Contribution of VMA5 to vacuolar function, stress response, ion homeostasis and autophagy in Candida albicans

Abstract

Aim: V-ATPase is a conservative multi-subunit enzyme in eukaryotes and modulates several cellular responses. This study aimed to illustrate the roles of Vma5 in vacuolar function, oxidative stress response, calcium homeostasis, autophagy and virulence. Materials & methods: The vma5Δ/Δ mutant was obtained using PCR-mediated homologous recombination. The functions of Vma5 were investigated by a series of biochemical and systemic infection methods. Results: Disruption of VMA5 led to growth inhibition, vacuolar dysfunction, disturbance of calcium homeostasis and inhibition of calcium-related oxidative stress response. Furthermore, its deletion caused defects in autophagy completion and hyphal development, and resulted in attenuated Candida albicans virulence. Conclusion: Our findings provide new insights into V-ATPase functions in C. albicans, and reveal a potential candidate for development of antifungal drugs.