Open AccessHost carbon sources modulate cell wall architecture, drug resistance and virulence in a fungal pathogen
Author(s) -
Ene Iuliana V.,
Adya Ashok K.,
Wehmeier Silvia,
Brand Alexandra C.,
MacCallum Donna M.,
Gow Neil A. R.,
Brown Alistair J. P.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
cellular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.542
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1462-5822
pISSN - 1462-5814
DOI - 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2012.01813.x
Subject(s) - candida albicans , biology , corpus albicans , virulence , microbiology and biotechnology , cell wall , pathogen , host (biology) , drug resistance , hypha , ecology , biochemistry , gene
Summary The survival of all microbes depends upon their ability to respond to environmental challenges. To establish infection, pathogens such as C andida albicans must mount effective stress responses to counter host defences while adapting to dynamic changes in nutrient status within host niches. Studies of C . albicans stress adaptation have generally been performed on glucose‐grown cells, leaving the effects of alternative carbon sources upon stress resistance largely unexplored. We have shown that growth on alternative carbon sources, such as lactate, strongly influence the resistance of C . albicans to antifungal drugs, osmotic and cell wall stresses. Similar trends were observed in clinical isolates and other pathogenic C andida species. The increased stress resistance of C . albicans was not dependent on key stress ( Hog1 ) and cell integrity ( Mkc1 ) signalling pathways. Instead, increased stress resistance was promoted by major changes in the architecture and biophysical properties of the cell wall. Glucose‐ and lactate‐grown cells displayed significant differences in cell wall mass, ultrastructure, elasticity and adhesion. Changes in carbon source also altered the virulence of C . albicans in models of systemic candidiasis and vaginitis, confirming the importance of alternative carbon sources within host niches during C . albicans infections.