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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
[Cell biology of respiration-deficient mutants of Candida albicans]
Shigeji Aoki1, Shoko Ito-Kuwa, Kenjirou Nakamura
1Advanced Research Center, Nippon Dental University at Niigata, Japan.
Abstract:
Respiration-deficient (petite) mutation is caused by hereditary impairment in mitochondrial functions. Yeasts have been grouped into "petite-positive" and "petite-negative" yeasts. Candida albicans has been regarded as a member of the petite-negative yeasts in which the respiration deficiency cannot be easily induced. We have succeeded in inducing the petite mutation in C. albicans by culturing in the presence of a chemical mutagen, acriflavine, at an elevated temperature. In the present review, we describe the cell biology of C. albicans petite mutants on the basis of experiments performed by our research group: namely, on respiratory activity and cytochrome composition, fine structures of cells and mitochondria, mitochondrial DNA structure, pathogenicity, oxidative stress sensitivity, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the roles of ROS in antifungal actions. We discuss also the usefulness of petite mutants in Candida research.
Insights
Researchers successfully induced respiration deficiency (petite mutation) in Candida albicans, a petite-negative yeast. This breakthrough enables new studies on mitochondrial function, pathogenicity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this important fungal pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Respiration-deficient (petite) mutations result from impaired mitochondrial function.
- Yeasts are classified as petite-positive or petite-negative based on the ease of inducing petite mutations.
- Candida albicans is considered petite-negative, making respiration deficiency induction challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To successfully induce petite mutations in Candida albicans.
- To investigate the cell biology of induced C. albicans petite mutants.
- To explore the utility of C. albicans petite mutants in research.
Main Methods:
- Induction of petite mutation using acriflavine and elevated temperature.
- Analysis of respiratory activity and cytochrome composition.
- Examination of cellular and mitochondrial fine structure, mitochondrial DNA, pathogenicity, and oxidative stress sensitivity.
- Assessment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and their role in antifungal actions.
Main Results:
- Successfully induced petite mutation in C. albicans, challenging its petite-negative classification.
- Characterized the cell biology of these mutants, including mitochondrial structure and function.
- Investigated the link between petite mutation, ROS production, and pathogenicity.
Conclusions:
- The induction of petite mutants in C. albicans provides a valuable tool for studying mitochondrial genetics and function.
- These mutants offer insights into the role of ROS in C. albicans pathogenicity and antifungal strategies.
- The research expands the understanding of petite mutation dynamics in yeasts.
