On Mechanism of Quorum Sensing in Candida albicans by 3(R)-Hydroxy-Tetradecaenoic Acid

Quorum sensing (QS) enables microorganisms to monitor their own density of population, and also their pathogenicity by intracellular signals, and synchronizing their specialized gene system in a particular cell density. QS system has been shown in Candida sp. as switching mechanism between successive phases in Candida cell morphology. The lag phase that occurs due to QS is commonly attributed to auto-stimulatory compounds, such as farnesol and farnesoic acid, which are released in the medium. The aim of this manuscript is to demonstrate the involvement of 3(R)-HTDE, a metabolite of linoleic acid, in the QS mechanism of Candida albicans. We show that 3(R)-HTDE, a beta-oxidation metabolite of endogenously present linoleic acid, accelerates cell morphogenesis in C. albicans, with alteration of gene expressions necessary for hyphal formation at right density of population utilizing aerobic pathway of endogenous lipid metabolism. We also explore the mechanistic underpinnings of the process where we are able to show that alteration of gene expressions are necessary for hyphal formation at the right population density which is achieved by the proper utilization of an aerobic pathway of endogenous lipid metabolism. In addition, we showed how this mediates biofilm formation itself, and the understanding of these mechanisms can be crucial in designing successful interventional strategies to combat Candida related infections.