Candida albicansZcf37, a zinc finger protein, is required for stabilization of the white state

• DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2011.02.005
• Publication Date: 2011-02-10T10:58:12Z
• Authors: Huafeng Wang; Wenji Song; Guanghua Huang; Zhou Zhou; Yufeng Ding; Jiangye Chen
• Keywords: White (mutation); Opacity; Ectopic expression; Fungal pathogen

Candida albicans, the most prevalent human fungal pathogen, can switch stochastically between white and opaque phases. In this study, we identified Zcf37, a zinc finger protein, as new regulator of white-opaque switching. Deletion ZCF37 increased white-to-opaque switching frequency stabilized state. Overexpression promoted conversion cells to phase, but needed existence Efg1, key required for maintenance EFG1 abolished effect ectopically expressed Zcf37 on opaque-to-white switching, whereas ectopic expression cell formation without presence Zcf37. Our results suggest that acts an activator repressor state functions upstream Efg1.