Integrative Proteome and Metabolomics Analyses of Cryptococcus neoformans Responses to Melanin Substrates Niger seed and L-DOPA.

Melanin, as a pivotal antioxidant pigment, plays a critical role in the pathogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans. However, the underlying signaling pathways responsible for melanin biosynthesis in C. neoformans are not yet fully elucidated. In this study, proteome and metabolomics analyses were conducted to investigate the response of C. neoformans to melanin substrate Niger seed or L-DOPA. The proteome analysis identified significant differential expression of proteins in cells treated with Niger seed compared to L-DOPA, with distinct functional enrichment patterns observed. Subcellular localization analysis showed unique protein distribution in cells treated with each substrate. Metabolomics analysis revealed distinct metabolic profiles in response to Niger seed or L-DOPA, with notable differences in metabolite regulation between the two treatments. KEGG classification highlighted specific metabolic pathways affected by each substrate. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms underlying C. neoformans response to melanin substrates.