Modulation of morphogenesis in Candida albicans by various small molecules |
| |
Authors: | Shareck Julie Belhumeur Pierre |
| |
Institution: | Département de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada. |
| |
Abstract: | The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, a member of the mucosal microbiota, is responsible for a large spectrum of infections, ranging from benign thrush and vulvovaginitis in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals to severe, life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. A striking feature of C. albicans is its ability to grow as budding yeast and as filamentous forms, including hyphae and pseudohyphae. The yeast-to-hypha transition contributes to the overall virulence of C. albicans and may even constitute a target for the development of antifungal drugs. Indeed, impairing morphogenesis in C. albicans has been shown to be a means to treat candidiasis. Additionally, a large number of small molecules such as farnesol, fatty acids, rapamycin, geldanamycin, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and cell cycle inhibitors have been reported to modulate the yeast-to-hypha transition in C. albicans. In this minireview, we take a look at molecules that modulate morphogenesis in this pathogenic yeast. When possible, we address experimental findings regarding their mechanisms of action and their therapeutic potential. We discuss whether or not modulating morphogenesis constitutes a strategy to treat Candida infections. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 PubMed 等数据库收录! |
|