Abstract
Psd1 is a defensin isolated from Pisum sativum seeds, with antimicrobial peptide (AMP) characteristics. Candida albicans is an important human pathogen, causing opportunistic infections. We tested the effects of Psd1 against this pathogen biofilms and planktonic cells. Three C. albicans variants were studied, including a mutant deficient in glucosylceramide synthase, conferring resistance to Psd1 antifungal action. Psd1 effects on cell morphology, membrane roughness and cell stiffness were studied. Differences in the planktonic cells and biofilm formation were observed for the fungal variants studied. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed that cell death is time-dependent and accelerate by increasing Psd1 concentrations. Increased cell death and surface alterations, with membrane disruption and leakage of cellular contents, were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), together with an inhibition or eradication of fungal biofilms. These results showed some important key for Psd1-fungal membrane interaction against a relevant fungal human pathogen, aiming at its possible use as a natural antimycotic agent.
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