A small heat shock protein Fmp28 influences virulence by regulating Als3 expression via the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway in <i>Candida albicans</i>.

ABSTRACT: Small heat shock proteins are evolutionarily conserved molecular chaperones with diverse cellular roles. However, our understanding of their functions in pathogenic microorganisms remains limited. In this study, we identified and characterized Fmp28, a novel small heat shock protein that enhances virulence in Candida albicans, and explored its regulatory mechanism. The expression of Fmp28 was significantly upregulated at both transcriptional and translational levels when C. albicans was subjected to physiological temperature (37°C), osmotic stress, or cell wall stress. Deletion of Fmp28 significantly impaired growth, adhesion, biofilm formation, invasive growth, and virulence at physiological temperature (37°C), respectively. Transcriptome analysis identified Als3 as a key do

SUBMITTER: Tan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12345260 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature