Impaired amino acid uptake leads to global metabolic imbalance of Candida albicans biofilms

ABSTRACT: Candida albicans biofilms form complex structures that shield the fungus from antifungal agents and host immune responses, which is particularly problematic for the treatment of severe candidiasis. The increasing thickness and formation of hyphal networks of growing biofilms result in nutrient and gas shifts that lead to sequential metabolic rearrangements. This study provides very comprehensive insights into the molecular and metabolic mechanisms of C. albicans biofilm maturation by combining three state-of-the-art omics techniques. Adaptive nutrient and stress responses enabled wild type biofilms to mature in an increasingly nutrient- and oxygen-limited environment. C. albicans biofilms lacking Stp2, a transcriptional regulator of amino acid uptake, underwent extensive transcriptional changes resulting in metabolic adaptations such as broad restructuring of nitrogen metabolism, glucose uptake, and acquisition of alternative nutrients. This finding underscores the indispensable need for amino acid supply during biofilm development and emphasizes the tremendous metabolic flexibility to adapt to changing environments that have made C. albicans a successful opportunistic pathogen.

INSTRUMENT(S): Q Exactive HF

ORGANISM(S): Candida Albicans (yeast)

SUBMITTER: Thomas Krüger  

LAB HEAD: Axel A. Brakhage

PROVIDER: PXD026449 | Pride | 2022-10-13

REPOSITORIES: Pride