Genome structure and dynamics of the yeast pathogen Candida glabrata

Khadija Mohamed Ahmad, Janez Kokosar, Xiaoxian Guo, Zhenglong Gu, Olena Ishchuk, Jure Piskur

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The yeast pathogen Candida glabrata is the second most frequent cause of Candida infections. However, from the phylogenetic point of view, C. glabrata is much closer to Saccharomyces cerevisiae than to Candida albicans. Apparently, this yeast has relatively recently changed its life style and become a successful opportunistic pathogen. Recently, several C. glabrata sister-species, among them clinical and environmental isolates, have had their genomes characterized. Also, hundreds of C. glabrata clinical isolates have been characterized for their genomes. These isolates display enormous genomic plasticity. The number and size of chromosomes vary drastically, as well as intra- and inter-chromosomal segmental duplications occur frequently. The observed genome alterations could affect phenotypic properties and thus help to adapt to the highly variable and harsh habitats this yeast finds in different human patients and their tissues. Further genome sequencing of pathogenic isolates will provide a valuable tool to understand the mechanisms behind genome dynamics and help to elucidate the genes contributing to the virulence potential.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)529-535
    JournalFEMS Yeast Research
    Volume14
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Subject classification (UKÄ)

    • Biological Sciences

    Free keywords

    • genome rearrangements
    • chromosome polymorphism
    • Candida
    • pathogenic yeast
    • virulence genes

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