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Paraquat induced thiol modulation of Histoplasma capsulatum morphogenesis

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Abstract

Cysteine metabolism with the subsequent release of anionic thiols has been shown to be involved in yeast cell morphogenesis of the dimorphic, pathogenic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Following transfer to fresh medium, intracellular thiol levels during the initial 2–4 h appear to determine the eventual growth form. Mild oxidative stress induced by paraquat (methyl viologen) caused enhanced intracellular and extracellular thiol production and an increase in protein thiol formation. Mildly stressed cells continued to grow in the yeast form. Severe oxidative stress induced by high concentrations of paraquat resulted in lowered thiol production as well as reversion to the alternate mycelial morphology. These results suggest that thiol modulation of intracellular protein status may be involved in morphogenesis of H. capsulatum.

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Author notes

  1. Katherine M. Leith

    Present address: Department of Metabolism, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8116, 63110, St. Louis, MO, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, University of Southwestern Louisiana, 70504-1007, Lafayette, LA, USA

    Katherine M. Leith & Kevin C. Hazen Ph.D

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  1. Katherine M. Leith
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  2. Kevin C. Hazen Ph.D
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Leith, K.M., Hazen, K.C. Paraquat induced thiol modulation of Histoplasma capsulatum morphogenesis. Mycopathologia 103, 21–27 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00437217

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00437217

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