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Is There a Relationship Between Mating and Pathogenesis in Two Human Fungal Pathogens, Candida albicans and Candida

Tina Bedekovic1, Jane Usher1

  • 1MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Department of Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD UK.

Current Clinical Microbiology Reports
|May 8, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human fungal pathogens like Candida albicans and Candida glabrata are increasing. This review explores their sexual cycles, evolution, and impact on pathogenesis, aiding in understanding these adaptable organisms.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Human fungal pathogens are a growing concern due to increasing incidence and immune evasion.
  • Limited genetic tools and understanding of sexual cycles hinder research into fungal pathogen virulence.
  • Sexual reproduction and meiosis are crucial evolutionary processes that can impact pathogen adaptability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current knowledge on mating types and sexual cycles of *Candida albicans* and *Candida glabrata*.
  • To discuss the evolution of meiosis and its relevance to fungal pathogens, drawing parallels with *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*.
  • To explore the interplay between the evolution of pathogenesis and mating processes in human fungal pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on fungal sexual cycles, meiosis, and pathogenesis.
  • Comparative analysis of sexual cycle mechanisms in *Candida albicans* and *Candida glabrata*.
  • Integration of knowledge from model organisms like *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* to understand fungal pathogen evolution.

Main Results:

  • Identification of a parasexual cycle in *Candida albicans*.
  • Observation of low recombination levels in *Candida glabrata* populations.
  • Distinct mating niches have evolved in *C. albicans* and *C. glabrata* facilitating disease development.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the sexual cycles and evolution of fungal pathogens is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies.
  • Distinct evolutionary paths in mating and pathogenesis contribute to the success of *C. albicans* and *C. glabrata* as human pathogens.
  • Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps in fungal mating and recombination to combat rising infections.
Keywords:
Candida albicansCandida glabrataEvolutionMatingPathogenesis

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