Abstract
The interaction between host and pathogen is highly connective with microbial infection. To investigate the host-pathogen interaction is an important topic for microbiologists, immunologists and other researchers. Candida albicans is the most prevalent opportunistic fungal pathogen as a commensal on the human skin and in mucous membranes. C. albicans can exist as in a variety of morphological forms. In this study, we focus on constructing cellular network in relation to morphogenesis and virulence of infectious C. albicans on the host tissue. Based on the coupling gene regulation/protein interaction dynamic equation and functional gene annotation, an integrated cellular network is constructed to combine signal transduction pathway and gene regulatory network with cellular functionality of infectious C. albicans via database mining, time profile microarray and functional classification. The integrated cellular network provides insight into infection mechanisms of gene regulation and protein-protein interaction as well as cellular functions of C. albicans, during its interaction with the host cell. Fundamental understanding of such infection mechanisms is essential to the drug target development for sustainable prevention and control strategies for microbial infection and can further support all other research in host-pathogen interaction.