Copper overload in Paracoccidioides lutzii results in the accumulation of ergosterol and melanin

Resumo

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a highly prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America, caused by fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. Copper is essential for eukaryotes and bacteria. This micronutrient is used in many vital bio chemical processes, although metal excess levels can be toxic for organisms. Pathways underlying copper overload are poorly understood in members of the Paracoccidioides complex. The responses of Paracoccidioides lutzii yeast cells to copper overload were here evaluated. The results showed that under copper overload, cells presented a dark brown pigment, identified as melanin. Proteomic analyses identified mainly the accumulation of proteins related to amino acids metabolism, ergosterol synthesis and melanin production, suggesting that P. lutzii responds to copper overload by changing aspects of its metabolism and also plasma membrane and cell wall remodeling. Proteomic data were confirmed by biochemical analysis.

Descrição

Palavras-chave

Fungi, Copper overload, Cellular defense, Proteome

Citação

PORTIS, Igor Godinho et al. Copper overload in Paracoccidioides lutzii results in the accumulation of ergosterol and melanin. Microbiological Research, Amsterdam, v. 239, e126524, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2020.126524. Disponível em: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S094450132030392X?via%3Dihub. Acesso em: 22 nov. 2024.