Proteomic Analysis of Candida albicans Cell Wall Dynamics
Summary
The cell wall of Candida albicans is a highly dynamic and essential organelle that governs morphogenesis, host interaction and pathogenicity. Proteomic analysis has revealed that this structure comprises a complex meshwork of β-1,3-glucan, β-1,6-glucan, chitin and an array of covalently and non-covalently bound mannoproteins. Sequential fractionation combined with advanced mass-spectrometry and gel-based approaches has enabled the comprehensive mapping of these proteins and their modifications during transitions between yeast and hyphal forms. Environmental cues such as pH, oxygen tension and nutrient availability provoke extensive remodelling of the wall proteome, including the exposure of moonlighting enzymes and stress-responsive chaperones. These dynamic changes not only underpin adhesion, biofilm formation and immune evasion but also present a rich source of candidate biomarkers and antifungal targets. Understanding the spatio-temporal organisation of cell wall proteins thus offers vital insights into fungal biology, drug resistance mechanisms and strategies to combat candidiasis.
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Proteomic Analysis of Candida albicans Cell Wall Dynamics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in proteomic analysis of candida albicans cell wall dynamics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Proteomic analysis: Large-scale identification and quantification of proteins in a biological specimen.
Moonlighting protein: A protein performing distinct, unrelated functions in different cellular compartments.
Secretome: The complement of proteins secreted by a cell under defined conditions.
Sequential fractionation: A stepwise procedure to isolate cell wall components based on their chemical interactions and solubility.
Two-dimensional PAGE: A gel electrophoresis method separating proteins first by isoelectric point and then by molecular weight.
References
- Heat Shock Protein SSA1 Enriched in Hypoxic Secretome of Candida albicans Exerts an Immunomodulatory Effect via Regulating Macrophage Function. Cells (2024).
- Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase on the Surface of Candida albicans and Nakaseomyces glabratus Cells—A Moonlighting Protein That Binds Human Vitronectin and Plasminogen and Can Adsorb to Pathogenic Fungal Cells via Major Adhesins Als3 and Epa6. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
- Sequential Fractionation and Two-dimensional Gel Analysis Unravels the Complexity of the Dimorphic Fungus Candida albicans Cell Wall Proteome*. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics (2002).
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