Transcriptome Signatures Predict Phenotypic Variations of Candida auris
Sabrina Jenull1, Michael Tscherner1, Nataliya Kashko1
1Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|May 3, 2021
Summary
Emerging multidrug-resistant Candida auris poses a threat. This study reveals gene expression differences predict antifungal responses, aiding treatment selection for this difficult-to-diagnose pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Genomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen threatening healthcare.
- Distinct clades of C. auris exhibit genetic and phenotypic diversity.
- Mechanistic understanding of C. auris diversification and clinical variation is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize transcriptomic signatures of C. auris patient isolates.
- To correlate gene expression variability with antifungal susceptibility profiles.
- To elucidate C. auris species diversification and clinical heterogeneity.
Main Methods:
- Antifungal susceptibility screening of clinical C. auris isolates.
- Comparative transcriptional profiling of C. auris clades and strains.
- Functional validation of transcriptional signatures linked to phenotypic divergence.
Main Results:
- Significant gene expression differences observed between C. auris clade I and clade II strains.
- Minor gene expression changes identified as drivers of divergent antifungal drug responses.
- Transcriptional signatures successfully predict phenotypic diversity in clinical isolates.
Conclusions:
- Large-scale transcriptomic profiling can predict phenotypic variations in C. auris patient isolates.
- Understanding gene expression patterns aids in selecting appropriate antifungal therapies.
- This approach may improve management of multidrug-resistant C. auris infections.
