Candida albicans is the major cause of candidosis, however recently non-
C. albicans Candida (NCAC) species have emerged as common
pathogens. One of the most important virulence factors is the ability to
form biofilms that have important clinical repercussions due to their
increased resistant to antifungal therapy. In the case of C. albicans, the
transcriptional network of biofilm formation is composed by six
transcriptions factors (BCR1, EFG1, TEC1, NDT80, ROB1 and BRG1).
However, in the case of NCAC species little is known about the influence
of these genes in biofilm formation. Thus, in order to identify targets to be
used as biofilm controllers in NCAC species it was characterized the role
of BCR1, EFG1 and TEC1 genes on C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata
species biofilm formation. After planktonic cells and biofilms grown, the
RNAs were extracted and the expression levels of BCR1, EFG1 and
TEC1 compared by quantitative real time PCR. CFUs enumeration and
crystal violet staining were used to quantify biofilm formation. The results
demonstrated that in both Candida species all genes are expressed but in
a species and lifestyle dependent manner. Specifically, in opposite to
observed in C. glabrata, BCR1 and TEC1 expression levels, are higher in
biofilm than in planktonic cells of C. parapsilosis. Interestingly the EFG1
levels of expression was superior to 100% in both conditions for C.
parapsilosis, however higher in planktonic cells. Thus, it is possible to
assume that BCR1, TEC1 and EFG1 are biofilm regulators in C.
parapsilosis, as in C. albicans, but not in C. glabrata and they could be
suggested to be used as future targets to control C. parapsilosis biofilm
formation
