Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
09:56
CRISPR-mediated Genome Editing of the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Published on: November 14, 2018
12.8K
Candida albicans repetitive elements display epigenetic diversity and plasticity
Verónica Freire-Benéitez1, R Jordan Price1, Daniel Tarrant1
1University of Kent, School of Biosciences Canterbury Kent, CT2 7NJ. UK.
Scientific Reports
|March 15, 2016
Summary
In Candida albicans, repetitive DNA forms distinct heterochromatin structures. This epigenetic regulation changes with temperature, linking chromatin plasticity to fungal adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Mycology
Background:
- Heterochromatin, transcriptionally silent regions associated with repetitive DNA, varies across organisms.
- Understanding heterochromatin's structure and environmental responsiveness is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chromatin states of DNA repeats in Candida albicans.
- To determine if heterochromatin structure is modulated by environmental signals.
Main Methods:
- Chromatin state analysis of repetitive DNA elements (rDNA, telomeres, Major Repeat Sequences).
- Gene silencing assays and genome-wide RNA sequencing.
- Comparative analysis of heterochromatin at different temperatures (30°C vs. 39°C).
Main Results:
- Candida albicans exhibits distinct heterochromatin states for different repetitive elements, unlike model systems.
- Telomeric heterochromatin is dynamic, strengthening at 39°C (host-like fever temperature) compared to 30°C.
- Heterochromatin represses expression of associated coding and non-coding RNAs.
Conclusions:
- Differential chromatin states in C. albicans regulate gene expression.
- Epigenetic plasticity in heterochromatin structure is linked to adaptation in this fungal pathogen.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
4.1K
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
4.1K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
34.2K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
34.2K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
26.2K
26.2K
02:13Overview of Transposition and Recombination
20.5K
Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...
20.5K
02:05Duplication of Chromatin Structure
7.6K
The process of chromosome duplication during cell division requires genome-wide disruption and re-assembly of chromatin. The chromatin structure must be accurately inherited, reassembled, and maintained in the daughter cells to ensure lineage propagation.
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...
7.6K
03:17Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
7.8K
Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying...
7.8K