Differential effects of antifungal agents on expression of genes related to formation of Candida albicans biofilms

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse specific molecular mechanisms involved in the intrinsic resistance of C. albicans biofilms to antifungals. We investigated the transcriptional profile of three genes (BGL2, SUN41, ECE1) involved in Candida cell wall formation in response to voriconazole or anidulafungin after the production of intermediate and mature biofilms. C. albicans M61, a well-documented biofilm producer strain, was used for the development of intermediate (12 h and 18 h) and completely mature biofilms (48 h). After exposure of cells from each biofilm growth mode to voriconazole (128 and 512 mg l(-1)) or anidulafungin (0.25 and 1 mg l(-1)) for 12-24 h, total RNA samples extracted from biofilm cells were analysed by RT-PCR. The voriconazole and anidulafungin biofilm MIC was 512 and 0.5 mg l(-1) respectively. Anidulafungin caused significant up-regulation of SUN41 (3.7-9.3-fold) and BGL2 (2.2-2.8 fold) in intermediately mature biofilms; whereas, voriconazole increased gene expression in completely mature biofilms (SUN41 2.3-fold, BGL2 2.1-fold). Gene expression was primarily down-regulated by voriconazole in intermediately, but not completely mature biofilms. Both antifungals caused down-regulation of ECE1 in intermediately mature biofilms.

In vitro and in vivo effects of suloctidil on growth and biofilm formation of the opportunistic fungus Candida albicans

“…Moreover, HWP1 regulates the adhesion of C. albicans to epithelial cells via the Hwp1 protein [ 6 ]. ECE1 is a hypha-induced gene that is related to cell elongation [ 31 , 33 ]. ALS3 is a member of the agglutinin-like sequence ( ALS ) gene family that encodes cell-wall glycoproteins [ 24 ].…”

Heat-Polymerized Resin Containing Dimethylaminododecyl Methacrylate Inhibits Candida albicans Biofilm

“…The biofilms of C. albicans are usually difficult to remove by mechanical or chemical cleaning compared to the planktonic cells [12,13]. Reducing C. albicans biofilm on the surface of the prosthesis is a pragmatic strategy to control denture stomatitis [3,14,15]. Although adequate denture cleaning is imperative for the prevention of denture stomatitis, it is more beneficial and necessary to develop an antifungal denture surface [3,14,15].…”