Characterization of switch phenotypes in Candida albicans biofilms

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
• Biofilm formation by C. albicans contributes to persistent and difficult-to-treat infections.
• Phenotypic switching is a mechanism for C. albicans adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize phenotypic switching in Candida albicans biofilms.
• To compare phenotypic switching in biofilms versus planktonic cells.
• To assess the biological attributes of biofilm-derived switch phenotypes.

Main Methods:

• Inoculation of biofilm and planktonic C. albicans cells on agar for colony formation.
• Assessment of switch phenotypes for stability, carbohydrate assimilation, and nystatin susceptibility.
• Evaluation of biofilm-derived phenotypes for adhesion, biofilm formation, filamentation, and growth rate.

Main Results:

• The frequency of phenotypic switching in C. albicans biofilms was approximately 1%.
• Biofilm-derived cells generated switch phenotypes less frequently than planktonic cells (P = 0.017).
• Five distinct phenotypes derived from biofilm growth showed varied profiles in assimilation, adhesion, biofilm formation, filamentation, and growth rate.

Conclusions:

• Phenotypic switching in C. albicans biofilms differs from that in planktonic growth.
• Biofilm-derived phenotypic switching affects multiple biological attributes, including adhesion and antifungal susceptibility.
• These findings provide novel insights into C. albicans adaptation and virulence in biofilm settings.