Microenvironment Responsive Modulations in the Fatty Acid Content, Cell Surface Hydrophobicity, and Adhesion of Candida albicans Cells

Abstract

Considering the significance in survival and virulence, we have made an attempt to understand modulations in the membrane and cell wall properties of Candida albicans hyphae induced by temperature (37 °C) and neutral pH and yeast form cells grown under low hydrostatic pressure (LHP). Our results suggest that cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and adhesion are dynamic properties determined largely by the microenvironment rather than morphological forms, citing the significance of variation in niche specific virulence. GC-MS analysis showed that 49 and 41 fatty acids modulated under hyphal form induced by temperature alone (37 °C) and neutral pH, respectively while that of 58 under yeast form cells under low hydrostatic pressure (LHP) (1800 Pa). Fatty acid and ergosterol data indicates that fluidity increases with increase in temperature (37 °C) and neutral pH i.e., saturated fatty acids and ergosterol decreases. Similarly, CSH and adhesion decrease in response to temperature (37 °C), pH 7, and LHP compared to controls, irrespective of morphological forms. In general, membranes were more rigid, and cell walls were more hydrophobic and adhesive in yeast form compared to hyphal form cells, except in case of yeast form cells grown under LHP. Yeast form cells grown under LHP are less hydrophobic and adhesive.

Virulence Factors as Promoters of Chronic Vulvovaginal Candidosis: A Review

“…Adhesion, CSH and resistance to antifungals such as fluconazole may also be related, and increased CSH may lead to increased adherence and resistance to fluconazole in Candida spp [88]. However, contrary to the foregoing, some authors have not found a significant relationship between CSH and fluconazole resistance [89]. Adhesion of microorganisms to host mucosal surfaces is a vital prerequisite for successful microbial colonization and infection and so has an important role in the pathogenesis of Candida spp.…”

“…CSH and adhesion in Candida spp. are influenced by microbiome characteristics, considering that temperature of 37 °C, neutral pH and low hydrostatic pressure decrease hydrophobicity and adhesion [89].…”

Gene by Environment Interactions reveal new regulatory aspects of signaling network plasticity

“…This may reflect differences in pH or glucose concentrations in the different environments, which exist in gradients from the center of a community of cells to the outside rim [135]. This conclusion could have important ramifications, because microenvironments play a role during infections by C. albicans, where intruders move from the site of infection to new tissues [206][207][208][209][210]. Microenvironments also play a major role in diseases like cancer [57,[211][212][213], including cancer cell invasion into new environments [214].…”

Menthol Inhibits Candida albicans Growth by Affecting the Membrane Integrity Followed by Apoptosis

“…Signaling pathways (MAPK, cAMP-PKA, and HOG1) regulate morphophysiology of C. albicans cells in response to environmental cues [3,25]. Membrane properties are highly dynamic and reported to depend on morphological and growth forms of C. albicans [26]. Terpene-induced membrane integrity damage is reported to induce oxidative stress, enhance fluconazole uptake, and affect signaling pathways regulating hyphae induction, previously [14,16,17,19].…”