The molecular composition of the cell wall is critical for the biology and ecology of each
fungal species. Fungal walls are composed of matrix components that are embedded and …

Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are the two etiologic agents of
cryptococcosis. They belong to the phylum Basidiomycota and can be readily distinguished …

Melanin is a unique pigment with myriad functions that is found in all biological kingdoms. It
is multifunctional, providing defense against environmental stresses such as ultraviolet (UV) …

The production of melanin significantly enhances the virulence of many important human
pathogenic fungi. Despite fungal melanin's importance in human disease, as well as …

Copper (Cu) is a redox-active metal ion essential for most aerobic organisms. Cu serves as
a catalytic and structural cofactor for enzymes that function in energy generation, iron …

Melanins are ancient biological pigments found in all kingdoms of life. In fungi, their role in
microbial pathogenesis is well established; however, these complex biomolecules also …

The human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans is characterized by its ability to
induce a distinct polysaccharide capsule in response to a number of host-specific …

Cryptococcus neoformans is a major cause of fungal meningoencephalitis in
immunocompromised patients. Despite recent advances in the genetics and molecular …

Transition metals such as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese are essential for the growth
and development of organisms ranging from bacteria to mammals. Numerous studies have …

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes cryptococcal
meningoencephalitis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The fungal cell wall is an …