Fungal virulence mechanisms include adhesion to epithelia, morphogenesis, production of secretory hydrolytic enzymes, and phenotype switching, all of which contribute to the process of pathogenesis. A striking feature of the biology of Candida albicans is its ability to grow in yeast, pseudohyphal, and hyphal forms. The hyphal form plays an important role in causing disease, by invading epithelial cells and causing tissue damage. In this review, we illustrate some of the main hyphae-specific genes, namely HGC1, UME6, ALS3, HWP1, and ECE1, and their relevant and reversed signal transduction pathways in reactions stimulated by environmental factors, including pH, CO2, and serum.

Many studies have tried to elucidate the connection between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene (ApaI) polymorphism and periodontitis; however, so far there is no consensus. To further assess the impact of ApaI polymorphism on periodontitis risk, we have conducted a meta‐analysis of Chinese population. Relevant literatures were searched according to PubMed and Chinese database in January 2019. The strength of correlation was evaluated by combining odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs). Six case–control studies were identified with inclusion criteria, including 734 cases of periodontitis and 687 controls. Based on the overall analysis, the VDR ApaI polymorphism was not due to the risk of periodontitis in all models. Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of periodontitis in North China was significantly reduced. To sum up, the study shows that VDR‐ApaI polymorphism may be connected with a lower risk of periodontitis in northern China. It is suggested that inferential studies should be conducted in other ethnic groups.