Adapting to survive: how Candida spp. respond to environmental physiological constraints

Candida species are important human pathogens and have emerged as a leading cause of nosocomial fungal infections. In order to survive and proliferate within the human host, these species have to adapt to the different niches and assimilate the available nutrients. For instance, during infection, they can encounter glucose-poor microenvironments and some studies have suggested that the ability to use non-fermentable carbon sources affects the virulence of these pathogens. Our studies have demonstrated that the presence of alternative carbon sources such as lactate and acetate influence Candida biofilm formation, antifungal drug resistance and immune recognition. Additionally, there is evidence that carboxylate transporters have a role on these processes. An overview of the most significant results will be presented.Our data support the view that the different carbon sources present in the host niches affect directly the physiology of Candida cells, with implications on how these pathogens respond to antifungal treatment