Inactivation of genes TEC1 and EFG1 in Candida albicans influences extracellular matrix composition and biofilm morphology. Issue 1 (1st January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Panariello, Beatriz Helena Dias; Klein, Marlise I.; Pavarina, Ana Claudia; Duarte, Simone
• Is Part Of: Journal of oral microbiology. Volume 9:Issue 1(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-01-01
• Subjects: Candida albicans -- biofilm -- EFG1 -- TEC1 -- extracellular matrix; Mouth -- Microbiology -- Periodicals; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Mouth Diseases -- microbiology; Mouth -- microbiology; Medical microbiology; Mouth -- Microbiology; Oral Pathology; Microbiology; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.31
• DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2017.1385372
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-2297

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Infections caused by Candida spp. have been associated with formation of a biofilm, i.e. a complex microstructure of cells adhering to a surface and embedded within an extracellular matrix (ECM). Methods : The ECMs of a wild-type (WT, SN425) and two Candida albicans mutant strains, Δ/Δ tec1 (CJN2330) and Δ/Δ efg1 (CJN2302), were evaluated. Colony-forming units (cfu), total biomass (mg), water-soluble polysaccharides (WSPs), alkali-soluble polysaccharides (ASPs), proteins (insoluble part of biofilms and matrix proteins), and extracellular DNA (eDNA) were quantified. Variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy were performed. The biovolume (μm 3 /μm 2 ) and maximum thickness (μm) of the biofilms were quantified using COMSTAT2. Results : ASP content was highest in WT (mean ± SD: 74.5 ± 22.0 µg), followed by Δ/Δ tec1 (44.0 ± 24.1 µg) and Δ/Δ efg1 (14.7 ± 5.0 µg). The protein correlated with ASPs ( r = 0.666) and with matrix proteins ( r = 0.670) in the WT strain. The population in Δ/Δ efg1 correlated with the protein ( r = 0.734) and its biofilms exhibited the lowest biomass and biovolume, and maximum thickness. In Δ/Δ tec1, ASP correlated with eDNA ( r = 0.678). Conclusion : ASP production may be linked to C. albicans cell filamentous morphology.