Experimental modulation of capsule size in <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it>
<p>Experimental modulation of capsule size is an important technique for the study of the virulence of the encapsulated pathogen <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it>. In this paper, we summarize the techniques available for experimental modulation of capsule size in this yeast and desc...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2004-01-01
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| Series: | Biological Procedures Online |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.biologicalprocedures.com/bpo/arts/1/68/m68.htm |
| _version_ | 1824007245525942272 |
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| author | Zaragoza Oscar Casadevall Arturo |
| author_facet | Zaragoza Oscar Casadevall Arturo |
| author_sort | Zaragoza Oscar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <p>Experimental modulation of capsule size is an important technique for the study of the virulence of the encapsulated pathogen <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it>. 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 CO<sub>2</sub> 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 <it>C. neoformans.</it> |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-18T20:39:19Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-840b36fffdea4a70a918438a25b08c46 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1480-9222 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-18T20:39:19Z |
| publishDate | 2004-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Biological Procedures Online |
| spelling | doaj.art-840b36fffdea4a70a918438a25b08c462022-12-21T20:53:48ZengBMCBiological Procedures Online1480-92222004-01-0161101510.1251/bpo68Experimental modulation of capsule size in <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it>Zaragoza OscarCasadevall Arturo<p>Experimental modulation of capsule size is an important technique for the study of the virulence of the encapsulated pathogen <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it>. 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 CO<sub>2</sub> 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 <it>C. neoformans.</it>http://www.biologicalprocedures.com/bpo/arts/1/68/m68.htmCryptococcus neoformansInfectionVirulence |
| spellingShingle | Zaragoza Oscar Casadevall Arturo Experimental modulation of capsule size in <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it> Biological Procedures Online Cryptococcus neoformans Infection Virulence |
| title | Experimental modulation of capsule size in <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it> |
| title_full | Experimental modulation of capsule size in <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it> |
| title_fullStr | Experimental modulation of capsule size in <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it> |
| title_full_unstemmed | Experimental modulation of capsule size in <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it> |
| title_short | Experimental modulation of capsule size in <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it> |
| title_sort | experimental modulation of capsule size in it cryptococcus neoformans it |
| topic | Cryptococcus neoformans Infection Virulence |
| url | http://www.biologicalprocedures.com/bpo/arts/1/68/m68.htm |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT zaragozaoscar experimentalmodulationofcapsulesizeinitcryptococcusneoformansit AT casadevallarturo experimentalmodulationofcapsulesizeinitcryptococcusneoformansit |