Experimental modulation of capsule size in Cryptococcus neoformans
AUTOR(ES)
Zaragoza, Oscar
FONTE
Biological Procedures Online
RESUMO
Experimental modulation of capsule size is an important technique for the study of the virulence of the encapsulated pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. In this paper, we summarize the techniques available for experimental modulation of capsule size in this yeast and describe improved methods to induce capsule size changes. The response of the yeast to the various stimuli is highly dependent on the cryptococcal strain. A high CO2 atmosphere and a low iron concentration have been used classically to increase capsule size. Unfortunately, these stimuli are not reliable for inducing capsular enlargement in all strains. Recently we have identified new and simpler conditions for inducing capsule enlargement that consistently elicited this effect. Specifically, we noted that mammalian serum or diluted Sabouraud broth in MOPS buffer pH 7.3 efficiently induced capsule growth. Media that slowed the growth rate of the yeast correlated with an increase in capsule size. Finally, we summarize the most commonly used media that induce capsule growth in C. neoformans.
ACESSO AO ARTIGO
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=389900Documentos Relacionados
- Capsule size of Cryptococcus neoformans: control and relationship to virulence.
- Organ-Dependent Variation of Capsule Thickness in Cryptococcus neoformans during Experimental Murine Infection
- Recombinational mapping of capsule mutations in Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Polysaccharide antigens of the capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans.
- The Elastic Properties of the Cryptococcus neoformans Capsule