Generation of an in vitro model of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a condition caused by the fungus Candida albicans that affects most women worldwide. VVC occurs thanks to the ability of C. albicans to colonize and invade the human vaginal mucosa, and to the coordinated action of several virulent factors. To study VVC, researchers primarily use animal models and, in some cases, reconstituted human epithelia. However, these experimental models are expensive, and the growing conditions that C. albicans encounters in them are not entirely similar to what happens in real infections. With the ultimate goal of creating a novel in vitro VVC system that is more economical, better mimics the human vaginal mucosa and does not require ethical permissions, this study attempted to visualize the response of two C. albicans genes involved in nitrogen utilization that should be active during the infectious process (SAP2, a protease that digests host proteins at vaginal pH and GNP2, a proline transporter) when grown on new biological surfaces. Following a novel gap repair protocol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it was possible to advance in the generation of a bacterial stock, although the confirmation of the correct clone could not be concluded. The visualization of reporter genes on new biological surfaces was also not observed, but a medium composed of collagen could be ruled out for such purposes. In conclusion, it was possible to make important advances in the original project, using genetic engineering tools to solve the problems that arose along the way.

• Main Author: Tacuri Pizha, Nelly Juana (author)
• Format: bachelorThesis
• Language: eng
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: Candida albicans; Candidiasis vulvovaginal (CVV); Gap repair; Modelo in vitro
• Online Access: http://repositorio.yachaytech.edu.ec/handle/123456789/737