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Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
08:48

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis

Published on: March 19, 2019

Virulence of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans requires the five isoforms of protein mannosyltransferases

Mahmoud Rouabhia1, Martin Schaller, Cristina Corbucci

  • 1Institut for Mikrobiologie, Universitätsstr. 1/26.12, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.

Infection and Immunity
|July 26, 2005
PubMed

Insights

All protein mannosyltransferase (Pmt) gene mutants in Candida albicans showed reduced virulence in mouse and human tissue models. Individual Pmt isoforms have varied importance in different host environments, suggesting potential antifungal targets.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Candida albicans utilizes protein mannosyltransferases (Pmt) to initiate O-mannosylation of secretory proteins.
  • The PMT gene family comprises five isoforms: Pmt1p, Pmt2p, Pmt4p, Pmt5p, and Pmt6p.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the contribution of individual Pmt isoforms to Candida albicans virulence.
  • To compare the virulence of pmt mutants in distinct in vitro and in vivo models of candidiasis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized reconstituted human epithelium (RHE) and engineered human oral mucosa (EHOM) as 3D models for localized candidiasis.
  • Employed a mouse model of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis (HDC).
  • Assessed virulence characteristics of various pmt mutants.

Main Results:

  • All pmt mutants exhibited attenuated virulence in the HDC model and at least one localized candidiasis model.
  • The pmt5 mutant showed reduced virulence in EHOM and HDC models but not RHE.
  • The pmt4 and pmt6 mutants were less virulent in RHE and HDC models but not EHOM.

Conclusions:

  • All Pmt isoforms contribute to Candida albicans virulence.
  • The significance of individual Pmt isoforms varies across different host niches.
  • Pmt proteins represent potential targets for novel antifungal agents.

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