Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Dynamics in Fungal Pathogens

Fungal pathogens coordinate collective behaviours through quorum sensing, a cell-density-dependent communication system that relies on the secretion and detection of small signalling molecules. In species such as Candida albicans and Candida auris, quorum-sensing molecules like farnesol and tyrosol regulate the yeast-to-hypha transition, biofilm initiation and maturation. Biofilms—structured communities of cells embedded within an extracellular matrix—confer enhanced resistance to antifungal agents and host immune defences. Within these multicellular assemblies, chemical gradients and physical interactions govern gene expression patterns that underlie adhesion, matrix production and dispersal. Recent studies have revealed that fungal metabolites not only modulate fungal morphogenesis but can also perturb host-cell lipid metabolism and immune‐cell function, highlighting the interkingdom dimension of these signals. Biofilm architecture further depends on matrix components such as polysaccharides, proteins and extracellular DNA, which collectively establish a barrier to drug penetration and foster persister cell formation. A deeper understanding of the molecular networks linking quorum sensing to biofilm dynamics is essential for the design of targeted interventions against device-associated infections and systemic mycoses caused by multidrug-resistant fungi.

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Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Dynamics in Fungal Pathogens publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in quorum sensing and biofilm dynamics in fungal pathogens across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Quorum sensing: A mechanism of microbial cell-to-cell communication in which the accumulation of secreted signalling molecules enables population-wide coordination of gene expression.

Biofilm: A structured microbial community adherent to a surface and encased in an extracellular matrix that provides protection and facilitates nutrient exchange.

Farnesol: A sesquiterpene quorum-sensing molecule produced by Candida species that modulates hyphal formation, biofilm development and host-cell functions.

Tyrosol: A phenolic quorum-sensing molecule that promotes yeast-to-hypha transition and influences biofilm dynamics in fungal communities.

Extracellular matrix: The composite of polysaccharides, proteins and extracellular DNA that embeds biofilm cells, forming a barrier to antimicrobials and immune effectors.

Hyphal morphogenesis: The process by which fungal cells elongate and form filamentous structures (hyphae), a key determinant of biofilm architecture and virulence.

References

1. The Candida albicans quorum-sensing molecule farnesol alters sphingolipid metabolism in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. mBio (2024).
2. Quorum sensing: cell-to-cell communication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Frontiers in Microbiology (2023).
3. Fungal Quorum-Sensing Molecules: A Review of Their Antifungal Effect against Candida Biofilms. Journal of Fungi (2020).