Unique phenotype of opaque cells in the white-opaque transition of Candida albicans

• DOI: 10.1128/jb.169.12.5579-5588.1987
• Publication Date: 2016-11-02T22:32:32Z
• Authors: J M Anderson; D R Soll
• Keywords: Opacity; Budding; Phenotypic switching

Select strains of Candida albicans switch reversibly and at extremely high frequency between a white an opaque colony-forming phenotype, which has been referred to as the white-opaque transition. Cells in phase exhibit cellular phenotype indistinguishable from that most standard C. albicans, but cells unusually large, elongate shape. In comparing phenotypes, following findings are demonstrated. (i) The surface cell wall maturing when viewed by scanning electron microscopy exhibits unique pimpled, or punctate, pattern not observed albicans. (ii) dynamics actin localization accompanies opaque-cell growth first follows budding during early opaque-bud then hypha-forming late growth. (iii) A hypha-specific antigen is also expressed on cells. (iv) An opaque-specific distributed punctate pattern.