A novel antifungal is active against candida albicans biofilms and inhibits mutagenic acetaldehyde production In vitro

Mikko T. Nieminen, Lily Novak-Frazer, Vilma Rautemaa, Ranjith Rajendran, Timo Sorsa, Gordon Ramage, Paul Bowyer, Riina Rautemaa

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Abstract

The ability of C. albicans to form biofilms is a major virulence factor and a challenge for management. This is evident in biofilm-associated chronic oral-oesophageal candidosis, which has been shown to be potentially carcinogenic in vivo. We have previously shown that most Candida spp. can produce significant levels of mutagenic acetaldehyde (ACH). ACH is also an important mediator of candidal biofilm formation. We have also reported that D,L-2-hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA) significantly inhibits planktonic growth of C. albicans. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of HICA on C. albicans biofilm formation and ACH production in vitro. Inhibition of biofilm formation by HICA, analogous control compounds or caspofungin was measured using XTT to measure biofilm metabolic activity and PicoGreen as a marker of biomass. Biofilms were visualised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ACH levels were measured by gas chromatography. Transcriptional changes in the genes involved in ACH metabolism were measured using RT-qPCR. The mean metabolic activity and biomass of all pre-grown (4, 24, 48 h) biofilms were significantly reduced after exposure to HICA (p40 μM) of ACH were detected in 24 and 48 h biofilms at both pHs. Interestingly, no ACH production was detected from D-glucose in the presence of HICA at acidic pH (p
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere97864
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume9
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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