Farnesol: beyond morphogenesis control in non-candida albicans candida species

Abstract

During the last decade the incidence of candidiasis increased dramatically. Although Candida albicans remains the most frequent cause of infections, non-Candida albicans candida (NCAC) species are emerging as new pathogens. Candida infections are often associated with biofilms that can develop on natural surfaces and medical devices. In a similar manner to other microorganisms, signalling pathways may control the diversity and distribution of Candida species within biofilms. E,E-farnesol was recently described as a C. albicans quorum sensing molecule whose primary role relates to morphogenesis and biofilm formation regulation. Accumulating evidence show that this molecule has other roles not only in C. albicans biology but also in NCAC species biology.