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Parasexuality of Candida Species

Abhishek Mishra1, Anja Forche2, Matthew Z Anderson1,3

  • 1Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|December 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Many fungi, especially medically important Candida species, use parasexual cycles instead of sexual reproduction. This process, similar to meiosis, drives genetic diversity and adaptation in these fungi.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Genetics
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Most fungi reproduce sexually via meiosis.
  • Parasex has emerged independently in multiple fungal lineages, notably in medically relevant Candida species.
  • Parasex in Candida albicans, discovered ~20 years ago, serves as a model for understanding this reproductive strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of fungal parasex.
  • To explore the regulatory mechanisms of parasex.
  • To assess the relevance of parasex to Candida biology and adaptation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on fungal reproduction and parasex.
  • Analysis of genetic recombination and chromosome segregation in parasexual cycles.
  • Examination of the roles of meiotic genes in parasex.

Main Results:

  • Parasex retains key meiotic features like genetic recombination and chromosome segregation.
  • Evidence suggests parallels between meiotic and parasexual processes.
  • Parasex is a significant factor in the genetic diversity of Candida species.

Conclusions:

  • Parasex is a crucial alternative reproductive strategy in fungi lacking meiosis.
  • Understanding parasex is vital for comprehending Candida adaptation and evolution.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the evolutionary impact of parasex.
Keywords:
Candidagenetic diversitymatingparasexrecombination

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