# Malassezia globosa lipidome: The dynamics of uptake and secreted lipids

## TL;DR

This study explores how the yeast Malassezia globosa takes in and secretes various lipids, which may influence its role in skin health and disease.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific lipid dynamics and patterns of uptake and secretion in Malassezia globosa using lipidomic analysis.

## Key findings

- 87 lipids across 17 classes were identified in three distinct uptake-secretion patterns.
- Lipids like glycochenodeoxycholic acid, phosphocholine, cardiolipins, and Cer-PI were characteristic in the yeast's lipid profile.
- Sterols, bile acids, and phosphocholines were consumed over time, suggesting a role in the yeast's metabolism and pathogenicity.

## Abstract

Malassezia globosa plays a crucial role as part of the human skin’s mycobiome. However, this yeast has been detected in other niches, such as the gut. Despite being commensal, the pathogenic link in several dermatological conditions, but recently, chronic diseases such as cancer, Crohn’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, among others, have been explored. Lipids can be involved in fungal pathogenesis, and this yeast is characterized by a significant lipid metabolic versatility, with a lack of the complex fatty acid synthase (FAS) required for the de novo synthesis of fatty acids, as it relies on lipase-releasing enzymes. Here, we assess lipid dynamics (lipids consumed vs. lipids secreted) using lipidomic analysis in the supernatant of mDixon media during two growth phases. 87 lipids within 17 classes of lipids were identified in three different lipid uptake-secretion patterns. Some lipids were characteristic, including the presence of glycochenodeoxycholic acid, glycerophospholipids (such as phosphocholine), cardiolipins, and sphingolipids (such as Cer-PI). Interestingly, sterols, bile acids, cholic acid and its derivates, some phosphocholines, fatty acyls, and cardiolipins were lipids consumed over time. The dynamic consumption of these lipids could presume an intriguing role in the metabolism of lipid processes in this yeast that could determine the interaction process and its pathogenic role.