Adhesin Als4112 promotes Candida auris skin colonization through interactions with keratinocytes and extracellular matrix proteins

Guolei Zhao, Jingwen Lyu, Natalia A. Veniaminova, Robert Zarnowski, Eliciane Mattos, Chad J. Johnson, Derek Quintanilla, Haley Hautau, LeeAnn A. Hold, Bin Xu, Juliet A. E. Anku, Kaustav Dasgupta, Joseph J. Hale, Steph S. Steltzer, Darian J. Santana, Ashraf S. Ibrahim, Evan S. Snitkin, David Andes, Jeniel E. Nett, Shakti Singh, Adam C. Abraham, Megan L. Killian, J. Michelle Kahlenberg, Sunny Y. Wong and Teresa R. O’Meara ()
Additional contact information
Guolei Zhao: University of Michigan
Jingwen Lyu: University of Michigan
Natalia A. Veniaminova: University of Michigan
Robert Zarnowski: University of Wisconsin
Eliciane Mattos: Los Angeles Medical Center
Chad J. Johnson: University of Wisconsin
Derek Quintanilla: Los Angeles Medical Center
Haley Hautau: Los Angeles Medical Center
LeeAnn A. Hold: University of Michigan
Bin Xu: University of Michigan
Juliet A. E. Anku: University of Michigan
Kaustav Dasgupta: Los Angeles Medical Center
Joseph J. Hale: University of Michigan
Steph S. Steltzer: University of Michigan
Darian J. Santana: University of Michigan
Ashraf S. Ibrahim: Los Angeles Medical Center
Evan S. Snitkin: University of Michigan
David Andes: University of Wisconsin
Jeniel E. Nett: University of Wisconsin
Shakti Singh: Los Angeles Medical Center
Adam C. Abraham: University of Michigan
Megan L. Killian: University of Michigan
J. Michelle Kahlenberg: University of Michigan
Sunny Y. Wong: University of Michigan
Teresa R. O’Meara: University of Michigan

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Abstract Candida auris is a fungal pathogen notorious for persistent skin colonization and transmission in healthcare settings. Here, we show that a C. auris conserved adhesin, Als4112, is required for skin colonization via keratinocyte attachment and direct interactions with host extracellular matrix proteins, especially basement membrane proteins such as laminin. Deletion of ALS4112 reduces skin colonization in mouse models of epicutaneous and systemic infection. In addition, coating plastic and catheter surfaces with collagen I or III inhibits C. auris attachment and biofilm formation. Our study highlights the critical role of Als4112 in C. auris colonization and virulence, and explores potential strategies to reduce the pathogen’s adherence to abiotic surfaces and thus its spread in healthcare settings.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60876-1

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