17-beta-estradiol upregulates the stress response in Candida albicans: implications for microbial virulence.
OBJECTIVE
The influence of 17-beta-estradiol on the stress response of Candida albicans was studied.


METHODS
The survival of clinical isolates of C. albicans treated with 17-beta-estradiol after heat and oxidative stress was measured by viable plate counts. Cellular proteins were analyzed via SDS-PAGE.


RESULTS
The heat stress response induced by 17-beta-estradiol in C. albicans grown at 25 degrees C protected the organisms against the lethal temperature of 48.5 degrees C, as shown by viable plate counts. 17-beta-estradiol also enhanced protection of C. albicans against oxidative stress (menadione exposure). SDS-PAGE analysis of cytoplasmic extracts revealed proteins induced by 17-beta-estradiol were similar to those induced by heat.


CONCLUSIONS
17-beta-estradiol enhances survival of C. albicans under heat and oxidative stresses. The proteins induced by 17-beta-estradiol are probably heat shock proteins. Because heat shock proteins are considered to be virulence factors, 17-beta-estradiol may function to promote in vivo survival.
O'Connor
C
C
Department of Biology, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, USA.
Essmann
M
M
Larsen
B
B
D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000737:chemistry; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000494:pharmacology
D005656:Fungal Proteins; D014812:Vitamin K; D004958:Estradiol