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Published on: July 9, 2014
Alterations of zinc homeostasis in response to Cryptococcus neoformans in a murine macrophage cell line
Francine Melise Dos Santos1, Alícia Corbellini Piffer1, Rafael de Oliveira Schneider1
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, 43421, Caixa Postal 15005, Porto Alegre, RS 91501-970, Brazil.
Aim:
To evaluate alterations of zinc homeostasis in macrophages exposed to Cryptococcus neoformans. Materials & methods: Using a fluorescent zinc probe-based flow cytometry and atomic absorption spectrometry, zinc levels were evaluated in J774.A1 cell lines exposed to C. neoformans H99 cells. The transcription profile of macrophage zinc related homeostasis genes - metallothioneins and zinc transporters (ZnTs) of the SLC30 and SLC39 (Zrt-Irt-protein) families - was analyzed by quantitative PCR.
Results:
Macrophage intracellular labile zinc levels decreased following exposure to C. neoformans. A significant decrease in transcription levels was detected in specific ZnTs from both the Zrt-Irt-protein and ZnT families, especially 24 h after infection.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that macrophages may exhibit zinc depletion in response to C. neoformans infection.
