Melanins are dark polymers found in the cell wall of pathogenic fungi, including species from the genus Sporothrix that are causative agents of sporotrichosis. In vitro experiments strongly suggest that these pigments are important for fungal virulence and survival in the host. In S. schenckii, melanin biosynthesis occurs via three different common pathways, which generate dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin, DOPA-melanin or pyomelanin. Moreover, melanin biosynthesis can be enhanced when the fungus is in contact with some bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Melanin pigments have protective effects against antifungals in this genus. New scanning transmission electron tomography data indicates the accumulation of dark pigments in membrane-bound cytoplasmic organelles (melanosomes) in S. schenckii yeasts. Here, we provide an up to date of review the biosynthesis and role of melanins and discuss its roles on the cell biology and pathogenesis of Sporothrix spp.

黑色素是在致病真菌的细胞壁中发现的深色聚合物，包括来自孢子丝菌属（Sporothrix）属的一些孢子体病的病原体。体外实验强烈表明这些色素对于宿主的真菌毒力和存活很重要。在S.申克，黑色素生物合成通过三个不同的途径常见，其产生二羟基萘（DHN）-melanin，DOPA-黑色素或黑脓素产生。此外，当真菌与某些细菌如铜绿假单胞菌和肺炎克雷伯菌接触时，黑色素的生物合成可以得到增强。。黑色素颜料在该属中具有抗真菌的保护作用。新的扫描透射电子断层扫描数据表明，在S. schenckii酵母菌的膜结合细胞质细胞器（黑​​素体）中积累了黑色素。在这里，我们提供了最新的审查黑色素的生物合成和作用，并讨论了其在孢子丝菌的细胞生物学和发病机理中的作用。