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Genetic Incorporation of Biosynthesized L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and Its Application to Protein Conjugation
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Genetic Incorporation of Biosynthesized L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and Its Application to Protein Conjugation

Published on: August 24, 2018

DOPA and DHN pathway orchestrate melanin synthesis in Aspergillus species

Anuradha K Pal1, Devarshi U Gajjar, Abhay R Vasavada

  • 1Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Medical Mycology
|September 4, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The type and amount of melanin pigment vary significantly across Aspergillus species. This study analyzed melanin in six Aspergillus species, revealing differences in its location and biosynthetic pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Biochemistry
  • Fungal Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Melanins are crucial hydrophobic pigments involved in fungal pathogen virulence.
  • Understanding melanin production in Aspergillus species is key to controlling infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the quantity and type of melanin produced by six Aspergillus species.
  • To determine the location (biomass vs. culture filtrate) and biosynthetic pathway of melanin in these species.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of Aspergillus isolates using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing.
  • Extraction and analysis of melanin using UV, FT-IR, and EPR spectroscopy.
  • Melanin pathway elucidation via inhibitors like kojic acid, tropolone, phthalide, and tricyclazole.

Main Results:

  • Melanin presence and location varied: A. niger and A. tubingensis produced melanin in both biomass and filtrate, A. tamarii and A. flavus in biomass only, A. terreus in filtrate only, and A. sydowii had negligible amounts.
  • A. niger yielded the most filtrate melanin, while A. tamarii produced the most biomass melanin.
  • The 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) pathway was identified in A. niger, A. tamarii, and A. flavus.
  • The 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) pathway was identified in A. tubingensis and A. terreus.

Conclusions:

  • Significant interspecies variation exists in melanin amount, location, and biosynthetic pathway among Aspergillus species.
  • These findings contribute to understanding the role of melanin in Aspergillus virulence and potential antifungal strategies.
Keywords:
AspergillusDHNDOPAEPRFTIRmelanin

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