Transcriptional changes in Candida albicans Genes by both farnesol and high cell density at an early stage of morphogenesis in N-acetyl-D-glucosamine medium.

Quorum sensing through farnesol, a quorum sensing molecule, regulates virulence and morphogenesis in Candida albicans. Farnesol and high cell density of C. albicans repress hyphal formation in a minimal medium containing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Global transcription profiling at an early stage of quorum sensing by C. albicans in the N-acetyl-D-glucosamine medium was analyzed. Twenty-two of a total of 53 genes responded to both farnesol and high cell density. From in silico analysis and previous published data, nine of these genes including those encoding amino acid biosynthesis were controlled by the Gcn4p regulator. Nine other genes which included genes encoding central carbon metabolism were controlled by negative regulators including Nrg1p, Tup1p, Ssn6p, and/or Mig1p. Other genes not controlled by these regulators included genes related to oxidative stress, glucose metabolism, and agglutination. Expression of genes related to amino acid biosynthesis and central carbon metabolism in this study is similar to a previous report of transcription profiling in C. albicans following its internalization by phagocyte cells and adaptation to host challenges.