Does candida albicans cause oral thrush?4 answersCandida albicans is the main causative agent of oral thrush, an opportunistic fungal infection of the oral cavity. Oral thrush is a common infection, especially in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The presence of C. albicans in the oral cavity is usually asymptomatic in healthy adults. However, changes in the host microenvironment can promote the transition of C. albicans from a commensal organism to a pathogen. The transition is facilitated by various virulence factors of C. albicans, including cell surface adhesins, proteolytic enzymes, morphologic switching, and drug resistance. The co-adhesion of C. albicans with bacteria in the oral cavity is crucial for its persistence and colonization. The host immune response, particularly the T helper 17 (Th17)-type adaptive immune response, plays a central role in maintaining C. albicans in its commensal state and preventing tissue invasion. Animal models, such as the mouse model of oropharyngeal candidiasis, have been instrumental in understanding C. albicans virulence factors and host susceptibility to infections.
Molecular docking to treat Alzheimer's disease?5 answersMolecular docking has been explored as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in several studies. In one study, molecular docking was used to evaluate the binding efficacy of flavonoids to the alpha-7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), an important component of the cholinergic pathway in the brain. Another study screened herbal molecules against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and β-secretase using molecular docking. Additionally, molecular docking was used to analyze the binding affinity of natural compounds to the tau protein, a major player in AD. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed to investigate the interaction of natural compounds with amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides, potentially preventing the formation of harmful protein deposits. These studies highlight the potential of molecular docking as a tool for identifying and evaluating potential therapeutic agents for AD.
Candida albicans biofilms: development, regulation, and molecular mechanisms4 answersCandida albicans biofilms are densely packed communities of cells adhered to a surface, which are resistant to antifungal therapeutics, the host immune system, and environmental factors. Biofilm formation in C. albicans proceeds through three distinct developmental phases, resulting in cellular communities encased in a polysaccharide matrix. The expression of agglutinin-like (ALS) genes, involved in adhesion to host surfaces, is differentially regulated between planktonic and biofilm-grown cells. Major regulatory mechanisms of biofilm development involve the MAPK and cAMP signaling pathways, transcriptional regulators such as Bcr1 and Tec1, morphological transitions, and sexual reproduction. Cell wall genes and adhesins promote biofilm initiation, and transcription factors regulate their expression. Quorum sensing plays a role in C. albicans biofilm dynamics. Mechanistic studies have identified gene products and regulatory networks that control biofilm development and drug resistance.
Why candida albicans has adhesion phase?5 answersCandida albicans has an adhesion phase because it is necessary for the emergence and maintenance of persisters in biofilm formation. Adhesion to the surface is the initial step in biofilm development, and it triggers the formation of persister cells, which are antifungal-tolerant. The adhesion phase is characterized by the attachment of C. albicans cells to the substrate, followed by the formation of germ tubes. Adhesion-related genes, such as ALS1, ALS3, and BCR1, play a role in this process. Adhesion is also influenced by factors related to the fungal cell wall, such as adhesins like Als, Epa, and Hwp1. The adhesion phase is crucial for the development of C. albicans biofilms, as it allows the cells to establish a stable attachment to the surface and form a mature biomass.
What is the inhibitor for candida albicans oral target?5 answersThe compound 2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)cyclopentanol was identified as an inhibitor for Candida albicans biofilm formation. Additionally, quercetin derivatives were found to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, with 2,6-diisopropyl quercetin showing the smallest MIC value. Triazole derivatives were identified as potential antifungal agents against Candida albicans, inhibiting ergosterol production and biofilm formation. 2-alkylaminoquinoline derivatives, specifically compound 1 and compound 12, were found to attenuate hyphal formation and cytotoxicity of Candida albicans. Compounds that inhibit hyphal morphogenesis were identified through screening existing drug libraries, with an interaction with the endocytic pathway suggested as the mechanism.
Candida albicans biofilm formation regulators in contact with host2 answersCandida albicans biofilm formation is regulated by several factors when in contact with the host. The transcription factors Zcf32 and Upc2 negatively regulate biofilm development, with Zcf32 playing a role in hypervirulence and enhanced inflammation. The transcription factor Sfl1 is required for maximal biofilm formation under acidic conditions and regulates genes involved in adhesion and biofilm formation. The yeast casein kinase 2 (CaYck2p) is involved in morphogenesis, biofilm formation, cell wall integrity, and host cell interactions. Additionally, the regulation of biofilm development involves the MAPK and cAMP signaling pathways, transcription factors such as Bcr1 and Tec1, and morphological transitions. These findings provide insights into the complex regulatory networks governing C. albicans biofilm formation and its interaction with the host.