Over the course of the past decade, there have been remarkable advances in the study of human pathogenic fungi. These developments have taken place throughout a wide range of disciplines, and have come as the result of newly available genome sequences of pathogens such as candida albicans and other model fungi. In Candida Albicans: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers explore these exciting new insights, focusing on the study of medically important fungi and Candida spp in particular. Chapters examine critical aspects of molecular methods, providing information on reporter gene assays, transformation, gene expression in vivo, and methods for large-scale gene disruption. At the same time, the work includes in-depth descriptions of disease models of candidiaisis, facts about strain identification, and guidelines on the preparation of samples for proteomic investigations and tandem affinity purification. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology(TM) series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Immunogical Methods.- Isolation of Dendritic Cells from Human Blood for In Vitro Interaction Studies with Fungal Antigens.- Detection and Quantitation of Antifungal SIgA Antibodies in Body Fluids.- Phagocytosis and Killing Assays for Candida Species.- Immunization Protocols for Use in Animal Models of Candidiasis.- Virulence and Biofilms.- Penetration of Antifungal Agents Through Candida Biofilms.- Candida Biofilm Analysis in the Artificial Throat Using FISH.- Conditions for Optimal Candida Biofilm Development in Microtiter Plates.- Virulence Measurements: In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.- Animal Models of Candidiasis.- Candida albicans Gene Expression in an In Vivo Infection Model.- In Vitro and Ex Vivo Assays of Virulence in Candida albicans.- Strain Typing and Identification.- Biotyping of Candida albicans and Other Fungi by Yeast Killer Toxins Sensitivity.- DNA Fingerprinting Candida Species.- Genomics and Proteomics.- The Application of Tandem-Affinity Purification to Candida albicans.- Preparation of Samples for Proteomic Analysis of the Candida albicans Cell Wall.- Reporter Gene Assays in Candida albicans.- Genetic Transformation of Candida albicans.- Large-Scale Gene Disruption Using the UAU1 Cassette.- Standard Growth Media and Common Techniques for Use with Candida albicans.