Melanized fungi, e.g. cryptococci, are associated with a wide range of globally distributed infectious diseases. Reports of melanized fungi as important pathogens increased recently. Diseases caused by melanized fungi include among others allergies, wound infections and pneumonia. One major virulence factor of these fungi is the melanization. Melanin, stored in cell walls, stabilizes the cell and provides protection towards environmental stresses. Another factor contributing to virulence in fungi is the capability to form biofilms. We aim to investigate the role of melanin biosynthesis in biofilm formation process. Gain of knowledge on the connection between melanization and biofilm formation may provide new targets for the treatment of biofilm associated infections with melanized fungi.

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