Genome analysis of NFAP2- and fluconazole-resistant strains

An antifungal protein, NFAP2 secreted by Neosartorya (Aspergillus) fischeri NRRL 181 is considered as a potential agent in anti-Candida therapy. Its therapeutic application requires the investigation of the ability of Candida to develop resistance mechanisms against NFAP2. Therefore, a microevolution experiment was conducted with Candida albicans CBS5982 and NFAP2 to investigate it in comparison with fluconazole, the first-line applied antifungal drug in anti-Candida therapy. According to our results, C. albicans was able to adapt only to the 1 × MIC of NFAP2, in comparison with fluconazole where this yeast tolerated even the 32 × MIC, the highest applied drug concentration. Based on the literature the resistance to antifungal compounds usually leads to genomic changes. Full genome sequencing was conducted to reveal the possible gene mutations in the evolved NFAP2- and fluconazole-resistant strains.