Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
A high-affinity iron permease essential for Candida albicans virulence
1Microbial Collection and Screening Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 30 Medical Drive, Singapore 117609.
Abstract:
Microbial pathogens must compete with the iron-withholding defense systems of their host to acquire this essential nutrient. Here, two high-affinity iron permease genes, CaFTR1 and CaFTR2, were isolated. CaFTR1 expression was induced under iron-limited conditions and repressed when iron supply was sufficient, whereas the expression of CaFTR2 was regulated in a reversed manner. Mutants lacking CaFTR1 but not CaFTR2 exhibited a severe growth defect in iron-deficient medium and were unable to establish systemic infection in mice. Thus, CaFTR1-mediated iron-uptake mechanism constitutes a virulence factor of Candida albicans and may be a target for the development of anti-Candida therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Affinity and Avidity
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Candidiasis
Antifungal Agents

