Experimental modulation of capsule size in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptococcus neoformans</Emphasis> |
| |
Authors: | Email author" target="_blank">Oscar?ZaragozaEmail author Arturo?Casadevall |
| |
Institution: | (1) Departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461 Bronx, New York |
| |
Abstract: | 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.
Published: March 3, 2004 |
| |
Keywords: | Indexing terms" target="_blank">Indexing terms Cryptococcus neoformans Infection Virulence Factor |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |