# First person – Claudia L. Charles-Niño

## TL;DR

This paper explores how temperature affects the growth and biofilm formation of Cryptococcus deneoformans, contributing to its skin tropism.

## Contribution

The study reveals novel insights into the temperature-dependent behavior of Cryptococcus deneoformans and its dermatotropism.

## Key findings

- Reduced growth at high temperatures influences Cryptococcus deneoformans dermatotropism.
- Biofilm formation is affected by temperature, impacting pathogen behavior.
- Molecular interactions between the pathogen and host are being investigated for deeper understanding.

## Abstract

First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Disease Models & Mechanisms, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Claudia L. Charles-Niño is first author on ‘
Reduced growth and biofilm formation at high temperatures contribute to Cryptococcus deneoformans dermatotropism’, published in DMM. Claudia is a postdoctoral associate in the lab of Dr Luis R. Martinez at University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, USA, investigating medical mycology, pathogenesis and immunology, focusing on understanding the molecular interactions between pathogens and host.