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Experimental Evolution of Candida by Serial Passaging in Host Cells
Katja Graf1, Bernhard Hube1, Sascha Brunke2
1Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|January 6, 2021
Summary
Experimental evolution using biotic stressors like macrophage-like cells can reveal novel microbial virulence factors. This method adapts microbial populations to host-induced stress, uncovering genetic adaptations and mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Pathobiology
Background:
- Experimental evolution typically uses abiotic stressors to study microbial adaptation.
- Pathogenic fungi frequently encounter host immune cells, such as macrophages.
- Understanding microbial adaptation to biotic stressors is crucial for pathobiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a method for experimental evolution using biotic stressors (macrophage-like cells).
- To reveal new virulence attributes and mechanisms in pathogenic fungi.
- To adapt serial passaging techniques for studying host-pathogen interactions.
Main Methods:
- Employing a serial passaging regime with macrophage-like cells as a biotic stressor.
- Adapting experimental evolution techniques for pathogenic fungi.
- Utilizing long-term continuous culture under defined selective pressures.
Main Results:
- Experimental evolution under biotic stress selects for adaptive mutations.
- This approach can uncover previously unknown virulence factors.
- Reveals genetic adaptations against host cell-induced stress.
Conclusions:
- Experimental evolution with biotic stressors is a powerful tool in pathobiology research.
- This method provides insights into microbial adaptation to host immune challenges.
- It serves as a starting point for detailed follow-up analyses of microbial virulence.
