Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Candida albicans Detection in Catheter Infections Using Fluorescent Protein Tagging
Published on: March 22, 2024
Molecular targets of biofabricated silver nanoparticles in Candida albicans
Shivkrupa D Halbandge1, Ashwini K Jadhav2, Priyanka M Jangid1
1School of Life Sciences, SRTM University, Nanded, Maharashtra, 431606, India.
Abstract:
We have analyzed the expressions of genes which regulate Ras-cAMP-EFG1 and CEK1-MAPK pathways involved in yeast to hyphal form morphogenesis in Candida albicans. The expression profile of genes associated with serum-induced morphogenesis showed reduced expressions of genes involved in these pathways by the treatment with biofabricated silver nanoparticles. Cell elongation gene, ECE1, was downregulated by 5.1 fold by the treatment of silver nanoparticles. Expression of hyphal inducer gene, TEC1 was downregulated by 6.28 fold. Negative regulators of yeast to hyphal transition, TUP1 and RFG1 were downregulated by 2.45 and 5.43 fold, respectively. Current study suggests that silver nanoparticles affect gene expression and may subsequently reduce virulence in C. albicans. Targeting genes involved in virulence may be an acceptable novel treatment strategy for pathogenic fungal infections.
Insights
Biofabricated silver nanoparticles reduce the expression of key genes involved in Candida albicans morphogenesis. This suggests silver nanoparticles may be a novel strategy to decrease fungal virulence and treat infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Candida albicans transitions between yeast and hyphal forms, a key factor in its virulence.
- The Ras-cAMP-EFG1 and CEK1-MAPK pathways regulate this morphological switch.
- Developing novel anti-fungal strategies is crucial due to increasing resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of biofabricated silver nanoparticles on gene expression during Candida albicans morphogenesis.
- To determine if silver nanoparticles can modulate key pathways regulating yeast-to-hyphal transition.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene expression profiles in Candida albicans treated with silver nanoparticles.
- Focus on genes within the Ras-cAMP-EFG1 and CEK1-MAPK pathways.
Main Results:
- Silver nanoparticles significantly downregulated genes essential for hyphal development, including ECE1 (5.1-fold) and TEC1 (6.28-fold).
- Negative regulators of hyphal transition, TUP1 and RFG1, were also downregulated (2.45-fold and 5.43-fold, respectively).
- Gene expression analysis revealed modulation of Ras-cAMP-EFG1 and CEK1-MAPK pathways.
Conclusions:
- Biofabricated silver nanoparticles impact gene expression in Candida albicans, specifically downregulating morphogenesis-related genes.
- Silver nanoparticles show potential for reducing Candida albicans virulence by targeting key regulatory pathways.
- This study highlights silver nanoparticles as a promising therapeutic avenue for combating pathogenic fungal infections.
Related Concept Videos
02:00Molecular Models
02:54Molecular and Ionic Solids
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
03:51Molecular Orbital Theory II
02:35Molecular Orbital Theory I
02:27Predicting Molecular Geometry
03:07Kinetic Molecular Theory: Molecular Velocities, Temperature, and Kinetic Energy