Interspecies pheromone signaling promotes biofilm formation and same-sex mating in Candida albicans

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1017234108
• Publication Date: 2011-01-25T06:09:22Z
• Authors: Kevin Alby; Richard J. Bennett
• Keywords: Homothallism

The opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans undergoes a parasexual mating cycle in which cells must switch from the conventional “white” form to alternative “opaque” become competent. Pheromones secreted by opaque induce formation of polarized projections and result cell–cell conjugation. In contrast, white are unable undergo mating, but can still respond pheromone expression adhesion genes that promote biofilm formation. this study, we have analyzed dual ability pheromones activate cells. We first show there is considerable plasticity interactions between α its receptor, Ste2, analysis analogs pheromone. Significantly, substituted forms response sufficient drive same-sex a-a cell fusion homothallic mating. addition, were able C. . Because observed signaling, subsequently tested putative multiple species identified nonnative ligands self-mating responses Our findings demonstrate environmental signals initiate reproduction formation, highlight role pheromone-signaling apparatus mediating these functions.