Research progress of White-Gray-Opaque phenotypic switching system in Candida albicans

Abstract

Abstract:

Candida albicans is a common opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans. An important biological feature of this fungus is its phenotypic transition, and diverse morphological phenotypes play distinct roles in host adaptation,infection and virulence during different life stages. White-Gray-Opaque phenotypic switching system is a novel phenotypic transition in Candida albicans. In this review, research achievements about this phenotypic transition were mentioned,including the traits of White-Gray-Opaque phenotype, the key regulatory factors and the interaction with hosts. In a nutshell, understanding about the molecular mechanisms of this phenotypic transition in Candida albicans might be beneficial to the discovery of novel infection treatment strategies.

Key words: Candida albicans, phenotypic transitions, regulatory factors, virulence

CLC Number:

R379.4

WANG Yu-ting, LIU Jin-yan, ZHAO Yue, MENG Ling-ning, XIANG Ming-jie. Research progress of White-Gray-Opaque phenotypic switching system in Candida albicans[J]. Chinese Journal of Mycology, 2018, 13(6): 367-370.

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