The filamentation pathway controlled by the Efg1 regulator protein is required for normal biofilm formation and development in Candida albicans

Ramage, G., VandeWalle, K., Lopez-Ribot, J. and Wickes, B. (2002) The filamentation pathway controlled by the Efg1 regulator protein is required for normal biofilm formation and development in Candida albicans. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 214(1), pp. 95-100. (doi: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2002.tb11330.x)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6968.2002.tb11330.x

Abstract

<i>Candida albicans</i> biofilms are structured microbial communities composed of a mixture of yeast cells and hyphal elements, suggesting a pivotal role for the dimorphic switch in the development of biofilms. We have used <i>C. albicans</i> mutants defective in genes involved in filamentation (<i>Δcph1, Δefg1, Δhst7</i>, and <i>Δcst20</i>) and compared these mutants to wild-type strains to determine whether filamentation is an integral factor for biofilm formation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that <i>Δcph1, Δhst7</i> and <i>Δcst20</i> mutants were able to filament and form structured biofilms displaying three-dimensional architecture similar to those formed by wild-type strains. However, <i>Δefg1</i> and <i>Δcph1/Δefg1</i> mutants were unable to filament and did not form biofilms, but rather sparse monolayers of loosely attached elongated, rod-like, cells. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed intrinsic resistance of all mutant strains to fluconazole and amphotericin B when attached to the surface of biomaterials. These results suggest that hyphal formation is pivotal for biofilm development in <i>C. albicans.</i> However, the sessile lifestyle associated with adherent cells confers antifungal resistance, regardless of coherent biofilm formation.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ramage, Professor Gordon
Authors: Ramage, G., VandeWalle, K., Lopez-Ribot, J., and Wickes, B.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
Journal Name:FEMS Microbiology Letters
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0378-1097
ISSN (Online):1574-6968
Published Online:09 January 2006

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