Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
10:08
Visualization of Candida albicans in the Murine Gastrointestinal Tract Using Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization
Published on: November 5, 2019
14.7K
Candida albicans VPS4 contributes differentially to epithelial and mucosal pathogenesis
Hallie S Rane1, Sarah Hardison, Claudia Botelho
1a Division of Infectious Diseases ; University of New Mexico Health Science Center ; Albuquerque , NM USA.
Virulence
|December 9, 2014
Summary
The Candida albicans VPS4 gene is crucial for oral and intestinal infections but not vaginal or uroepithelial infections. This highlights the importance of using diverse models to understand fungal virulence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- The pre-vacuolar protein sorting gene VPS4 in Candida albicans is essential for secreting aspartyl proteases.
- Previous studies showed vps4Δ mutants are hypovirulent in systemic candidiasis models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of VPS4-mediated secretion pathway in epithelial and mucosal infection pathogenesis.
- To evaluate VPS4's contribution to virulence across various infection models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vitro oral epithelial and uroepithelial models.
- Assessed macrophage killing and in vivo virulence in Caenorhabditis elegans and murine vaginal candidiasis models.
- Compared vps4Δ mutant to isogenic, complemented control strains.
Main Results:
- vps4Δ mutant showed reduced cell wall stress tolerance and attenuated virulence in oral and intestinal models.
- vps4Δ mutant exhibited defects in macrophage killing.
- No significant difference in virulence was observed in uroepithelial or vaginal candidiasis models.
Conclusions:
- VPS4 is critical for oral and intestinal Candida albicans infections but not uroepithelial or vaginal infections.
- The contribution of VPS4 to virulence is tissue-specific.
- Diverse infection models are necessary to fully elucidate gene function in fungal pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
1.1K
Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
1.1K
01:27Diversity of Protists II
2.3K
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
2.3K
01:24Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors
1.6K
Peptic ulcer disease, commonly called PUD, represents a multifaceted condition characterized by disruptions in the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Central to the protection of the gastrointestinal lining is the mucosal-bicarbonate barrier. This physiological defense mechanism is a formidable shield against the corrosive effects of gastric acid and pepsin secretion in the stomach. Its role is pivotal in maintaining the structural integrity of the stomach's inner lining.
1.6K
01:25Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach
3.0K
The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
3.0K
01:26Gastritis II: Pathophysiology
16
The pathophysiology of gastritis begins with the colonization of the stomach lining by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium spreads mainly via the oral-oral route through saliva or shared utensils, and can also be transmitted in overcrowded or unhygienic environments through contaminated water, despite its brief survival outside the body.ColonizationOnce ingested, H. pylori enters the stomach and begins colonization by navigating through the mucus layer lining the stomach wall. It...
16
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
769
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...
769