Most of the neurotrophic fungi are classified as black yeasts, family Herpotrichellaceae. One of the important opportunistic neurotrophic pathogens is Exophiala dermatitidis, which can grow at human body temperature, assimilate volatile aromatic hydrocarbons and also human neurotransmitters. Fungi which assimilate aromatics are capable to grow in artificial and natural environments, such as hydrocarbon-present synthetic/rubber materials and ant-associated habitats. Hydrocarbons are one of the components of neurotransmitters, but among ants, the cuticular profile of hydrocarbons serves for protection against external environmental effects and nest-invasion. E. dermatitidis (EXF-10123) and its related P. americana (EXF-12206), which was isolated from ant nest, were tested for all properties mentioned above. Both are capable of growth at 37 °C, assimilate tested hydrocarbons and neurotransmitters. The interaction of E. dermatitidis, as well as P. americana with a neuroblastoma cell model SH-SY5Y, was visualized by SEM microscopy, while E. dermatitidis was also evaluated with fluorescence confocal microscopy. The internalization of hyphae into neuroblasts was indicated and cytotoxic effect of the exposed SH-SY5Y cells with fungal metabolites – extracts and extracellular vesicles of E. dermatitidis was also found. The possibility of fungal transfer via neurons and to target cells with causing brain infection could represent a new mechanism and a potential for the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
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