RNASeq of C. neoformans during melanization in steroid hormone treatments

It is widely known that C. neoformans infections has a 3:1 (males: females) infection rate. However, the reason for this phenomenon is unknown. By focusing on the effects sex hormones have on one of C. neoformans virulence factors, its melanin pigment, we hope to gain insight on why this sex-biased is occurring. To further understand this we determined how sex hormones was affecting melanization at the RNA level by pursing RNA sequencing. This sequencing included the following treatment groups: C. neoformans during melanization in the presence of estrogen, testosterone and ethanol (control).