Alterations of zinc homeostasis in response to Cryptococcus neoformans in a murine macrophage cell line. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dos Santos, Francine Melise; Piffer, Alícia Corbellini; Schneider, Rafael de Oliveira; Ribeiro, Nicole Sartori; Garcia, Ane Wichine Acosta; Schrank, Augusto; Kmetzsch, Lívia; Vainstein, Marilene Henning; Staats, Charley Christian
• Is Part Of: Future microbiology. Volume 12:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 491
• Page End: 504
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Cryptococcus neoformans -- nutritional immunity -- zinc; Microbiology -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0160
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-0913

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate alterations of zinc homeostasis in macrophages exposed to Cryptococcus neoformans. Materials & methods: Using a fluorescent zinc probe-based flow cytometry and atomic absorption spectrometry, zinc levels were evaluated in J774.A1 cell lines exposed to C. neoformans H99 cells. The transcription profile of macrophage zinc related homeostasis genes – metallothioneins and zinc transporters (ZnTs) of the SLC30 and SLC39 (Zrt-Irt-protein) families – was analyzed by quantitative PCR.Results : Macrophage intracellular labile zinc levels decreased following exposure to C. neoformans . A significant decrease in transcription levels was detected in specific ZnTs from both the Zrt-Irt-protein and ZnT families, especially 24 h after infection.Conclusion: These findings suggest that macrophages may exhibit zinc depletion in response to C. neoformans infection.