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Thesis/Dissertation
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2025-05
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Oral Biology
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https://doi.org/10.34944/3kph-x468
Abstract
Background: Candida albicans colonization in the oral cavity, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, can progress from oral candidiasis to invasive, life-threatening candidiasis if it enters the bloodstream. The virulence of C. albicans is linked to its ability to form biofilms, transition between yeast and hyphal forms, and alter its cell wall structure in response to environmental changes. The individual effect of changes in iron and carbohydrates (carbon sources) on virulence has been previously studied. However, the contribution of different carbon sources in the presence of low or high iron has not been examined. Objective: Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic effects of iron availability and different carbon sources on C. albicans growth and virulence mechanisms. Methods: The C. albicans strains used in this study were cultured in yeast nitrogen base (YNB) minimal media supplemented with respective carbon sources in the presence of 1 µM iron (low-iron condition) or 100 µM iron (high-iron condition). Growth of C. albicans was monitored in 96-well plates over 24 hours (OD600) using a spectrophotometer. Evos light microscope was used to visualize yeast-to-hyphae ratios. Biofilms were grown in 6-well plates for 24 hours and quantified using 0.1% crystal violet. Cell wall mannan assessment was done by staining with ConcanavalinA dye and microscopic imaging. Results: C. albicans exhibited significantly enhanced hyphae formation under high iron condition with all the carbon sources. Sucrose in the presence of high iron yielded the highest yeast-to-hyphae ratio. Similarly, biofilms were also significantly more robust under this condition. Conclusion: Iron levels can alter the effect of various carbon sources on C. albicans virulence.
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