Lineage-specific adaptation and resistance in Candida albicans.

Lineage-specific adaptations and resistance mutations in Candida albicans are driven by a predominantly clonal evolution with episodic genetic exchange, affecting 18 nuclear clusters and resistance genes.

• Why it matters: Understanding how population structure influences ecological adaptation and antifungal resistance in Candida albicans is crucial for developing targeted treatments and managing infections effectively.
• What they did: Whole-genome sequencing of 591 isolates was performed, combining nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenomics with ecological and resistance gene analyses to uncover lineage-specific patterns.
• The result: Findings show geographic origin influences genetic variation more than niche, with resistance variants being rare but lineage-specific, enabling better prediction of resistance development and adaptation.