Autophagy regulation of ATG13 and ATG27 on biofilm formation and antifungal resistance in Candida albicans

Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic pathway that is vital for cells; however, the effects of autophagy on the biofilm formation and antifungal resistance of Candida albicans are still unknown. In this study, the potential molecular mechanisms of autophagy in biofilm formation and antifungal resistance were investigated. It was found that 3536 genes were differentially expressed between biofilm and planktonic C. albicans. ATG gene expression and autophagy activity were higher in biofilm than in planktonic C. albicans. Autophagic activities were higher in matured biofilms than that in pre-matured biofilms. Autophagy was involved in C. albicans biofilm formation and its activity increased during biofilm maturation. Further, ALP activity, AO staining cells, and autophagosomes inside cells were obviously reduced in biofilms of atg13Δ/Δ and atg27Δ/Δ strains; moreover, biofilm formation and antifungal resistance were also significantly decreased. Lastly, autophagy regulates biofilm formation and drug resistance of C. albicans and could be served as a new molecular target to the C. albicans biofilm infections.