P372 Deciphering transcript isoform switching and utilization in mature biofilm of Candida glabrata through a global transcriptomic approach

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objective: Eukaryotic cellular systems utilize alternative transcript isoforms generated via an isoform switching mechanism to thwart various stress conditions. To the best of our knowledge, transcript isoform switching and differential transcript isoform usage (DTU) in Candida glabrata have not been studied. Therefore, the present study was designed to delineate differential transcript isoform expression (DTE) and transcript isoform switching followed by DTU and the functional impact of transcripts in a mature biofilm of C. glabrata (clinical isolate; NCCPF 100037) through an RNA sequencing approach. Results DTE analysis generated 7837 transcript isoforms from the C. glabrata genome (5293 genes in total), and DTU investigations revealed that transcript isoforms of 292 genes were specifically utilized in the formation of mature biofilms via the isoform switching process. Gene Ontology/pathway analysis and protein-protein interactions further substantiated the functional attributes of switched transcript isoforms selectively used by C. glabrata in biofilm formation and survival. Conclusion The present study elucidates that specific transcript isoforms utilized in mature biofilms of C. glabrata could be used as potential targets for the development of novel antifungal therapeutics.