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A Candida auris-specific adhesin, Scf1, governs surface association, colonization, and virulence

Darian J Santana1,2, Juliet A E Anku1,3,4, Guolei Zhao1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

A newly discovered adhesin, Surface Colonization Factor (Scf1), is crucial for Candida auris to colonize surfaces and hosts. Scf1 is essential for biofilm formation and virulence in this emerging fungal pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Candida auris is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen known for persistent colonization.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of C. auris colonization is vital for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the adhesins employed by Candida auris.
  • To identify novel adhesins essential for C. auris colonization of surfaces and hosts.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic characterization of C. auris adhesins.
  • Functional assays for surface and host colonization.
  • Analysis of adhesin-surface interactions.

Main Results:

  • Discovery of Surface Colonization Factor (Scf1), an adhesin specific to C. auris.
  • Scf1 mediates adhesion to inert and biological surfaces across all C. auris clades.
  • Scf1 utilizes exposed cationic residues for surface association, differing from canonical adhesins.
  • Scf1 is essential for C. auris biofilm formation, skin colonization, systemic virulence, and medical device colonization.

Conclusions:

  • Surface Colonization Factor (Scf1) is a key adhesin for Candida auris colonization and virulence.
  • Scf1 represents a potential therapeutic target for C. auris infections.

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