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Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Citral derivative activates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis signaling pathways in Candida albicans by generating
Mohmmad Younus Wani1, Aijaz Ahmad2, Faisal Mohammed Aqlan1
1University of Jeddah, College of Science, Department of Chemistry, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
For combating life-threatening infections caused by Candida albicans there is an urgent requirement of new antifungal agents with a targeted activity and low host cytotoxicity. Manipulating the mechanistic basis of cell death decision in yeast may provide an alternative approach for future antifungal therapeutics. Herein, the effect of an active citral derivative (Cd1) over the physiology of cell death in C. albicans was assessed. The viability of C. albicans SC5314 cells was determined by broth microdilution assay. The crucial morphological changes and apoptotic markers in Cd1-exposed yeast cells were analyzed. Subsequently the results confirmed that Cd1 arrested growth and caused death in yeast cells. Furthermore, this molecule inhibited antioxidant enzymes that resulted in production of reactive oxygen species. DNA fragmentation and condensation, phosphatidylserine exposure at the outer leaflet of cell membrane, mitochondrial disintegration as well as accumulation of cells at G2/M phase of the cell cycle were recorded. Altogether, this derivative induced apoptotic-type cell death in C. albicans SC5314.
Insights
A novel citral derivative, Cd1, effectively combats Candida albicans by inducing programmed cell death. This antifungal agent shows promise for treating life-threatening yeast infections with minimal host toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Life-threatening Candida albicans infections necessitate novel antifungal agents with targeted activity and low host cytotoxicity.
- Understanding yeast cell death mechanisms offers a potential therapeutic strategy for antifungal drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a citral derivative (Cd1) on the physiology of cell death in Candida albicans.
- To assess Cd1 as a potential antifungal therapeutic by examining its impact on yeast cell viability and death pathways.
Main Methods:
- Broth microdilution assay to determine the viability of Candida albicans SC5314 cells.
- Microscopic analysis of morphological changes and apoptotic markers in Cd1-exposed yeast cells.
- Assessment of reactive oxygen species production and cell cycle progression.
Main Results:
- Cd1 significantly inhibited Candida albicans growth and induced cell death.
- The compound triggered key apoptotic markers including DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine externalization, and mitochondrial disintegration.
- Cd1 treatment led to reactive oxygen species generation and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase.
Conclusions:
- The citral derivative Cd1 effectively induces apoptotic-type cell death in Candida albicans.
- Cd1 demonstrates potential as a novel antifungal agent for combating Candida infections.
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