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Functions of fungal melanin beyond virulence

Radames Jb Cordero1, Arturo Casadevall1

  • 1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205.

Fungal Biology Reviews
|October 26, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Fungal melanins are versatile pigments. They protect fungi in extreme environments, interact with radiation, and provide cellular strength, offering insights into their diverse biological roles.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Biochemistry
  • Environmental Microbiology

Background:

  • Melanins are ancient pigments present across life.
  • Fungal melanins are known for their role in pathogenesis.
  • These pigments enable fungal survival in extreme conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse functions of fungal melanins.
  • To explore the physicochemical properties of fungal melanins.
  • To highlight melanin's role in extreme environment adaptation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of fungal melanin research.
  • Analysis of studies on melanin's interaction with radiation.
  • Examination of reports on melanin's protective capabilities.

Main Results:

  • Fungal melanins confer tolerance to extreme environments (e.g., radiation, metals).
  • Melanins interact with electromagnetic radiation, acting as protective and energy-harvesting pigments.
  • Additional roles include free radical scavenging and enhanced cellular strength.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal melanins possess multifaceted biological roles beyond pathogenesis.
  • Their unique physicochemical properties are key to survival in harsh conditions.
  • Further research into fungal melanins can reveal novel applications.
Keywords:
black fungienergy harvestenergy transducerfree radical scavengingfungal melaninfungal melanizationfungal pigmentsthermal melanism

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