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Updated: Nov 20, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating Fungal Pathogenicity Mechanisms in Maize
Published on: September 15, 2023
Melanin production in coelomycetous agents of black grain eumycetoma
Wilson Lim1, Florianne Parel1, Sybren de Hoog2
1Erasmus MC , University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Background:
Eumycetoma is a fungal infection characterised by the formation of black grains by causative agents. The melanin biosynthetic pathways used by the most common causative agents of black-grain mycetoma are unknown and unravelling them could identify potential new therapeutic targets.
Method:
Melanin biosynthetic pathways in the causative fungi were identified by the use of specific melanin inhibitors.
Results:
In Trematosphaeria grisea and Falciformispora tompkinsii, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin synthesis was inhibited, while DHN-, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)- and pyo-melanin were inhibited in Medicopsis romeroi and Falciformispora senegalensis.
Conclusion:
Our data suggest that Me. romeroi and F. senegalensis synthesise DHN-, DOPA- and pyo-melanin, while T. grisea and F. tompkinsii only synthesise DHN-melanin.
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