Elucidating the composition and functions of Remodel the Structure of Chromatin (RSC) complex in Candida albicans

Abstract

The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans utilizes several traits to thrive in its host. As many of such responses are governed by gene expression programs, proteins that remodel the chromatin structure are believed to affect the fitness of C. albicans. This thesis shows that the only essential chromatin remodeler RSC is compositionally distinct in C. albicans and impacts the survival, adaptation and virulence of this pathogen in vivo and a range of in vitro conditions. These findings highlight the cross-species divergence of RSC functions in fungi and set the groundwork to target chromatin remodelers for antifungal interventions.