Functions of CaPhm7 in the regulation of ion homeostasis, drug tolerance, filamentation and virulence in Candida albicans

Abstract

Background: Calcium-permeable transient receptor potential (TRP) channels exist in eukaryotic cells from yeasts to animals and plants. and they act as sensors for various stresses. Arabidopsis thaliana calcium permeable stress-gated cation channel 1 (AtCSC1) was the first plant calcium-permeable TRP to be described and can be activated by hyperosmotic shock. Candida albicans CaPHM7 is one of the sequence homologs of AtCSC1, but its function remains unknown. Results: We show here that CaPhm7 is localized to the plasma membrane in both the yeast and hyphal cells of C. albicans. C. albicans cells lacking CaPHM7 are sensitive to SDS and ketoconazole but tolerant to rapamycin and zinc. In addition, deletion of CaPHM7 leads to a filamentation defect, reduced colony growth and attenuated virulence in the mouse model of systemic infection. Conclusions: CaPhm7 is involved in the regulation of ion homeostasis, drug tolerance, filamentation and virulence in this important human fungal pathogen. CaPhm7 could be a potential target of antifungal drugs.