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Increased filamentous growth of Candida albicans in simulated microgravity

Sara D Altenburg1, Sheila M Nielsen-Preiss, Linda E Hyman

  • 1Division of Health Sciences and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.

Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics
|June 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Simulated microgravity (SMG) causes the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans to switch to a more virulent, filamentous form. This conserved yeast response to spaceflight conditions may impact astronaut health.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Space Biology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Understanding microbial pathogenicity is crucial for long-term spaceflight.
  • Previous studies showed Saccharomyces cerevisiae responds to simulated microgravity (SMG).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Candida albicans response to SMG.
  • To determine if yeast exhibit a conserved response to microgravity.
  • To assess potential changes in pathogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • Culturing Candida albicans in a high aspect ratio vessel bioreactor to simulate microgravity.
  • Analyzing gene expression profiles.
  • Observing morphological changes.

Main Results:

  • Candida albicans showed a conserved response to SMG, similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
  • SMG induced a morphogenic switch in C. albicans towards a filamentous form.
  • Increased expression of genes linked to yeast-hyphal transition was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Candida albicans exhibits a conserved response to simulated microgravity.
  • The morphogenic switch suggests enhanced pathogenicity in microgravity.
  • Increased virulence of C. albicans during spaceflight poses risks to astronaut safety.

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