SDH2 is involved in proper hypha formation and virulence in Candida albicans.

Abstract

To investigate the role of SDH2 in Candida albicans filamentation and virulence. Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse candidiasis models were used to assess the virulence of a sdh2Δ/Δ mutant. Various hypha-inducing media were used to evaluate the hyphal development of C. albicans. DCFH-DA was used to measure intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels. The sdh2Δ/Δ mutant was avirulent in the C. elegans model, hypovirulent in a murine candidiasis model, and defective to form filaments both in vitro and in vivo. Intracellular ROS level increased in the sdh2Δ/Δ mutant, and the filamentation defects of sdh2Δ/Δ were rescued by decreasing intracellular ROS. SDH2 plays an important role in C. albicans filamentation and virulence probably through affecting intracellular ROS. [Formula: see text].