Biosynthesis of major phospholipids inCandida albicans

Biosynthesis of major phospholipids was examined by identifying enzymes and in vitro uptake of specific labeled precursors through various pathways inCandida albicans. The presence of PS synthetase, choline kinase, and ethanolamine kinase was demonstrated in this organism. Phosphatidylcholine was found to be synthesized mainly through cytidine diphosphate-choline (CDP)-choline and methylation pathways. The presence of a methylation pathway was further confirmed by blocking methyltransferases with 2-hydroxyethyl hydrazine. Phosphatidylethanolamine was synthesized by all three, CDP-ethanolamine, Phosphatidylserine (PS)-decarboxylase, and base exchange pathways, while PS was formed by PS-synthetase and base exchange mechanisms.