EXPRESSION OF VITRONECTIN AND FIBRONECTIN-BINDING BY CANDIDA-ALBICANSYEAST-CELLS

Expression of binding to vitronectin (Vn or S-protein) and fibronectin (Fn) was common among clinical isolates of Candida albicans. Growth a t 37-degrees-C enhanced expression of both Vn and Fn binding. Some str ains expressed higher binding after growth in liquid media and others after growth on solid media. Most strains expressed higher cell surfac e hydrophobicity after growth on agar media. Vn binding was less influ enced by expression of cell surface hydrophobicity than Fn binding. Vn binding to yeast cells was optimal around pH 4 and Fn binding around pH 6. Binding to soluble Vn was inhibited by unlabelled Vn and to a le sser extent by Fn. Fn binding to the same C albicans strain was inhibi ted by unlabelled Fn, Vn, fibrinogen and to some extent collagens. C a lbicans strain 3248 expressed specific high binding of Vn, and high bi nding of Fn. Binding of both proteins was sensitive to heat and protea se treatment, but in different ways. Vn binding differed significantly from the earlier reported Fn binding and may represent a novel type o f tissue adherence.