The Candida albicans gene HGT12 (orf19.7094) encodes a hexose transporter

Abstract

Yeast cells of the human pathogen Candida albicans that enter the bloodstream can be engulfed by macrophage cells but survive in, and can escape from, the phagolysosome. The C. albicans gene HGT12, which is specifically expressed during macrophage infection, encodes a protein that transports fructose, glucose and mannose. Expression of this hexose transporter along with the shift from glycolysis to gluconeogenesis that occurs in these phagocytosed cells suggests a requirement for glucose that can be supplied in part by uptake from the lumen of the phagolysosome. © 2007 Federation of European Microbiological Societies.