C. albicansgrowth, transition, biofilm formation, and gene expression modulation by antimicrobial decapeptide KSL-W

Abstract

BackgroundAntimicrobial peptides have been the focus of much research over the last decade because of their effectiveness and broad-spectrum activity against microbial pathogens. These peptides also participate in inflammation and the innate host defense system by modulating the immune function that promotes immune cell adhesion and migration as well as the respiratory burst, which makes them even more attractive as therapeutic agents. This has led to the synthesis of various antimicrobial peptides, including KSL-W (KKVVFWVKFK-NH2), for potential clinical use. Because this peptide displays antimicrobial activity against bacteria, we sought to determine its antifungal effect on C. albicans. Growth, hyphal form, biofilm formation, and degradation were thus examined along with EFG1, NRG1, EAP1, HWP1, and SAP 2-4-5-6 gene expression by quantitative RT-PCR.ResultsThis study demonstrates that KSL-W markedly reduced C. albicans growth at both early and late incubation times. The significant effect of KSL-W on C. albicans growth was observed beginning at 10 μg/ml after 5 h of contact by reducing C. albicans transition and at 25 μg/ml by completely inhibiting C. albicans transition. Cultured C. albicans under biofilm-inducing conditions revealed that both KSL-W and amphotericin B significantly decreased biofilm formation at 2, 4, and 6 days of culture. KSL-W also disrupted mature C. albicans biofilms. The effect of KSL-W on C. albicans growth, transition, and biofilm formation/disruption may thus occur through gene modulation, as the expression of various genes involved in C. albicans growth, transition and biofilm formation were all downregulated when C. albicans was treated with KSL-W. The effect was greater when C. albicans was cultured under hyphae-inducing conditions.ConclusionsThese data provide new insight into the efficacy of KSL-W against C. albicans and its potential use as an antifungal therapy.

Plant-Derived Decapeptide OSIP108 Interferes with Candida albicans Biofilm Formation without Affecting Cell Viability

“…For example, antibiofilm activity was reported for LL-37 (the major human cationic host defense peptide) against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (38,39), as well as against C. albicans, where it interferes with adhesion (40,41). Moreover, the antibiofilm activity against C. albicans of synthetic antimicrobial peptides such as KSL-W and KABT-AMP has been reported (42,43). In contrast to OSIP108, these synthetic peptides do not act in a biofilm-specific way, as they display rather general fungicidal activity.…”

Eradication Effect of Javanese Turmeric (Curcuma Xanthorrhiza. Roxb.) Extract on the Early Phase of Candida Albicans Biofilm

“…The adhesion stage is important in initiating the formation of biofilm and inducing the growth of the yeast by proliferating [6]. The ability of the yeast to adhere to the host tissues and denture surface was supported by the activity of the adhesion protein in the C. albicans cell membrane [1,8].…”

“…Candida albicans is a commensal microorganism, which, in planctonic form, is commonly present in a healthy oral cavity without causing any inflammation or pathological condition in the surrounding tissues [1]. The planctonic form of C. albicans does not adhere to the adjacent tissue surface.…”

Inhibition of Candida albicans biofilm formation and modulation of gene expression by probiotic cells and supernatant

“…The C t was automatically calculated using the accompanying SDS 2.3 sequencing software (Applied Biosystems). The reference gene used for this experiment was ACT1, as described previously (Theberge et al, 2013). Results were analysed using the 2 -DDCt relative expression method.…”