Identification of a 21 kDa laminin-binding component of Candida albicans

Binding of Candida albicans strain JCM0239 to radiolabelled laminin was stu died to identify possible receptors. When two forms of the organism were ex amined, laminin was found to bind to germinating blastoconidia. There was o nly weak binding to blastoconidia without germ tubes. Laminin-binding to ge rminating blastoconidia was inhibited by non-labelled laminin or fibrinogen but not by fibronectin, a fibronectin peptide (Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser), or a laminin peptide (Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg). A cell extract from germinating blas toconidia was analyzed by using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting, and I-125-Ia belled laminin was shown to bind to a 21 kDa component.