The Journal of Antibiotics https://doi.org/10.1038/s41429-019-0185-9 BRIEF COMMUNICATION Molecular targets of biofabricated silver nanoparticles in Candida albicans Shivkrupa D. Halbandge 1 ● Ashwini K. Jadhav 2 ● Priyanka M. Jangid 1 ● Amruta V. Shelar 3,4 ● Rajendra H. Patil 3 ● Sankunny Mohan Karuppayil 1 Received: 19 January 2019 / Revised: 7 March 2019 / Accepted: 25 March 2019 © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the Japan Antibiotics Research Association 2019 Abstract We have analyzed the expressions of genes which regulate Ras-cAMP-EFG1 and CEK1-MAPK pathways involved in yeast to hyphal form morphogenesis in Candida albicans. The expression profile of genes associated with serum-induced morphogenesis showed reduced expressions of genes involved in these pathways by the treatment with biofabricated silver nanoparticles. Cell elongation gene, ECE1, was downregulated by 5.1 fold by the treatment of silver nanoparticles. Expression of hyphal inducer gene, TEC1 was downregulated by 6.28 fold. Negative regulators of yeast to hyphal transition, TUP1 and RFG1 were downregulated by 2.45 and 5.43 fold, respectively. Current study suggests that silver nanoparticles affect gene expression and may subsequently reduce virulence in C. albicans. Targeting genes involved in virulence may be an acceptable novel treatment strategy for pathogenic fungal infections. Introduction Candida albicans is considered as a major fungal pathogen of the humans causing considerable morbidity and mortal- ity. Currently prescribed antifungal antibiotics are often failures in clinical situations, due to the development of multiple drug resistance, formation of drug resistant bio- films on biotic as well as abiotic surfaces and transformation from yeast to hyphal (Y-H) form morphology [1]. This has resulted in the use of higher dosages of antibiotics and prolonged therapy which may result in undesirable side effects to the patients [2]. There is a need to find alternative therapy which is free from side effects. There is consider- able interest in using nanotechnology-based drugs [3]. The targets of silver nanoparticles in C. albicans include: cell wall, cell membrane, mitochondrial function, changes in membrane fluidity, changes in fatty acids, inhibition of ergosterol synthesis, formation Reactive oxygen species, release of silver ions, ultra structural changes, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest etc. [4]. Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) have been shown to inhibit the expression of genes involved drug efflux in drug resistant clinical isolates [5]. As Y-H form morphogenesis is one of the major virulence factors in C. albicans and necessary for penetrating the epithelial tissues and escape from immune response [6]. Y-H form transition involves two signaling pathways, Ras1-cAMP-PKA and Cek1-MAPK pathway [6]. Targeting of hyphal specific genes involved in these pathways may be a promising strategy for anticandida drug development [7].We are pre- senting information on the downregulation of genes involved in Y-H signal transduction in C. albicans after the treatment of SNPs. This is the first report on SNPs targeting signal transduction in C. albicans. Materials and methods Synthesis of SNPs Silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) was procured from Himedia Che- micals Ltd, Mumbai, India. Silver nitrate solution (1 mM) * Sankunny Mohan Karuppayil prof.karuppayil@gmail.com 1 School of Life Sciences, SRTM University, Nanded, Maharashtra 431606, India 2 Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative medicine, Centre For Interdisciplinary Research, DY Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416006, India 3 Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule, Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India 4 Department of Technology, Savitribai Phule, Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India 1234567890();,: 1234567890();,: