Adaptation to an amoeba host drives selection of virulence-associated traits and genetic variation in saprotrophic Candida albicans.

ABSTRACT: Amoebae are micropredators that play an important role in controlling fungal populations in ecosystems. However, the interaction between fungi and their amoebic predators suggests that the pressure from predatory selection can significantly influence the development of fungal virulence and evolutionary processes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the adaptation of saprotrophic Candida albicans strains during their interactions with Acanthamoeba castellanii. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of survival after co-culture by colony counting of the yeast cells and examining yeast cell phenotypic and genetic characteristics. Our results indicated that exposure to amoebae enhanced the survival capacity of environmental C. albicans and induced visible mor

SUBMITTER: Amsri A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10976851 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature