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<p>Endosymbiosis between fungi and bacteria has been well-documented in arbuscular mycorrhizal taxa, yet remains largely unexplored in yeasts. We investigated 501 <i>Candida</i> isolates to determine the presence of vacuolar bacteria-like endobionts (EBs) in <i>Candida</i> species, describe their life cycle and cellular effects, and make preliminary taxonomic assignments. The isolates were evaluated using wet mounts, Gram stains, semithin/ultrathin sections and transmission electron microscopy, and the dynamics of the EB were observed for up to thirty-five days under nutrient limitation. Identity was <i>investigated</i> using VITEK®2 and PCR/sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. EB were visualised in the vacuoles of <i>Candida</i> cells in two recurrent forms: actively motile rods and non-motile spherical bodies. Detection rates reached 100% in C. albicans (n = 167) and were observed in multiple <i>Candida</i> species and other yeasts. EB proliferation coincided with progressive vacuolisation, the rounding of host cells and the formation of crater-like lesions upon egress. Nevertheless, many <i>Candida</i> cells persisted in saline for six to twelve months while extracellular EB accumulated and a subset of yeasts became non-culturable. Detectability of EB increased in aged cultures, liquid media and under physical stress. Attempts to isolate pure EB on standard media were unsuccessful, with identification signals being inconsistent and occasional calls including Pseudomonas psychrotolerans by 16S sequencing. Together, the ubiquity, stress-responsive emergence, persistence and inability to cultivate these organisms supports the interpretation that they are endobionts rather than incidental contaminants. Our findings suggest that <i>Candida</i>–EB consortia represent stable cross-domain interactions that remodel host ultrastructure without immediate lethality and that they may be relevant to symbiogenesis. Comprehensive genomic analyses are required to determine the identity, transmission and functional consequences of EB for <i>Candida</i> biology and pathogenesis.</p>

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Cross-domain interactions: Candida spp. and its endobiont

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月25日

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  • S. A. Muradova,
  • A. I. Gurbanov,
  • E. A. Aghayeva,
  • M. M. Jafarov,
  • S. F. Gurbanova,
  • S. V. Hajiyeva,
  • R. M. Huseynov

摘要

Endosymbiosis between fungi and bacteria has been well-documented in arbuscular mycorrhizal taxa, yet remains largely unexplored in yeasts. We investigated 501 Candida isolates to determine the presence of vacuolar bacteria-like endobionts (EBs) in Candida species, describe their life cycle and cellular effects, and make preliminary taxonomic assignments. The isolates were evaluated using wet mounts, Gram stains, semithin/ultrathin sections and transmission electron microscopy, and the dynamics of the EB were observed for up to thirty-five days under nutrient limitation. Identity was investigated using VITEK®2 and PCR/sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. EB were visualised in the vacuoles of Candida cells in two recurrent forms: actively motile rods and non-motile spherical bodies. Detection rates reached 100% in C. albicans (n = 167) and were observed in multiple Candida species and other yeasts. EB proliferation coincided with progressive vacuolisation, the rounding of host cells and the formation of crater-like lesions upon egress. Nevertheless, many Candida cells persisted in saline for six to twelve months while extracellular EB accumulated and a subset of yeasts became non-culturable. Detectability of EB increased in aged cultures, liquid media and under physical stress. Attempts to isolate pure EB on standard media were unsuccessful, with identification signals being inconsistent and occasional calls including Pseudomonas psychrotolerans by 16S sequencing. Together, the ubiquity, stress-responsive emergence, persistence and inability to cultivate these organisms supports the interpretation that they are endobionts rather than incidental contaminants. Our findings suggest that Candida–EB consortia represent stable cross-domain interactions that remodel host ultrastructure without immediate lethality and that they may be relevant to symbiogenesis. Comprehensive genomic analyses are required to determine the identity, transmission and functional consequences of EB for Candida biology and pathogenesis.