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Published on: July 18, 2012
Decrease in Ribosomal RNA in Candida albicans Induced by Serum Exposure.
Jacob Fleischmann1, Miguel A Rocha2
1Department of Medicine, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Research Division, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America.
Serum exposure rapidly and significantly reduces ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in Candida albicans, a key human pathogen. This rRNA decrease occurs quickly and doesn't appear to cause hyphal transformation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Candida albicans is a polymorphic human pathogen capable of switching between yeast and hyphal forms.
- Hyphal transformation is crucial for Candida albicans pathogenicity and can be induced by stimuli like serum.
- Previous work indicated transient polyadenylation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) upon serum exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of serum on total ribosomal RNA levels in Candida albicans.
- To determine the kinetics and potential role of serum-induced rRNA decrease in hyphal development.
Main Methods:
- Fluorometric measurements
- Northern blotting
- Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)
- XTT assay for metabolic activity
Main Results:
- Serum significantly and rapidly reduces total ribosomal RNA in Candida albicans within five minutes.
- This rRNA decrease occurs without affecting cell mass, protein content, or metabolic activity.
- N-acetylglucosamine also induced rRNA decrease, though to a lesser extent, and the phenomenon was observed in Candida glabrata.
- The decrease in rRNA does not appear to be causally linked to hyphal transformation.
Conclusions:
- Serum induces a rapid and significant reduction in ribosomal RNA in Candida albicans.
- The observed rRNA decrease is not directly responsible for triggering hyphal development.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the functional significance of this rapid rRNA reduction in yeast biology.
