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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
A 96 Well Microtiter Plate-based Method for Monitoring Formation and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida albicans Biofilms
Published on: October 21, 2010
Multi-Omics Profiling of Candida albicans Grown on Solid Versus Liquid Media
Rouba Abdulsalam Alhameed1, Mohammad H Semreen1,2, Mohamad Hamad1,3
1Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract:
Candida albicans is a common pathogenic fungus that presents a challenge to healthcare facilities. It can switch between a yeast cell form that diffuses through the bloodstream to colonize internal organs and a filamentous form that penetrates host mucosa. Understanding the pathogen's strategies for environmental adaptation and, ultimately, survival, is crucial. As a complementary study, herein, a multi-omics analysis was performed using high-resolution timsTOF MS to compare the proteomes and metabolomes of Wild Type (WT) Candida albicans (strain DK318) grown on agar plates versus liquid media. Proteomic analysis revealed a total of 1793 proteins and 15,013 peptides. Out of the 1403 identified proteins, 313 proteins were significantly differentially abundant with a p-value < 0.05. Of these, 156 and 157 proteins were significantly increased in liquid and solid media, respectively. Metabolomics analysis identified 192 metabolites in total. The majority (42/48) of the significantly altered metabolites (p-value 0.05 FDR, FC 1.5), mainly amino acids, were significantly higher in solid media, while only 2 metabolites were significantly higher in liquid media. The combined multi-omics analysis provides insight into adaptative morphological changes supporting Candida albicans' life cycle and identifies crucial virulence factors during biofilm formation and bloodstream infection.
Insights
This study reveals how the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans adapts its protein and metabolite production between solid and liquid environments. These findings are key to understanding fungal virulence and developing new antifungal strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pathogen Biology
- Multi-omics Research
Background:
- Candida albicans is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen.
- This fungus exhibits morphological plasticity, switching between yeast and filamentous forms.
- Understanding its adaptation strategies is vital for combating infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the proteomic and metabolomic differences of Wild Type (WT) Candida albicans grown on agar plates versus liquid media.
- To identify key proteins and metabolites involved in environmental adaptation.
- To gain insights into virulence factors contributing to Candida albicans pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution timsTOF Mass Spectrometry (MS) was employed for multi-omics analysis.
- Comparative proteomic analysis identified differentially abundant proteins.
- Comparative metabolomic analysis identified significantly altered metabolites.
Main Results:
- Proteomic analysis identified 1793 proteins, with 313 significantly differentially abundant between media types.
- Metabolomic analysis identified 192 metabolites, with 42 significantly higher in solid media, primarily amino acids.
- Distinct proteomic and metabolomic profiles were observed for Candida albicans in solid versus liquid environments.
Conclusions:
- Multi-omics data reveals significant adaptive changes in Candida albicans proteome and metabolome based on growth medium.
- These adaptations are crucial for the fungus's morphological changes, life cycle, and virulence.
- The study identifies potential virulence factors relevant to biofilm formation and bloodstream infections.
