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Candida glabrata tryptophan-based pigment production via the Ehrlich pathway
Sascha Brunke1, Katja Seider, Ricardo Sergio Almeida
1Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany.
Molecular Microbiology
|March 5, 2010
Summary
This study identifies genes for a tryptophan-derived pigment in Candida glabrata, revealing its role in fungal pathogenicity. The pigment enhances resistance to host defenses like hydrogen peroxide and neutrophils.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Fungal Pathogenesis
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fungal pigments often enhance pathogenicity by shielding cells from host defenses.
- Candida glabrata is a significant human pathogen where pigment function remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To dissect the biosynthetic pathway of a tryptophan-derived pigment in Candida glabrata.
- To identify genes involved in pigment production.
- To elucidate the biological function of this pigment in host-pathogen interactions.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptional analyses and transposon mutagenesis to identify pigment-related genes.
- Targeted gene deletion mutants to assess pigment production.
- In vitro expression of aromatic aminotransferase (Aro8) for pigment synthesis confirmation.
- Assays for hydrogen peroxide resistance and survival under neutrophil exposure.
Main Results:
- Aromatic aminotransferase (Aro8) is key to pigment production, which is a byproduct of tryptophan degradation.
- Pigment synthesis is regulated by nutrient availability and oxygen.
- Pigmented C. glabrata showed increased resistance to hydrogen peroxide.
- Pigmented cells exhibited enhanced survival against human neutrophils and increased epithelial damage.
Conclusions:
- The identified pigment in Candida glabrata is linked to the Ehrlich pathway and Aro8 activity.
- Pigmentation contributes to fungal virulence by conferring resistance to host immune responses and promoting epithelial damage.
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