Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
08:48
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Candida albicans dimorphism as a therapeutic target
Ilse D Jacobsen1, Duncan Wilson, Betty Wächtler
1Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute Jena, Beutenbergstraße 11a, D-07745, Jena, Germany.
Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Candida albicans dimorphism, switching between yeast and hyphal forms, is crucial for fungal virulence. Understanding this transition could lead to new antifungal drugs targeting this key attribute.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pathogenesis
- Antimicrobial Research
Background:
- Dimorphism in Candida albicans, the switch between yeast and hyphal forms, is a critical virulence factor.
- Both morphological states play distinct roles in fungal pathogenesis, including adhesion, invasion, and immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the known and potential roles of Candida albicans dimorphism in virulence.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of inhibiting this morphological transition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Candida albicans dimorphism.
- Analysis of the functional significance of yeast and hyphal forms in disease.
Main Results:
- Dimorphism is essential for various stages of Candida albicans infection.
- Distinct roles of yeast and hyphal forms in adhesion, invasion, dissemination, and host immune response.
Conclusions:
- Targeting Candida albicans dimorphism represents a promising strategy for novel antifungal drug development.
- Further research into the mechanisms regulating dimorphism could yield significant clinical benefits.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Antifungal Agents
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...