Work

Modulation of Morphogenesis in Candida albicans by Various Small Molecules

Year: 2011

Type: review

Abstract: The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, a member of the mucosal microbiota, is responsible for a large spectrum of infections, ranging from benign thrush and vulvovaginitis in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals to severe, life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. A striking feature of C. albicans is its ability to grow as budding yeast and as filamentous forms, including hyphae and pseudohyphae. The yeast-to-hypha transition contributes to the overall virulence of C. albicans and may even constitute a target for the development of antifungal drugs. Indeed, impairing morphogenesis in C. albicans has been shown to be a means to treat candidiasis. Additionally, a large number of small molecules such as farnesol, fatty acids, rapamycin, geldanamycin, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and cell cycle inhibitors have been reported to modulate the yeast-to-hypha transition in C. albicans. In this minireview, we take a look at molecules that modulate morphogenesis in this pathogenic yeast. When possible, we address experimental findings regarding their mechanisms of action and their therapeutic potential. We discuss whether or not modulating morphogenesis constitutes a strategy to treat Candida infections.

Source: Eukaryotic Cell

DOI: 10.1128/ec.05030-11

Authors: Julie Shareck, Pierre Belhumeur

Institution: Université de Montréal

Language: English

Topic: Fungal and yeast genetics research

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Fonds Québécois de la Recherche sur la Nature et les Technologies, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada