Investigation of Touch-Sensitive Responses by Hyphae of the Human Pathogenic Fungus Candida albicans

Authors

N. A. R. Gow, University of Aberdeen
T. H. S. Perera, University of Aberdeen
J. Sherwood-Higham, University of Aberdeen
G. W. Gooday, University of Aberdeen
D. W. Gregory, Foresterhill E.M. Unit
D. Marshall, Foresterhill E.M. Unit

Abstract

Candida albicans is a fungus that commonly infects the mucosal surface of humans. The hyphal growth form of this fungus may initiate the primary invasion of the host. Here we show that hyphae respond thigmotropically and morphologically to cues such as the presence of a surface, pores, grooves and ridges. Growth on some firm surfaces elicits a helical growth response. Hyphae follow grooves and ridges of inert substrates and penetrate pores of filtration membranes. Our in vitro experiments suggest that thigmotropism may enhance the ability of a hypha to invade epithelia of a host at sites of weakened integrity.

Recommended Citation

Gow, N. A. R.; Perera, T. H. S.; Sherwood-Higham, J.; Gooday, G. W.; Gregory, D. W.; and Marshall, D. (1994) "Investigation of Touch-Sensitive Responses by Hyphae of the Human Pathogenic Fungus Candida albicans," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 8: No. 3, Article 27.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol8/iss3/27