Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic fungus that is a relatively frequent cause of life-threatening meningitis in patients with impaired immune systems. In addition, C. neoformans is a model organism for the study of pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. C. neoformans produces melanin in the presence of appropriate substrate and expression of this pigment is associated with virulence. Several basic aspects of melanin biology in C. neoformans are unknown due to the difficulty is studying it by classical biochemical techniques. Melanin is insoluble and the exact chemical structure of melanin has not been determined. A fundamental question is how do cells break down, or remodel, melanin to allow growth and budding to occur? Melanin degrading enzymes have yet to be identified in any organism but must exist given that the pigment is found in all biological kingdoms. A genetic approach to study melanin remodeling in C. neoformans is proposed. In addition, the importance of melanin remodeling to C. neoformans virulence will be studied. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32AI063866-02
Application #
7096540
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F13 (20))
Program Officer
Duncan, Rory A
Project Start
2005-07-01
Project End
2007-06-30
Budget Start
2006-07-01
Budget End
2007-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$24,398
Indirect Cost
Name
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
110521739
City
Bronx
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10461
Eisenman, Helene C; Mues, Mascha; Weber, Sarah E et al. (2007) Cryptococcus neoformans laccase catalyses melanin synthesis from both D- and L-DOPA. Microbiology 153:3954-62