SDH2 is involved in proper hypha formation and virulence in Candida albicans

Future Microbiol. 2018 Aug;13(10):1141-1156. doi: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0033. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the role of SDH2 in Candida albicans filamentation and virulence.

Materials & methods: Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse candidiasis models were used to assess the virulence of a sdh2Δ/Δ mutant. Various hypha-inducing media were used to evaluate the hyphal development of C. albicans. DCFH-DA was used to measure intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels.

Results: The sdh2Δ/Δ mutant was avirulent in the C. elegans model, hypovirulent in a murine candidiasis model, and defective to form filaments both in vitro and in vivo. Intracellular ROS level increased in the sdh2Δ/Δ mutant, and the filamentation defects of sdh2Δ/Δ were rescued by decreasing intracellular ROS.

Conclusion: SDH2 plays an important role in C. albicans filamentation and virulence probably through affecting intracellular ROS. [Formula: see text].

Keywords: Candida albicans; morphogenesis; succinate dehydrogenase; virulence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / microbiology*
  • Candida albicans / genetics
  • Candida albicans / metabolism
  • Candida albicans / pathogenicity*
  • Candidiasis / metabolism
  • Candidiasis / microbiology*
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Fungal Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics*
  • Hyphae / genetics
  • Hyphae / growth & development*
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase / genetics*
  • Virulence / genetics

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase