Profilin Pfy1 is critical for cell wall integrity and virulence in <i>Candida albicans</i>.

ABSTRACT: Profilin is a small actin-binding protein that plays an important role in actin polymerization. However, its functions in Candida albicans, the most prevalent fungal pathogen, remain unclear. Here, we report that profilin plays a crucial role in C. albicans morphogenesis and virulence. Deletion of profilin results in abnormal morphogenesis and impaired hyphal development. Furthermore, pfy1Δ/Δ is hypersensitive to cell wall stress and displays thicker cell wall than wild-type cells, indicative of a critical function of Pfy1 in cell wall integrity. In addition, our findings demonstrate that profilin is required for the virulence of C. albicans in a murine model of systemic infection. In conclusion, our work provides a promising target for developing antifungal dru

SUBMITTER: Sun X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11960436 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature