Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal resident of the human gastrointestinal and genital tracts. Under conditions such as dysbiosis, host immune perturbances, or the presence of catheters/implanted medical devices, the fungus may cause debilitating mucosal or fatal systemic infections. The ability of C. albicans to grow as long filamentous hyphae is critical for its pathogenic potential as it allows the fungus to invade the underlying substratum. In this brief review, I will outline the current understanding regarding the mechanistic regulation of hyphal growth and invasion in C. albicans.
Highlights
The fungal hypha is a manifestation of anisotropic growth: a non-uniform cellular volume expansion along a polarized axis
Anisotropic growth as hyphae, a trait proposed to be evolved from the flagellar protists upon terrestrial colonization, compensates for the motility loss and functions in nutrient acquisition, niche colonization and mating [3,4]
In the human pathogenic fungus Candida albicans, hyphal growth is clinically relevant as it is a critical driver of pathogenesis in symptomatic mucosal infections such as oral thrush and vaginal candidiasis, as well as fatal systemic infections
Summary
The fungal hypha is a manifestation of anisotropic growth: a non-uniform cellular volume expansion along a polarized axis. Actin disruption in growing hyphae, disrupts the hyphal growth, still leads to isotropic cell-wall expansion and hyphal tip swelling [15]. At the growing hyphal tip, a steady delivery of exocytic vesicles arriving on the actin cables maintains the supply for cell-wall expansion.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
