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Biolistic Transformation of a Fluorescent Tagged Gene into the Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: March 19, 2015
Characterization of phenotypic switching in Cryptococcus neoformans biofilms
Luis R Martinez1, David C Ibom, Arturo Casadevall
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Mycopathologia
|June 24, 2008
Summary
Cryptococcus neoformans biofilms exhibit enhanced phenotypic switching, particularly the smooth variant, compared to planktonic cells. This suggests switching occurs within biofilms, impacting fungal infections and antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans causes meningoencephalitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Biofilm formation and phenotypic switching in C. neoformans are linked to persistent infections and antimicrobial resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize switch phenotypes within C. neoformans biofilms.
- To investigate the impact of biofilms on phenotypic switching frequencies and rates.
Main Methods:
- Examined smooth, mucoid, and wrinkled C. neoformans phenotypes for adherence and biofilm formation using cell counts and XTT reduction assays.
- Assessed phenotypic switching frequencies in biofilms versus planktonic cells.
Main Results:
- The smooth phenotype demonstrated superior adherence and biofilm formation compared to mucoid and wrinkled variants.
- Phenotypic switching was enhanced in C. neoformans biofilms for the smooth variant.
- Higher back-switching rates from mucoid to smooth were observed in planktonic cells.
Conclusions:
- Phenotypic switching is a significant process within cryptococcal biofilms.
- These findings deepen the understanding of the interplay between C. neoformans biofilms and phenotypic switching.
