title: In vivo and ex vivo comparative transcriptional profiling of invasive and non-invasive Candida albicans isolates identifies genes associated with tissue invasion.
abstract: The human pathogenic fungus Candida albicans can cause a wide range of infections and invade multiple organs. To identify C. albicans genes that are expressed during invasion of the liver, we used genome-wide transcriptional profiling in vivo and ex vivo. By analysing the different phases of intraperitoneal infection from attachment to tissue penetration in a time-course experiment and by comparing the profiles of an invasive with those of a non-invasive strain, we identified genes and transcriptional pattern which are associated with the invasion process. This includes genes involved in metabolism, stress, and nutrient uptake, as well as transcriptional programmes regulating morphology and environmental sensing. One of the genes identified as associated with liver invasion was DFG16, a gene crucial for pH-dependent hyphal formation, correct pH sensing, invasion at physiological pH and systemic infection.
authors: Division Mycology, Robert-Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
authors: Sascha
authors: S
authors: Thewes
authors: Marianne
authors: M
authors: Kretschmar
authors: Hyunsook
authors: H
authors: Park
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Schaller
authors: Scott G
authors: SG
authors: Filler
authors: Bernhard
authors: B
authors: Hube
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D015966:Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal; D005800:Genes, Fungal; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014774:Virulence / Q000235:genetics*