Relationship between expression of cell surface hydrophobicity protein 1 (CSH1p) and surface hydrophobicity properties of Candida dubliniensis

Abstract

Candida dubliniensis and Candida albicans cause most of the oral candidiasis infections in AIDS patients. Unlike C. albicans, which variably expresses cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) depending on environmental conditions, C. dubliniensis is hydrophobic under all environmental conditions. C. dubliniensis produces CdCSH1p, a protein related to CaCSH1p that contributes to CSH expression of C. albicans. We investigated whether environmental conditions affect CdCSH1p expression, CSH avidity, and adhesion to fibronectin (Fn). C. dubliniensis CD36 was grown at 23 degrees C and 37 degrees C in four different media. CdCSH1p expression was affected by growth temperature, with cells grown at 37 degrees C expressing the protein, but cells grown at 23 degrees C did not. Hydrophobic avidity for two media was higher in cells grown at 37 degrees C than at 23 degrees C. Cells grown at 23 degrees C were generally less adherent than 37 degrees C-grown cells to Fn. The results suggest CdCSH1p but not hydrophobic avidity may have a role in adhesion of C. dubliniensis to Fn.