Genetic basis of Candida biofilm resistance due to drug-sequestering matrix glucan

J Infect Dis. 2010 Jul 1;202(1):171-5. doi: 10.1086/651200.

Abstract

Medical devices provide an ecological niche for microbes to flourish as a biofilm community, protected from antimicrobials and host defenses. Biofilms formed by Candida albicans, the most common fungal pathogen, survive exposure to extraordinarily high drug concentrations. Here, we show that beta-glucan synthase Fks1p produces glucan, which is deposited in the biofilm matrix. The extracellular glucan is required for biofilm resistance and acts by sequestering antifungals, rendering cells resistant to their action. These findings provide the genetic basis for how biofilm matrix production governs drug resistance by impeding drug diffusion and also identify a useful biofilm drug target.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Candida / genetics*
  • Candida / physiology*
  • Candida / ultrastructure
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal / genetics*
  • Fluconazole / pharmacology
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
  • Glucans / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Rats

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Glucans
  • Fluconazole