Analysis of the response of Candida albicans cells to Silver(I)

The response of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans to the silver(I) perchlorate salt (AgClO4) was assessed. By employing an anti-phospho-p38 MAPK antibody, dual phosphorylation of a high osmolarity protein (Hog1p) in C. albicans in the presence of AgClO4 was demonstrated. Phosphorylation of C. albicans Hog1p in response to hydrogen peroxide or AgClO4 resulted in the translocation of this mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase to the nucleus. Nuclear translocation of C. albicans activating protein-1 (Cap1p) was demonstrated by Western blot analysis and detected using polyclonal anti-Cap1p antibody. Upon AgClO4-induced translocation of Cap1p there was a concomitant activation of genes coding for glutathione reductase-1 and Mn-superoxide dismutase but no increase in the expression of flavin oxidoreductase or mitochondrial processing protease was recorded. In addition, exposure to AgClO4 increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and catalase. The activation of C. albicans oxidative stress response genes and enzymes following exposure to AgClO4 is evidence of the generation of oxidative stress within this medically important yeast.