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. 1991 Jan;173(1):401–403. doi: 10.1128/jb.173.1.401-403.1991

Catecholamine uptake, melanization, and oxygen toxicity in Cryptococcus neoformans.

E S Jacobson 1, H S Emery 1
PMCID: PMC207201  PMID: 1898925

Abstract

Oxygen sensitivity mutations of Cryptococcus neoformans were mapped to three genetic loci. Three oxygen-sensitive mutants had mutations that appeared allelic and exhibited albinism tightly linked to oxygen sensitivity; these three and a fourth exhibited defects in catechol uptake and catechol oxidation to melanin. Catecholamine metabolism appears to protect C. neoformans from oxidants.

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Selected References

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