CANDIDA ALBICANS-ASSOCIATED ORAL BIOFILMS

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Candida species are the major fungal pathogen of humans and are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Candidiasis is often associated with the formation of Candida biofilms on the surface of inanimate or biological surfaces, and this phenotype is found at both mucosal and systemic sites. Biofilm-based infections are estimated to account for as much as 65% of all human microbial diseases, are frequently refractory to conventional antimicrobial therapy and are a source of recalcitrant infections; consequently, biofilm-associated infections represent a significant public health problem. Several artificial biofilm models have shown that mature Candida biofilms display spatial heterogeneity and a layered architecture consisting of extracellular matrix encased microcolonies. It should be emphasized, however, that clinical biofilms rarely, if ever, consist of only cells from a single species. Indeed interactions between oral bacteria and Candida such as coaggregation, coadhesion, growth stimulation or inhibition most likely play an important role in the development and maintenance of mixed-microbial biofilms. The long-term goal of this research is to understand the biology of Candida albicans biofilm formation in the oral cavity and to dissect the numerous interactions between fungal and bacterial species within a biofilm community. Specifically, we will 1) determine if Candida mannoproteins are important for exopolysaccharide matrix production, 2) study the development of a mixed-species biofilm consisting of oral bacteria (streptococci) and C. albicans, and 3) identify and analyze C. albicans glycoproteins capable of binding Streptococcus gordonii. By studying mixed-species biofilm formation and applying this knowledge to the patient population, we will gain a better understanding of many biofilm-based infections including denture stomatitis and periodontal disease.