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Glycerophosphocholine provision rescues Candida albicans growth and signaling phenotypes associated with phosphate

William R King1, Maikel Acosta-Zaldívar2, Wanjun Qi2

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Msphere
|October 16, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Candida albicans can use glycerophosphocholine (GPC), a host metabolite, as a phosphate source. This finding is crucial for understanding fungal phosphate homeostasis and virulence during infection.

Area of Science:

  • * Medical Mycology
  • * Molecular Biology
  • * Biochemistry

Background:

  • * *Candida albicans* is a common human commensal and opportunistic pathogen causing invasive fungal disease.
  • * Phosphate acquisition is critical for *C. albicans* virulence and survival.
  • * *C. albicans* utilizes inorganic phosphate (Pi) and can use other sources.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To investigate the role of glycerophosphocholine (GPC) as a phosphate source for *C. albicans*.
  • * To determine if GPC contributes to phosphate homeostasis in *C. albicans*.
  • * To assess the relevance of GPC as a physiological phosphate source during infection.

Main Methods:

  • * Growth assays comparing Pi and GPC utilization.
  • * Measurement of intracellular phosphate levels.
  • * Gene expression analysis related to phosphate transport and metabolism.

Main Results:

  • * GPC effectively substitutes for Pi in supporting *C. albicans* growth.
  • * GPC influences phosphate homeostasis, though not identically to Pi.
  • * Several genes involved in phosphate metabolism are regulated by GPC.

Conclusions:

  • * Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) is a viable phosphate source for *Candida albicans*.
  • * GPC plays a significant role in fungal phosphate homeostasis.
  • * GPC utilization is likely important for *C. albicans* virulence in host environments.
Keywords:
Candida albicanscell signalingglycerophosphodiestersphosphatephosphate metabolismphospholipids

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