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The Cek1 MAPK is a short-lived protein regulated by quorum sensing in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans

Elvira Román1, Rebeca Alonso-Monge, Qianghong Gong

  • 1Departamento de Microbiología II, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

FEMS Yeast Research
|August 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Quorum sensing regulates the Cek1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in Candida albicans. Farnesol prevents Cek1 phosphorylation and induces Mkc1 activation, impacting fungal virulence.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Signaling
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are crucial for eukaryotic cell adaptation.
  • The Cek1 MAPK pathway in Candida albicans controls filamentous growth and virulence.
  • Cek1 activation is typically mediated by the Sho1 adaptor protein.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of quorum sensing (QS) in regulating Cek1 MAPK activity.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms controlling Cek1 phosphorylation and degradation in Candida albicans.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic analysis using Candida albicans mutants.
  • Biochemical assays to assess protein phosphorylation and degradation.
  • Treatment with farnesol, a quorum sensing molecule.

Main Results:

  • Quorum sensing, specifically farnesol, inhibits Cek1 MAPK phosphorylation.
  • Farnesol also activates the Mkc1 MAPK pathway, involved in cell integrity.
  • Cek1 undergoes proteasomal degradation, a process independent of the Chk1 histidine kinase.

Conclusions:

  • Quorum sensing and protein degradation are key regulatory mechanisms for the Cek1 MAPK pathway.
  • These pathways significantly influence virulence in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans.

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