Genomic response programs of Candida albicans following protoplasting and regeneration
Luis Castillo1, Ana Isabel Martínez, Ana Garcerá
1Departament de Microbiología i Ecología, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, València, Spain.
Abstract:
Transcription profiling of Candida albicans cells responding to the elimination of the wall (protoplasts) and posterior regeneration was explored. DNA microarrays were used to measure changes in the expression of 6039 genes, and the upregulated genes during regeneration at 28 degrees C were assigned to fourteen categories. A total of 407 genes were upregulated during the process, of which 144 reached a maximum after 1 h. MKC1, a gene encoding a member of the regulatory pathway involved in cell wall integrity was overexpressed. Time-dependent expression divided the genes into 40 clusters. Clusters 1-19 were highly expressed initially (time 0) and downregulated following incubation, whereas transcription of the genes grouped into clusters 20-40 showed the opposite behaviour. These results suggest that the first clusters group genes permitting the cell adaptation to a sub-optimal environment due to removal of the wall, whereas the second group represents genes required for protoplasts regeneration after shifted to optimal conditions from 4 to 28 degrees C.
Insights
Candida albicans protoplast regeneration involves significant gene expression changes. Upregulated genes aid adaptation to wall-less states and subsequent cell wall regrowth.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The fungal pathogen Candida albicans undergoes cell wall remodeling during its lifecycle.
- Understanding gene expression during cell wall regeneration is crucial for antifungal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate transcriptional changes in Candida albicans during protoplast formation and regeneration.
- To identify genes involved in adaptation to a cell wall-deficient state and subsequent recovery.
Main Methods:
- Utilized DNA microarrays to profile the transcription of 6039 genes.
- Analyzed gene expression patterns over time during regeneration at 28°C.
- Clustered time-dependent gene expression data into 40 distinct groups.
Main Results:
- Identified 407 upregulated genes during regeneration, with 144 peaking at 1 hour.
- Observed overexpression of MKC1, a key gene in cell wall integrity pathways.
- Gene expression clusters indicated distinct roles in environmental adaptation and regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Early gene expression supports adaptation to the stress of cell wall removal.
- Later gene expression facilitates protoplast regeneration under optimal conditions.
- Transcriptional profiling provides insights into Candida albicans cell wall dynamics.
