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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
A 96 Well Microtiter Plate-based Method for Monitoring Formation and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida albicans Biofilms
Published on: October 21, 2010
Intracellular cAMP Measurements in Candida albicans Biofilms
Liuliu Jiang1,2, Shengyan Chen1,2, Kairui Sun1,2
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
Candida albicans is the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide. Infection by C. albicans is closely associated with its ability to form a biofilm, closely packed communities of cells attached to the surfaces of human tissues and implanted devices, in or on the host. When tested for susceptibility to antifungals, such as polyenes, azoles, and allylamines, C. albicans cells in a biofilm are more resistant to antifungal agents than C. albicans cells in the planktonic form. Cyclic Adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is one of the key elements for triggering hyphal and biofilm formation in C. albicans. It is hard to detect or extract molecular markers (e.g., cAMP) from C. albicans biofilms because the biofilms have a complex three-dimensional architecture with an extracellular matrix surrounding the cell walls of the cells in the biofilm. Here, we present an improved protocol that can effectively measure the level of intracellular cAMP in C. albicans biofilms.
Insights
Researchers developed a new method to measure cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) inside Candida albicans biofilms. This advancement aids in understanding how these fungal biofilms form and resist antifungal treatments.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Candida albicans is a leading cause of global fungal infections.
- Biofilm formation by C. albicans enhances resistance to antifungal drugs.
- Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is crucial for C. albicans biofilm development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the challenge of measuring intracellular cAMP in C. albicans biofilms.
- To present an improved protocol for quantifying cAMP levels within these complex structures.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel protocol for intracellular cAMP measurement.
- Application of the protocol to C. albicans biofilms.
Main Results:
- The improved protocol effectively measures intracellular cAMP levels in C. albicans biofilms.
- This method overcomes challenges posed by the biofilm's complex architecture and extracellular matrix.
Conclusions:
- The new protocol facilitates a deeper understanding of C. albicans biofilm formation.
- This research may lead to strategies for combating antifungal resistance in C. albicans infections.
