Related Experiment Videos
Opaque-white phenotype transition: a programmed morphological transition in Candida albicans
E H Rikkerink1, B B Magee, P T Magee
1Department of Microbiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1101.
Journal of Bacteriology
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Candida albicans exhibits a reversible switching system between opaque and white cell forms. This high-frequency transition is genetically stable and observable on specific media.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- * Candida albicans is a common human fungal pathogen.
- * Phenotypic switching in C. albicans influences virulence and antifungal resistance.
- * Understanding the mechanisms of phenotypic switching is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the nature of the opaque and white phenotypic transition in Candida albicans.
- * To determine if the transition system is a true high-frequency reversible system.
- * To analyze the genetic stability and characteristics of the switched phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- * Comparative analysis of opaque and white phenotypes using rDNA restriction fragment profiling.
- * Orthogonal Field Alternating Gel Electrophoresis (OFAGE) to assess genetic profiles.
- * Introduction and tracking of genetic markers across phenotypic transitions.
- * Examination of phenotypic differences on bismuth indicator medium.
- * Assessment of spontaneous and temperature-induced transition frequencies.
Main Results:
- * The opaque and white phenotypes of Candida albicans represent a true high-frequency reversible transition system.
- * Genetic profiles (rDNA restriction fragment and OFAGE) are indistinguishable between opaque and white phenotypes.
- * A genetic marker introduced into the white phenotype was stably maintained in all opaque derivatives.
- * Opaque and white phenotypes exhibit distinct characteristics on bismuth indicator medium.
- * Temperature-induced transition from opaque to white did not occur in water.
Conclusions:
- * The opaque-white transition in Candida albicans is a genetically stable and reversible phenomenon.
- * Phenotypic switching does not involve gross alterations in rDNA or overall genome structure.
- * Bismuth indicator medium is a useful tool for monitoring opaque-white transitions.
- * Environmental conditions, such as suspension in water, can inhibit temperature-induced switching.