Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism map for Candida albicans.

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are crucial for investigating genetic variation and genome dynamics.
• Candida albicans is a major human fungal pathogen responsible for a spectrum of infections.
• Understanding genome stability is vital for studying C. albicans pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a genome-wide SNP map for Candida albicans.
• To facilitate the study of mitotic recombination and chromosome loss in C. albicans.
• To investigate genome rearrangement in C. albicans strains used in experimental settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of a genome-wide SNP map comprising 150 marker sequences, 561 SNPs, and 9 insertions-deletions.
• Characterization of SNP types (transitions vs. transversions) and frequency (1 SNP per 83 bp).
• Analysis of marker distribution across the 16-Mb genome, with an average density of one marker per 111 kb.

Main Results:

• The SNP map revealed a transition-to-transversion ratio of 3:1, consistent with neutral mutation accumulation.
• Most coding region markers contained nonsynonymous substitutions.
• Loss of heterozygosity across large chromosomal fragments was identified in commonly used C. albicans strains.

Conclusions:

• The developed SNP map provides a valuable resource for C. albicans research.
• The map can be used to explore the roles of heterozygosity and genome rearrangement in C. albicans' interaction with host environments.
• This tool will advance the understanding of genetic instability and its implications in fungal pathogenesis.