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Adhesin Als4112 promotes Candida auris skin colonization through interactions with keratinocytes and extracellular matrix proteins

Author

Listed:
  • Guolei Zhao

    (University of Michigan)

  • Jingwen Lyu

    (University of Michigan)

  • Natalia A. Veniaminova

    (University of Michigan)

  • Robert Zarnowski

    (University of Wisconsin
    University of Wisconsin)

  • Eliciane Mattos

    (Los Angeles Medical Center)

  • Chad J. Johnson

    (University of Wisconsin
    University of Wisconsin)

  • Derek Quintanilla

    (Los Angeles Medical Center)

  • Haley Hautau

    (Los Angeles Medical Center)

  • LeeAnn A. Hold

    (University of Michigan)

  • Bin Xu

    (University of Michigan)

  • Juliet A. E. Anku

    (University of Michigan)

  • Kaustav Dasgupta

    (Los Angeles Medical Center)

  • Joseph J. Hale

    (University of Michigan)

  • Steph S. Steltzer

    (University of Michigan)

  • Darian J. Santana

    (University of Michigan)

  • Ashraf S. Ibrahim

    (Los Angeles Medical Center
    Los Angeles)

  • Evan S. Snitkin

    (University of Michigan)

  • David Andes

    (University of Wisconsin
    University of Wisconsin)

  • Jeniel E. Nett

    (University of Wisconsin
    University of Wisconsin)

  • Shakti Singh

    (Los Angeles Medical Center
    Los Angeles)

  • Adam C. Abraham

    (University of Michigan)

  • Megan L. Killian

    (University of Michigan)

  • J. Michelle Kahlenberg

    (University of Michigan)

  • Sunny Y. Wong

    (University of Michigan)

  • Teresa R. O’Meara

    (University of Michigan)

Abstract

Candida auris is a fungal pathogen notorious for persistent skin colonization and transmission in healthcare settings. Here, we show that a C. auris conserved adhesin, Als4112, is required for skin colonization via keratinocyte attachment and direct interactions with host extracellular matrix proteins, especially basement membrane proteins such as laminin. Deletion of ALS4112 reduces skin colonization in mouse models of epicutaneous and systemic infection. In addition, coating plastic and catheter surfaces with collagen I or III inhibits C. auris attachment and biofilm formation. Our study highlights the critical role of Als4112 in C. auris colonization and virulence, and explores potential strategies to reduce the pathogen’s adherence to abiotic surfaces and thus its spread in healthcare settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Guolei Zhao & Jingwen Lyu & Natalia A. Veniaminova & Robert Zarnowski & Eliciane Mattos & Chad J. Johnson & Derek Quintanilla & Haley Hautau & LeeAnn A. Hold & Bin Xu & Juliet A. E. Anku & Kaustav Das, 2025. "Adhesin Als4112 promotes Candida auris skin colonization through interactions with keratinocytes and extracellular matrix proteins," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60876-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60876-1
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