Cryptococcus neoformans resists to drastic conditions by switching to viable but non-culturable cell phenotype
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Researchers developed a method to create viable but non-culturable (VBNC) Cryptococcus neoformans cells in vitro. These dormant yeast cells can be revived, offering insights into fungal persistence and disease reactivation.
Area Of Science
- Microbiology
- Pathogen Biology
- Cellular Dormancy
Background
- Metabolically quiescent pathogens can persist for extended periods in a dormant state.
- Latent infections, like tuberculosis and cryptococcosis, pose a risk for reactivation and disease.
- Cryptococcus neoformans exhibits heterogeneity in vivo, generating a subpopulation with dormancy-like phenotypes.
Purpose Of The Study
- To reproduce and standardize in vitro conditions for generating dormant, viable but non-culturable (VBNC) cells of Cryptococcus neoformans.
- To characterize the phenotype and metabolic state of these in vitro-generated VBNC cells.
- To investigate the requirements for VBNC generation and maintenance in C. neoformans.
Main Methods
- Incubation of stationary phase yeasts in nutrient-limited conditions and hypoxia for 8 days (8D-HYPOx).
- Assessment of cell viability, apoptosis, culturability, and stress response.
- Analysis of global metabolism, mitochondrial activity, gene expression, and proteomic profiles.
- Investigation of the role of pantothenic acid, acetyl-CoA, and mitochondrial fatty acid pathways.
Main Results
- 8D-HYPOx conditions generated VBNC cells with <5% mortality and delayed growth, mimicking in vivo dormancy.
- VBNC cells exhibited reduced stress response and <1% culturability, but could be reactivated by pantothenic acid.
- Metabolic activity was globally shut down in VBNC cells, with increased mitochondrial mass and altered gene expression.
- Acetyl-CoA and mitochondrial fatty acid pathways were crucial for VBNC generation and maintenance.
Conclusions
- Successfully generated a VBNC phenotype in vitro in Cryptococcus neoformans under specific nutrient-limited and hypoxic conditions.
- The VBNC state is characterized by a distinct metabolic profile, reduced culturability, and potential for reactivation.
- This study provides a model for understanding fungal dormancy and the mechanisms underlying persistent infections.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
Related Concept Videos
Switching behavior in Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs) is a fundamental aspect utilized in various electronic circuits, particularly for digital logic applications like switches and amplifiers. In a typical switching circuit, a BJT alternates between cut-off and saturation modes, corresponding to the "off" and "on" states, respectively, thus behaving like an ideal switch.
Cut-off Mode ("Off" State): In this state, both the emitter-base and collector-base junctions are...
When a voltage is applied to a conductor, an electrical field is generated, and charges in the conductor feel the force due to the electrical field. The current density that results depends on the electrical field and the properties of the material. In some materials, including metals at a given temperature, the current density is approximately proportional to the electrical field. In these cases, the current density can be modeled as:
where σ is the electrical conductivity and is represented...
When a current moves through any conductor, the conductor causes some level of difficulty for the current to flow. The measure of that difficulty is known as the resistance of the material and is represented by R. Every material has its own resistance. In the case of conductors, heat is emitted whenever a current passes through them. Resistance depends on the resistivity of the material. Resistivity is a characteristic of the material used to fabricate electrical components, whereas the...
A conductor's DC resistance at a given temperature is influenced by its resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area. Resistivity is an inherent property of the conductor material, with annealed copper serving as the international standard for measurement. For instance, the resistivity of hard-drawn aluminum at 20 degrees Celsius is 61% of the standard conductivity of annealed copper.
Various factors impact the resistance of a conductor. Spiraling in stranded conductors increases their...
In circuit analysis, situations often arise where resistors are neither in series nor parallel configurations. To tackle such scenarios, three-terminal equivalent networks like the wye (Y) (Figure 1 (a)) or tee (T) and delta (Δ) (Figure 1 (b)) or pi (π) networks come into play. These networks offer versatile solutions and are frequently encountered in various applications, including three-phase electrical systems, electrical filters, and matching networks.
The essence of these networks lies...
Vascular resistance is a critical concept in understanding blood flow dynamics in the circulatory system. It refers to the resistance that blood encounters as it flows through the blood vessels. This resistance is a key factor in determining blood pressure and cardiac workload.
The primary determinants of vascular resistance are vessel diameter, blood viscosity, and vessel length. Among these, vessel diameter plays the most significant role due to the fourth power relationship described by...