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- Title
Melanin and chromoblastomycosis agents: Characterization, functions, and relation with antifungals.
- Authors
Koehler, Alessandra; Heidrich, Daiane; Pagani, Danielle M.; Corbellini, Valeriano A.; Scroferneker, Maria L.
- Abstract
Melanins are a diverse group of dark pigments with similar properties. In fungi, the most studied is the dihydroxynaphtalene (DHN)‐melanin, present in several species including all the chromoblastomycosis agents, a chronic, disabling, and recalcitrant subcutaneous mycosis. It is synthesized in a pathway known as the pentaketide pathway, which has the agrochemical tricyclazole as an inhibitor, widely used in in vitro studies because it does not prevent the growth of fungi. There are different methodologies for qualitative and quantitative analyses of DHN‐melanin, which made it possible to discover its important structural and antioxidant functions, with melanin acting as a protective factor against the host's immune system. Also, it can interact with some of the main antifungals of medical interest, reducing its activity and the susceptibility of fungi to these agents. This review aims to discuss the aspects of DHN‐melanin, focusing on chromoblastomycosis, bringing the main findings of the published scientific studies, and highlighting the need for further research to understand this important fungal pathogenicity and a virulence factor.
- Subjects
MELANINS; FUNGAL virulence; FUNGAL growth; MYCOSES; IMMUNE system; IN vitro studies
- Publication
Journal of Basic Microbiology, 2021, Vol 61, Issue 3, p203
- ISSN
0233-111X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/jobm.202000664