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Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
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Virulence-Related Genes Expression in Planktonic Mixed Cultures of Candida albicans and Non-Albicans Candida Species

Melanie Soriano-Abarca1, Juan Carlos Tapia1, María José Cáceres-Valdiviezo1

  • 1OMICS Science Laboratory, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Ecuador.

Microbial Physiology
|September 12, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Candida albicans and other Candida species show varied virulence gene expression when grown together. Mixed cultures of C. albicans with non-albicans Candida can enhance hyphal growth and adhesion, but some species interactions are antagonistic.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Candida albicans is a leading cause of opportunistic fungal infections, with virulence linked to genes like HWP1, ALS3, and SAP1.
  • Increasing non-albicans Candida infections raise concerns about coinfections and competitive interactions with C. albicans, potentially worsening patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of key virulence factor genes (HWP1, ALS3, SAP1) in C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species during planktonic growth.
  • To analyze gene expression patterns in both monocultures and mixed cultures to understand interspecies interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Culturing C. albicans and clinical isolates of C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis in monocultures and mixed cultures.
  • Utilizing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure HWP1, ALS3, and SAP1 gene expression.
  • Observing hyphal filamentation using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

  • Mixed cultures of C. albicans with non-albicans Candida species showed overexpression of HWP1 and ALS3, indicating synergistic interactions and enhanced hyphal growth/adhesion.
  • The interaction between C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis in mixed culture demonstrated an antagonistic relationship, suggesting reduced virulence for C. parapsilosis.

Conclusions:

  • Virulence gene expression (HWP1, ALS3, SAP1) in Candida species is significantly influenced by competitive interactions during the planktonic stage.
  • Interspecies competition can lead to either synergistic or antagonistic effects, impacting the overall virulence profile in coinfections.
Keywords:
Candida albicansCompetitive interactionGene expressionHyphal formationNon-albicans Candida speciesPlanktonic stage

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