Open AccessEquatorial ring‐like channels in the Cryptococcus neoformans polysaccharide capsule
Author(s) -
Zaragoza Oscar,
McClelland Erin E.,
Telzak Andrew,
Casadevall Arturo
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
fems yeast research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 1567-1364
pISSN - 1567-1356
DOI - 10.1111/j.1567-1364.2006.00070.x
Subject(s) - capsule , biology , india ink , cryptococcus neoformans , opportunistic pathogen , polysaccharide , ring (chemistry) , microbiology and biotechnology , botany , anatomy , genetics , biochemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , virulence , gene
Under certain conditions, India ink particles can penetrate the capsule of the opportunistic pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans . India ink penetration gave two distinct patterns, one as a ring in the middle of the capsule, and another as a double spot located at opposite poles of the cells. These spots were perpendicularly orientated to the bud. This pattern suggests the existence of a localized structure deep in the capsule that can accumulate large insoluble particles. Although the mechanisms responsible for the assemblage and maintenance of ring‐like channels are not understood, their existence deep within the capsule implies a new level of complexity for this enigmatic structure.