To switch or not to switch?: Phenotypic switching is sensitive to multiple inputs in a pathogenic fungus

Abstract

Candida albicans is the most commonly isolated human fungal pathogen and uses a diverse repertoire of morphological transitions to aid colonization and infection. In a recent paper we discuss how one of these transitions, the white-to-opaque switch, is affected both by cell stress and by several other conditions that change the rate of cell growth. Based on our findings, we propose that the master regulator of the white-to-opaque switch, WOR1, acts as a sensitive monitor of both intrinsic and environmental conditions.

Keywords: Candida albicans; WOR1; epigenetic; genotoxic stress; oxidative stress; white-opaque switch.

Figure 1

Effects of MM S on white-opaque switching. (A) Effect of MM S on white-opaque switching in three backgrounds. White phase cells of SC5314, L26 and P37005 were grown on synthetic media containing increasing concentrations of MM S at room temperature. After 7 d colonies were analyzed for the presence of opaque sectors. Error bars represent standard error. (B) Model for how changes in growth rates differentially affects switching frequencies.