Hemizygosity Enables a Mutational Transition Governing Fungal Virulence and Commensalism (Cell Host & Microbe)

Microorganisms use diverse strategies to adapt to their environment. Liang et al. reveal a two-hit genetic mechanism underlies a high-frequency phenotypic transition in the diploid fungus Candida albicans. Clinical isolates heterozygous for a key transcription factor readily lose gene function, triggering a transition that impacts both commensalism and pathogenicity.