Amyloid fibrils of the Als5p-derived peptide NH2-SNGIVIVATTRTV-COOH influence the biofilm formation of Candida albicans by sharpening microcolony morphology

In this study, we demonstrate that the addition of Als5pFP promotes biomass accumulation in C. albicans biofilms under standard laboratory conditions, including in complex media and at temperatures compatible with clinical biofilm assays. Using advanced image analysis of microscopy images, we show that Als5p peptide induces a distinct morphological effect on biofilms: a sharpening of microcolony structures, characterized by the concentration of fungal cells into denser aggregates and the reduction of cells in intermediate spaces. These observations suggest a potential role for amyloid-like fibrils formed by Als5p peptide in influencing the spatial organization of C. albicans biofilms. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the architectural development of C. albicans biofilms and provide a foundation for future research aimed at targeting amyloid structures within fungal biofilms. Furthermore, the results may support the design of biofilm-targeting antifungal agents and the development of biosensors for monitoring amyloid formation during infection.本研究证实，在标准实验室条件下（包括复杂培养基及适配临床生物膜检测的温度环境）添加Als5pFP，可促进白色念珠菌（Candida albicans，简称C. albicans）生物膜的生物量积累。通过对显微镜图像开展先进图像分析，我们发现Als5p肽可对生物膜产生独特的形态学效应：微菌落结构更为清晰锐利，具体表现为真菌细胞聚集为更致密的聚集体，且中间间隙内的细胞数量显著减少。上述观察结果表明，Als5p肽形成的类淀粉样原纤维，可能在调控白色念珠菌生物膜的空间组织结构中发挥潜在作用。本研究结果有助于加深对白色念珠菌生物膜结构发育进程的理解，同时为未来以真菌生物膜内淀粉样结构为靶点的研究奠定了基础。此外，本研究结果可为靶向生物膜的抗真菌药物设计，以及用于监测感染过程中淀粉样蛋白形成的生物传感器开发提供支撑。