Evaluation of mycosporin production and physiological characterization of the fungus Papiliotrema laurentii

• Grant number: 22/03307-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2022
• End date: June 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Renata Castiglioni Pascon
• Grantee: Gabriel Martins da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on living organisms are well known, especially in relation to the human epidermis. The alternatives found to avoid or delay these impacts are synthetic sunscreens, which, in the long term, can also cause serious injuries to humans. Previous studies have revealed the existence of algae, cyanobacteria, and fungi that produce natural compounds called mycotoxins that are capable of absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These compounds have the potential to integrate a possible natural sunscreen, reducing or nullifying the toxic effects of current sunscreens. There are reports, in the literature, that a fungus of the phylum Basidiomycota, Cryptococcus laurentii, which was recently reclassified as Papiliotrema laurentii, is capable of performing mycosporin biosynthesis. P. laurentii is a heterogeneous species of dimorphic, saprophytic fungus that can be pathogenic in humans. There are few accurate studies on the main characteristics of this species since non-molecular identification leads to a supergrouping in the taxonomy of the group, and molecular identification, added to morphological and physiological aspects, is the best way to identify these fungi. Bearing in mind the aspects mentioned above in this project, we will seek to analyze a P. laurentii isolate, regarding its morphological and nutritional characteristics and possible virulence factors. In addition, molecular identification will be carried out and the production capacity of mycosporins will be evaluated.(AU)