Function of the inositol polyphosphate kinase Kcs1 in Candida albicans

Abstract:

[Objective] To identify the inositol polyphosphate kinase Kcs1 in Candida albicans and study the role of Kcs1 in autophagy, hyphal growth and virulence. [Methods] The mutant kcs1Δ/Δ and the reconstituted strain KCS1c were constructed by homologous recombination. Transport and degradation capability of the autophagy-related protein Atg8 were determined by fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting under nitrogen starvation. Hyphal development ability was assayed using hypha-inducing medium. The virulence of C. albicans was determined using the macrophage model and the mouse systemic infection model. [Results] Nitrogen starvation experiment and GFP-Atg8 analysis revealed that deletion of KCS1 caused defect in transport of Atg8 to vacuole and degradation of Atg8 in the vacuole. Moreover, the kcs1Δ/Δ mutant attenuated the ability of hyphal development. In addition, the kcs1Δ/Δ mutant decreased the ability of fighting against microphage attacks. However, the ability of systemic infection was not impaired by deletion of KCS1. [Conclusion] The inositol polyphosphate kinase Kcs1 played an important role in various physiological processes in C. albicans, including autophagy, hyphal development and macrophage sensitivity.

Key words:Candida albicans, inositol polyphosphate kinase, Kcs1, autophagy, hyphal development, virulence