Month/Year of Graduation

5-2021

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Jill Blankenship

Abstract

Resulting infections of mucosal tissues by Candida albicans present difficulty in treatment due to the formation of biofilms and invasion of tissue directed by thigmo-tropic responses of hyphal cells. Initiation of biofilm formation, however, is largely dependent on yeast-form cells. Their ability to sense surfaces, however, has yet to be examined. In the present study, an initial genetic profiling of the surface sensing response by non-filamentous Candida albicans was generated. In order to assess the ability for yeast-form C. albicans cells to recognize surfaces, four differentially solidified YPD plate types were created using agar, noble agar, Gelrite, and carrageenan. Genetic expression was assessed after 30 minutes growth on solid plates via qRT-PCR and compared against liquid YPD conditions. Of the 15 genes tested, 4 genes were significantly differentially expressed across all plate types including Rhd3, Nce103, Hwp1, and Ece1. This analysis indicates a potential surface sensing response by yeast-form C. albicans cells characterized by inhibition of biofilm forming genes and the discernment of growth under atmospheric conditions on noninducing surfaces.

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