Is metabolic generalism the Breakfast of Champions for pathogenic Candida species?

Metabolic generalism" refers to the ability of an organism to utilise a wide range of nutrients and flexibly adapt to dynamic environmental conditions. For Candida spp., this versatility is crucial for their survival and virulence in diverse host niches In contrast, metabolic specialists follow a strict hierarchy of carbon source utilisation. While this hierarchy does not preclude specialists from potentially utilising a wide range of nutrients, it could delay switching to alternative carbon sources during transitions between host niches. In this Pearl, we will explore major metabolic themes supporting Candida species pathogenesis and highlight how the metabolic specialist, Candida glabrata, provides insights into what metabolic determinants really matter for survival in the host.