Linking Quorum Sensing Regulation and Biofilm Formation by Candida albicans

2010 ◽  
pp. 219-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurélie Deveau ◽  
Deborah A. Hogan
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Biofilm Formation

scholarly journals Inhibition of Candida albicans Biofilm Formation by Farnesol, a Quorum-Sensing Molecule

2002 ◽  
Vol 68 (11) ◽  
pp. 5459-5463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordon Ramage ◽  
Stephen P. Saville ◽  
Brian L. Wickes ◽  
José L. López-Ribot
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Northern Blot Analysis ◽  
Adherent Cell ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Quorum Sensing Molecule

ABSTRACT Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule that inhibits filamentation in Candida albicans. Both filamentation and quorum sensing are deemed to be important factors in C. albicans biofilm development. Here we examined the effect of farnesol on C. albicans biofilm formation. C. albicans adherent cell populations (after 0, 1, 2, and 4 h of adherence) and preformed biofilms (24 h) were treated with various concentrations of farnesol (0, 3, 30, and 300 μM) and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The extent and characteristics of biofilm formation were then assessed microscopically and with a semiquantitative colorimetric technique based on the use of 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfo-phenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide. The results indicated that the effect of farnesol was dependent on the concentration of this compound and the initial adherence time, and preincubation with 300 μM farnesol completely inhibited biofilm formation. Supernatant media recovered from mature biofilms inhibited the ability of planktonic C. albicans to form filaments, indicating that a morphogenetic autoregulatory compound is produced in situ in biofilms. Northern blot analysis of RNA extracted from cells in biofilms indicated that the levels of expression of HWP1, encoding a hypha-specific wall protein, were decreased in farnesol-treated biofilms compared to the levels in controls. Our results indicate that farnesol acts as a naturally occurring quorum-sensing molecule which inhibits biofilm formation, and we discuss its potential for further development and use as a novel therapeutic agent.

scholarly journals Production of Tyrosol by Candida albicans Biofilms and Its Role in Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Development

2006 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 1770-1779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed A. S. Alem ◽  
Mohammed D. Y. Oteef ◽  
T. Hugh Flowers ◽  
L. Julia Douglas
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Planktonic Cells ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Candida Albicans Biofilms

ABSTRACT Tyrosol and farnesol are quorum-sensing molecules produced by Candida albicans which accelerate and block, respectively, the morphological transition from yeasts to hyphae. In this study, we have investigated the secretion of tyrosol by C. albicans and explored its likely role in biofilm development. Both planktonic (suspended) cells and biofilms of four C. albicans strains, including three mutants with defined defects in the Efg 1 and Cph 1 morphogenetic signaling pathways, synthesized extracellular tyrosol during growth at 37°C. There was a correlation between tyrosol production and biomass for both cell types. However, biofilm cells secreted at least 50% more tyrosol than did planktonic cells when tyrosol production was related to cell dry weight. The addition of exogenous farnesol to a wild-type strain inhibited biofilm formation by up to 33% after 48 h. Exogenous tyrosol appeared to have no effect, but scanning electron microscopy revealed that tyrosol stimulated hypha production during the early stages (1 to 6 h) of biofilm development. Experiments involving the simultaneous addition of tyrosol and farnesol at different concentrations suggested that the action of farnesol was dominant, and 48-h biofilms formed in the presence of both compounds consisted almost entirely of yeast cells. When biofilm supernatants were tested for their abilities to inhibit or enhance germ tube formation by planktonic cells, the results indicated that tyrosol activity exceeds that of farnesol after 14 h, but not after 24 h, and that farnesol activity increases significantly during the later stages (48 to 72 h) of biofilm development. Overall, our results support the conclusion that tyrosol acts as a quorum-sensing molecule for biofilms as well as for planktonic cells and that its action is most significant during the early and intermediate stages of biofilm formation.

Enterococcus faecalis Cell-Free Supernatant Inhibits Hyphal Morphogenesis and Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-135
Author(s):  
Mohamed Hassan ◽  
Yasmine Tartor ◽  
Ashour Ashour ◽  
Elmowalid Elmowalid
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Cell Free Supernatant ◽  
Hyphal Morphogenesis

Quorum Sensing – A Stratagem for Conquering Multi-Drug Resistant Pathogens

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madison Tonkin ◽  
Shama Khan ◽  
Mohmmad Younus Wani ◽  
Aijaz Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Natural Compounds ◽  
Quorum Sensing Inhibitors ◽  
Communication Technique ◽  
Multicellular Organisms ◽  
Chemical Strategies

: Quorum sensing is defined as cell to cell communication between microorganisms, which enables microorganisms to behave as multicellular organisms. Quorum sensing enables many collaborative benefits such as synchronisation of virulence factors and biofilm formation. Both quorum sensing as well as biofilm formation encourage the development of drug resistance in microorganisms. Biofilm formation and quorum sensing are causally linked to each other and play role in the pathogenesis of microorganisms. With the increasing drug resistance against the available antibiotics and antifungal medications, scientists are combining different options to develop new strategies. Such strategies rely on the inhibition of the communication and virulence factors rather than on killing or inhibiting the growth of the microorganisms. This review encompasses the communication technique used by microorganisms, how microorganism resistance is linked to quorum sensing and various chemical strategies to combat quorum sensing and thereby drug resistance. Several compounds have been identified as quorum sensing inhibitors and are known to be effective in reducing resistance as they do not kill the pathogens but rather disrupt their communication. Natural compounds have been identified as anti-quorum sensing agents. However, natural compounds present several related disadvantages. Therefore, the need for the development of synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds has arisen. This review argues that anti-quorum sensing compounds are effective in disrupting quorum sensing and could therefore be effective in reducing microorganism drug resistance.

Modulation of Gut Microbiota through Dietary Phytochemicals as a Novel Anti-infective Strategy

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavan K. Mujawdiya ◽  
Suman Kapur
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Community ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Chemical Interaction ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Gut Microbes

: Quorum Sensing (QS) is a phenomenon in which bacterial cells communicate with each other with the help of several low molecular weight compounds. QS is largely dependent on population density, and it triggers when the concentration of quorum sensing molecules accumulate in the environment and crosses a particular threshold. Once a certain population density is achieved and the concentration of molecules crosses a threshold, the bacterial cells show a collective behavior in response to various chemical stimuli referred to as “auto-inducers”. The QS signaling is crucial for several phenotypic characteristics responsible for bacterial survival such as motility, virulence, and biofilm formation. Biofilm formation is also responsible for making bacterial cells resistant to antibiotics. : The human gut is home to trillions of bacterial cells collectively called “gut microbiota” or “gut microbes”. Gut microbes are a consortium of more than 15,000 bacterial species and play a very crucial role in several body functions such as metabolism, development and maturation of the immune system, and the synthesis of several essential vitamins. Due to its critical role in shaping human survival and its modulating impact on body metabolisms, the gut microbial community has been referred to as “the forgotten organ” by O`Hara et al. (2006) [1]. Several studies have demonstrated that chemical interaction between the members of bacterial cells in the gut is responsible for shaping the overall microbial community. : Recent advances in phytochemical research have generated a lot of interest in finding new, effective, and safer alternatives to modern chemical-based medicines. In the context of antimicrobial research various plant extracts have been identified with Quorum Sensing Inhibitory (QSI) activities among bacterial cells. This review focuses on the mechanism of quorum sensing and quorum sensing inhibitors isolated from natural sources.

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