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Published on: June 13, 2021
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Hgt17-Adr1 Relationship in Candida albicans Citrate Utilization
Amelia M White1, Aaron P Mitchell1
1Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 24, 2025
Summary
The transcription factor Adr1 regulates citrate metabolism in Candida albicans. The Adr1-activated gene HGT17, encoding a citrate transporter, is crucial for fungal growth and gene expression on citrate.
Area of Science:
- * Mycology
- * Molecular Biology
- * Biochemistry
Background:
- * *Candida albicans* is an opportunistic fungal pathogen with a versatile metabolism enabling tissue infection.
- * The transcription factor Adr1 controls the utilization of citric acid cycle intermediates found in host tissues.
- * Adr1-activated genes are involved in citrate metabolism and gluconeogenesis, essential for fungal survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the role of the Adr1-activated gene *HGT17* as a functional target of Adr1.
- * To determine the contribution of *HGT17* to *Candida albicans* growth and gene expression, particularly in the context of citrate utilization.
Main Methods:
- * Gene expression analysis of *HGT17* in *Candida albicans*.
- * Growth assays of wild-type, *adr1*Δ/Δ, and *hgt17*Δ/Δ mutants on citrate-containing media.
- * Comparative transcriptomic analysis of mutants versus wild-type strains.
Main Results:
- * Forced expression of *HGT17* restored growth on citrate in an *adr1*Δ/Δ mutant.
- * *hgt17*Δ/Δ and *adr1*Δ/Δ mutants exhibited similar gene expression defects when grown on citrate.
- * Down-regulation of citric acid cycle, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and ergosterol synthesis genes was observed in both mutants.
Conclusions:
- * *HGT17* is a key functional target of the transcription factor Adr1 in *Candida albicans*.
- * Reduced *HGT17* expression significantly impacts fungal growth and gene expression on citrate.
- * Citrate metabolism and Adr1-mediated regulation are critical for *Candida albicans* adaptation and virulence.
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