Serum Represses Efflux Pump CDR1 in Candida albicans
Author Information
Author(s): Yang Yun-Liang, Lin Yi-Hsuan, Tsao Ming-Yang, Chen Chia-Geun, Shih Hsin-I, Fan Jen-Chung, Wang Jang-Shiun, Lo Hsiu-Jung
Primary Institution: National Chiao Tung University, National Health Research Institutes, National Defense Medical Center
Hypothesis
How does serum affect the drug susceptibility of Candida albicans by regulating the CDR1 efflux pump?
Conclusion
Serum represses the expression of CDR1, making Candida albicans more susceptible to fluconazole.
Supporting Evidence
- The wild-type C. albicans cells became more susceptible to fluconazole in serum.
- The expression of CDR1 was repressed by serum.
- The level of CDR1 mRNA was reduced in the presence of serum.
Takeaway
This study found that when Candida albicans is in serum, it becomes more sensitive to a common antifungal drug because the serum reduces the activity of a pump that usually helps the fungus resist the drug.
Methodology
The study used a CDR1 promoter-Renilla luciferase reporter to monitor CDR1 expression in the presence of serum and antifungal drugs.
Limitations
The study does not explore all potential regulators of CDR1 expression in the presence of serum.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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