible to cold than non-melanized cells of the same age. However, melanized cells from late stationary phase cultures were more susceptible to cold than non-melanized cells of the same age. There was no statistical difference in susceptibility to heat and cold between melanin- deficient cells grown with and without L-dopa. These results suggest a role for melanin in protection against heat and cold.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 265-272 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | FEMS microbiology letters |
Volume | 153 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 15 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cryptococcus neoformans
- Melanin
- Phenoloxidase
- Thermoprotection
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics