Title |
REVIEW] Plasma membrane organization promotes virulence of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans |
Author |
Lois M. Douglas and James B. Konopka* |
Address |
Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5222, USA |
Bibliography |
Journal of Microbiology, 54(3),178-191, 2016,
|
DOI |
10.1007/s12275-016-5621-y
|
Key Words |
Candida albicans, plasma membrane, eisosome,
MCC domain, septin, hyphal morphogenesis, fungal pathogenesis |
Abstract |
Candida albicans is a human fungal pathogen capable of causing
lethal systemic infections. The plasma membrane plays key
roles in virulence because it not only functions as a protective
barrier, it also mediates dynamic functions including secretion
of virulence factors, cell wall synthesis, invasive hyphal
morphogenesis, endocytosis, and nutrient uptake. Consistent
with this functional complexity, the plasma membrane is
composed of a wide array of lipids and proteins. These components
are organized into distinct domains that will be the
topic of this review. Some of the plasma membrane domains
that will be described are known to act as scaffolds or barriers
to diffusion, such as MCC/eisosomes, septins, and sites
of contact with the endoplasmic reticulum. Other zones mediate
dynamic processes, including secretion, endocytosis, and
a special region at hyphal tips that facilitates rapid growth.
The highly organized architecture of the plasma membrane
facilitates the coordination of diverse functions and promotes
the pathogenesis of C. albicans. |