How Candida albicans Uses Ferritin for Iron
Author Information
Author(s): Almeida Ricardo S., Brunke Sascha, Albrecht Antje, Thewes Sascha, Laue Michael, Edwards John E. Jr, Filler Scott G., Hube Bernhard
Primary Institution: Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute
Hypothesis
Host ferritin is used as an iron source by Candida albicans.
Conclusion
Candida albicans can exploit iron from ferritin via the Als3 protein, which is crucial for binding and iron acquisition.
Supporting Evidence
- C. albicans can grow on agar with ferritin as the sole iron source.
- Als3 is required for ferritin binding and iron acquisition.
- Hyphae of C. albicans bind ferritin, while yeast cells do not.
- Ferritin binding is crucial for C. albicans to damage epithelial cells.
Takeaway
Candida albicans, a type of fungus, can take iron from a protein called ferritin found in our cells, which helps it grow and cause infections.
Methodology
The study involved incubating oral epithelial cells with C. albicans and measuring cell damage and ferritin binding.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on in vitro conditions, which may not fully replicate in vivo interactions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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