Deciphering CAP1 of Candida albicans as a key druggable target protein

Abstract

Candida albicans is a significant opportunistic fungal pathogen known for its virulence and capacity to develop multidrug resistance (MDR), complicating treatment efforts. Its pathogenicity is driven by factors such as adhesion to host tissues, morphological switching between yeast and filamentous forms, biofilm formation, and the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes. These mechanisms allow C. albicans to evade the host immune response, persist on medical devices, and resist available antifungal treatments. In our study, we investigated the CAP1 protein as a potent therapeutic target due to its critical role in these processes. Further, we identified its localization, and it was found that CAP1 is located in the cytoplasm, which further makes it a viable drug target. The gene ontology analysis reveals that CAP1 is involved in crucial cellular functions, including metabolism and regulation, suggesting that inhibiting CAP1 could disrupt essential processes. Our findings reveal that CAP1 is expressed in both planktonic, hyphal, and biofilm stages of C. albicans, playing a pivotal role in the transition from planktonic to hyphal and biofilm states. The interaction analysis via string database and Cytoscape highlights the extensive protein-protein interaction network centred around CAP1. This network includes key proteins such as ALS3, HWP1, TUP1, SAP4, and others involved in MDR, like MRR1, MDR2, CDR1, and biofilm formation. CAP1's interactions with these proteins suggest its crucial role in phase switching, regulating virulence, and pathogenicity. The identification of CAP1 as a central hub protein within this network underscores its significance in the regulation of MDR and biofilm formation of C. albicans, which highlights its potential as a promising futuristic target for the development of effective antifungal agents.