Hydrogen peroxide induces hyphal differentiation in Candida albicans

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate that hyphal differentiation is induced by the subtoxic concentration of exogenous H2O2 in Candida albicans. This finding is confirmed by the changing intracellular concentration of H2O2. In order to induce the same level of differentiation, low concentrations of exogenous H2O2 are required for the null mutants of the thiol-specific antioxidant and catalase, while higher concentrations are needed for cells treated with ascorbic acid, an antioxidant chemical. Copyright © 2008, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.