Recent advances in understanding Candida albicans hyphal growth.

Morphological changes are critical for the virulence of a range of plant and human fungal pathogens. is a major human fungal pathogen whose ability to switch between different morphological states is associated with its adaptability and pathogenicity. In particular, can switch from an oval yeast form to a filamentous hyphal form, which is characteristic of filamentous fungi. What mechanisms underlie hyphal growth and how are they affected by environmental stimuli from the host or resident microbiota? These questions are the focus of intensive research, as understanding hyphal growth has broad implications for cell biological and medical research.