The combined application of the anti- RAS1 and anti- RIM101 2'- O MethylRNA oligomers enhances Candida albicans filamentation control

Journal Article · 07 June 2021 · Medical Mycology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/mmy/myab033 · OSTI ID:1823491

Barbosa, Ana; Araújo, Daniela; Henriques, Mariana; Silva, Sónia

Abstract Although antisense oligomers (ASOs) have been successfully utilized to control gene expression, they have been little exploited to control Candida albicans virulence's determinants. Filamentation is an important virulence factor of C. albicans, and RAS1 and RIM101 genes are involved in its regulation. Thus, the main goal of this work was to project ASOs, based on 2'-OMethyl chemical modification, to target RAS1 and RIM101 mRNA and to validate its application either alone or in combination, to reduce Candida filamentation in different human body fluids. It was verified that both, anti-RAS1 2'OMe and anti-RIM101 2'OMe oligomers, were able to reduce the levels of RAS1 and RIM101 genes’ expression and to significantly reduce C. albicans filamentation. Furthermore, the combined application of anti-RAS1 2'OMe oligomer and anti-RIM101 2'OMe oligomer enhances the control of C. albicans filamentation in artificial saliva and urine. Our work confirms that ASOs are useful tools for research and therapeutic development on the control of candidiasis.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Supply Chain
• OSTI ID: 1823491
• Journal Information: Medical Mycology, Journal Name: Medical Mycology Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 59; ISSN 1369-3786
• Publisher: Oxford University PressCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English