The Candida albicans KRE9 gene is required for cell wall β-1,6-glucan synthesis and is essential for growth on glucose

We have isolated CaKRE9, a gene from Candida albicans, that is a functional homologue of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae KRE9 gene involved in β-1,6-glucan synthesis. Disruption of the CaKRE9 gene in C. albicans shows that CaKre9p is required for the synthesis or assembly of this fungal polymer. Homozygous null disruptants of CaKRE9 grow poorly on galactose and fail to form hyphae in serum, and, in growth medium containing glucose, the gene is essential. Thus, the CaKRE9 gene product is a potentially useful candidate as a target for fungal-specific drugs.