SDH2 is involved in proper hypha formation and virulence in Candida albicans

摘要

Aim: To investigate the role of SDH2 in Candida albicans filamentation and virulence. Materials & methods: Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse candidiasis models were used to assess the virulence of a sdh2 Delta/Delta mutant. Various hypha-inducing media were used to evaluate the hyphal development of C. albicans. DCFH-DA was used to measure intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels. Results: The sdh2 Delta/Delta mutant was avirulent in the C. elegans model, hypovirulent in a murine candidiasis model, and defective to form filaments both in vitro and in vivo. Intracellular ROS level increased in the sdh2 Delta/Delta mutant, and the filamentation defects of sdh2 Delta/Delta were rescued by decreasing intracellular ROS. Conclusion: SDH2 plays an important role in C. albicans filamentation and virulence probably through affecting intracellular ROS.