Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

A Soluble Tetrazolium-Based Reduction Assay to Evaluate the Effect of Antibodies on Candida tropicalis Biofilms
Published on: September 16, 2022
Membrane fluidity and lipid composition in clinical isolates of Candida albicans isolated from AIDS/HIV patients
N N Mishra1, T Prasad, N Sharma
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, India. nagendranathmishra@yahoo.co.in
Abstract:
In this study, we describe the membrane lipid composition of eight clinical isolates (azole resistant and sensitive strains) of Candida albicans isolated from AIDS/ HIV patients. Interestingly, fluorescence polarization measurements of the clinical isolates displayed enhanced membrane fluidity in fluconazole resistant strains as compared to the sensitive ones. The increase in fluidity was reflected in the change of membrane order, which was considerably decreased (decrease in fluorescence polarization "p" value denotes higher membrane fluidity) in the resistant strains. The ergosterol content in azole susceptible isolates was greater, almost twice as compared to the resistant isolates. However, no significant alteration was observed in phospholipid and fatty acid composition of these isolates. Labeling experiments with fluorescamine dye revealed that the percentage of phosphatidylethanolamine exposed to the membrane's outer leaflet was higher in the resistant strains as compared to the sensitive strains, indicating increased floppase activity of the two major ABC drug efflux pumps, CDR1 and CDR2 possibly due to their overexpression in resistant strains. The results of the present study suggest that changes in the status of membrane lipid phase especially the ergosterol content and increased activity of drug efflux pumps by overexpression ofABC transporters, CDR1 and CDR2 might contribute to fluconazole resistance in C. albicans isolated from AIDS/HIV patients.
Related Concept Videos
Candidiasis
Membrane Fluidity
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...
Membrane Fluidity
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Biosynthesis of Lipids
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer

