We observed a strong defect on the ability of Cagup1Δ null mutant strain to form biofilm on an inert substrate (polystyrene wells). The attachment of Cagup1Δ null mutant strain cells to this

surface, i.e. their adherence was nearly one BGB324 solubility dmso third than the parent strain and no differentiated structure was formed. These observations corroborate defects in the 2 first basic stages above mentioned. Additionally, also the 3rd, i.e. extensive filamenttation was highly compromised. Conclusions In conclusion, we demonstrate that in Cagup1Δ null mutant strain the major virulence factors are severely weakened, namely the impaired ability of form true hyphae, to adhere and to invade to different

substrates and form biofilms. Equally important, was the revealing Luminespib supplier role of CaGUP1 gene in the resistance to antifungals. The present work brings cutting-edge insights into the role of Gup1p on the transformation of C. albicans into a pathogen. All taken, and considering the fact that mmGUP1 gene complemented the hyphal morphogenetic defects of Cagup1Δ null mutant (Ferreira, C., unpublished results); we anticipate that Gup1p may be part of a yeast morphogenic pathway parallel to the mammalian Hedgehog. Methods Yeast strains, media and growth conditions C. albicans strains used in this work were BWP17 (ura3Δ::λimm434/ura3Δ ::λimm434his1::hisG/his1::hisGarg4::hisG/arg4::hisG) [73], several clones (3-5)

of homozygous C. albicans gup1Δ/gup1Δ (isogenic to BWP17 but gup1::URA3-dpl200/gup1::ARG4) [74], and CF-Ca001 (isogenic to C. albicans gup1Δ/gup1Δ::GUP1) (this study). DOCK10 All assays were preceded by batch cultures grown on complex medium (YPD: 1% (w/v) yeast extract; 2% (w/v) peptone), supplemented with 2% (w/v) glucose as carbon and energy source, at 26°C to maintain unicellular yeast form. These cultures were continuously inspected as to the absence of hyphae – referred ahead as young cultures. Incubation was done at 160 rpm, orbital shaking with air/liquid ratio 2.5/1. Growth was monitored spectrophotometrically at 600 nm. Solid media were supplemented with 2% (w/v) agar. Induction of hyphal growth was as follows: Young YPD cultures (above) were inoculated into YPD, YPD + 10% FBS or Spider’s medium [1% (w/v) nutrient broth, 1% (w/v) mannitol, 0.2% (w/v) K2HPO4 [75]], supplemented with 1.5% agar, and grown at 37°C for 3-5 days. For time-course induction with FBS in liquid broth, cells from young cultures were washed, resuspended (1 × 107 cell/ml) in YPD supplemented with 10% FBS and incubated at 37°C. Photomicrographs were taken at representative time-points. Strain construction To reintroduce GUP1 into C.