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Use of In Vivo Imaging to Screen for Morphogenesis Phenotypes in Candida albicans Mutant Strains During Active Infection in a Mammalian Host
Published on: October 12, 2022
Fungal morphogenesis: in hot pursuit
1200B Mellon Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|April 14, 2012
Summary
The heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) acts as a thermosensor in Candida albicans, controlling the switch between yeast and hyphal growth. This finding links Hsp90 to the cell cycle and gene expression machinery regulating fungal morphogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Temperature is a critical environmental factor influencing fungal growth and development.
- The opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans exhibits dimorphism, switching between yeast and hyphal forms, which is crucial for its virulence.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing this morphogenetic switch is vital for developing targeted antifungal therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the thermosensor heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in regulating Candida albicans morphogenesis.
- To elucidate the connection between Hsp90 and the cell cycle-related machinery controlling the yeast-to-hyphal transition.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genetic manipulation of Hsp90 and key cell cycle regulators in Candida albicans.
- Employed microscopy to observe and quantify yeast and hyphal growth.
- Investigated gene expression patterns related to morphogenesis.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that Hsp90 directly influences the temperature-dependent morphogenetic switch in Candida albicans.
- Identified a functional link between Hsp90 and a CDK-cyclin-transcription factor module.
- Showcased how Hsp90 integrates temperature signals with cell cycle progression to control hyphal development.
Conclusions:
- Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) functions as a key thermosensor controlling Candida albicans morphogenesis.
- Hsp90 integrates temperature cues with the CDK-cyclin-transcription factor pathway to regulate the yeast-to-hyphal transition.
- This study provides novel insights into the molecular basis of fungal dimorphism and virulence.
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