l‐Dihydroxyphenylalanine induces melanin production by members of the genus Trichosporon

In this study, six strains, including two clinical isolates, from four different species (Trichosporon asahii, T. asteroides, T. inkin, and T. mucoides) were grown in culture media with or without l‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (l‐DOPA). Each strain produced a brownish pigment compatible with melanin when cultured in presence of l‐DOPA, suggesting that these species are able to produce eumelanin. l‐tyrosine was not able to elicit any type of pigment production on cultures. As eumelanin is produced by several fungi during parasitism, this pigment may contribute to Trichosporon virulence.

This work shows for the first time melanin production in the genus Trichosporon, which may impact infections caused by these emergent yeasts.

Source: FEMS Yeast Research - June 30, 2014 Category: Research Authors: Maria Helena Galdino Figueiredo‐Carvalho, Fábio B. Santos, Joshua D. Nosanchuk, Rosely M. Zancope‐Oliveira, Rodrigo Almeida‐Paes Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research