Molecular genetic techniques for gene manipulation in Candida albicans
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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
CRISPR-mediated Genome Editing of the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Published on: November 14, 2018
Qiu-Rong Xu1, Lan Yan2, Quan-Zhen Lv2
1Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine; College of Pharmacy; Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Fuzhou, Fujian PR China.
Abstract:
Candida albicans is one of the most common fungal pathogen in humans due to its high frequency as an opportunistic and pathogenic fungus causing superficial as well as invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. An understanding of gene function in C. albicans is necessary to study the molecular basis of its pathogenesis, virulence and drug resistance. Several manipulation techniques have been used for investigation of gene function in C. albicans, including gene disruption, controlled gene expression, protein tagging, gene reintegration, and overexpression. In this review, the main cassettes containing selectable markers used for gene manipulation in C. albicans are summarized; the advantages and limitations of these cassettes are discussed concerning the influences on the target gene expression and the virulence of the mutant strains.
Insights
Understanding gene function in Candida albicans (C. albicans) is crucial for studying its pathogenesis and drug resistance. This review summarizes gene manipulation techniques and selectable markers, discussing their impact on C. albicans virulence.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a prevalent opportunistic fungal pathogen causing superficial and invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Understanding C. albicans gene function is essential for elucidating its pathogenesis, virulence, and drug resistance mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize selectable marker cassettes used for gene manipulation in C. albicans.
- To discuss the advantages and limitations of these gene manipulation techniques.
- To evaluate the influence of these methods on target gene expression and mutant strain virulence.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gene manipulation techniques in C. albicans.
- Analysis of selectable marker cassettes and their applications.
- Discussion of the impact of gene manipulation on C. albicans virulence factors.
Main Results:
- Summary of key selectable marker cassettes employed in C. albicans gene manipulation.
- Discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of each cassette.
- Assessment of how gene manipulation strategies affect C. albicans gene expression and virulence.
Conclusions:
- Effective gene manipulation tools are vital for advancing C. albicans research.
- The choice of selectable markers and manipulation techniques can influence experimental outcomes and virulence studies.
- Further research into optimizing gene manipulation strategies is needed to fully understand C. albicans pathogenesis.
