MTL-independent phenotypic switching in Candida tropicalis and a dual role for Wor1 in regulating switching and filamentation.

ABSTRACT: Phenotypic switching allows for rapid transitions between alternative cell states and is important in pathogenic fungi for colonization and infection of different host niches. In Candida albicans, the white-opaque phenotypic switch plays a central role in regulating the program of sexual mating as well as interactions with the mammalian host. White-opaque switching is controlled by genes encoded at the MTL (mating-type-like) locus that ensures that only a or α cells can switch from the white state to the mating-competent opaque state, while a/α cells are refractory to switching. Here, we show that the related pathogen C. tropicalis undergoes white-opaque switching in all three cell types (a, α, and a/α), and thus switching is independent of MTL control. We also demonstrate that C. tropical

SUBMITTER: Porman AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3605238 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature