Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 17, 2025
Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device
Published on: December 14, 2017
Candida albicans Mrv8, is involved in epithelial damage and biofilm formation
Anna Carolina Borges Pereira Costa1,2,3, Graziella Nuernberg Back-Brito1, François L Mayer2
1Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Science and Technology (ICT); São José dos Campos, Brazil.
Abstract:
Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen that can cause superficial and deep-seated infections in susceptible individuals. Despite its medical importance, the vast majority of C. albicans genes remain of unknown function. Here, we report a role for the lineage-specific gene, MRV8, in host pathogen interactions, mycelial microcolony maturation and biofilm formation. In silico analysis indicated that MRV8 encodes a four-pass transmembrane protein unique to the closely related pathogens C. albicans and Candida dubliniensis. Deletion of MRV8 did not affect C. albicans adherence to, or initial invasion into human oral epithelia, but inhibited mycelial development and strongly reduced epithelial damage. mrv8Δ/Δ cells exhibited a media-dependent defect in biofilm formation and mutant biofilm metabolic activity was enhanced by cyclosporin A. mrv8Δ/Δ biofilms were more tolerant to treatment with caspofungin, but not to fluconazole or amphotericin B. Co-stimulation with calcium chloride and calcofluor white rescued biofilm growth in the presence of caspofungin, and this rescue-effect was Mrv8-dependent. Together, our data demonstrate an important role for a lineage-specific gene (MRV8) in C. albicans biofilm formation, drug tolerance and host-pathogen interactions.
Insights
The lineage-specific gene MRV8 is crucial for Candida albicans biofilm development and host interactions. Deleting MRV8 impairs fungal growth, reduces epithelial damage, and affects drug tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Medical Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a prevalent human fungal pathogen causing diverse infections.
- Many C. albicans genes, including lineage-specific ones, have unknown functions.
- Understanding gene roles is vital for combating C. albicans pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the lineage-specific gene MRV8 in C. albicans.
- To elucidate MRV8's role in host-pathogen interactions, mycelial development, and biofilm formation.
- To assess the impact of MRV8 deletion on C. albicans virulence and drug susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- In silico analysis of the MRV8 gene and its encoded protein.
- Generation and characterization of MRV8 deletion mutants (mrv8Δ/Δ) in C. albicans.
- Assays for C. albicans adherence, invasion, epithelial damage, and biofilm formation.
- Evaluation of mrv8Δ/Δ biofilm metabolic activity and drug tolerance (caspofungin, fluconazole, amphotericin B).
Main Results:
- MRV8 encodes a transmembrane protein unique to C. albicans and C. dubliniensis.
- MRV8 deletion did not affect initial fungal adherence or invasion but inhibited mycelial development and epithelial damage.
- mrv8Δ/Δ mutants showed media-dependent defects in biofilm formation.
- mrv8Δ/Δ biofilms exhibited enhanced tolerance to caspofungin, with rescue effects observed under specific co-stimulation conditions.
Conclusions:
- MRV8 plays a significant role in C. albicans biofilm maturation and host-pathogen interactions.
- The gene is important for regulating fungal virulence and modulating drug tolerance.
- Targeting MRV8 could offer new strategies for managing C. albicans infections.
