DVL, a Lectin from Dioclea violacea Seeds, Disturbs the Proteomic Profile of Candida krusei, Leading to Cell Death

<b>Background/Objectives</b> Plant lectins have emerged as potential antifungal molecules, where the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) is possibly the main mode of action of these proteins. Previously, we saw that the lectin extracted from the seeds of <i>Dioclea violacea</i> (DVL) has anti-candida activity against <i>Candida krusei</i> cells by acting to inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis, cell wall deformation, and deregulation of the redox system. <b>Methods</b> We have now confirmed this anti-candida activity by proteomic analysis, with the expression of proteins that show us how <i>C. krusei</i> cells respond to this treatment. <b>Results</b> A total of 395 proteins were identified: 142 proteins exclusively found in untreated <i>C. krusei</i> cells and 245 proteins exclusive to DVL-treated cells. Eight proteins were detected in both conditions. Six displayed positive accumulation (fold change > 1.5), one exhibited negative accumulation (fold change < 0.5). We observed the expression of proteins related to cell wall remodeling; alteration of energy metabolism, suggesting a metabolic adaptation to stress; oxidative stress was responded to through the expression of proteins with antioxidant action, in addition to identifying multidrug transport proteins that are often involved in the process of antifungal resistance and sterol transport to the membrane. <b>Conclusions</b> Our results show the complexity of adaptive responses of <i>C. krusei</i> cells to treatment with DVL, elucidating new mechanisms of resistance and paving the way for the development of more effective and innovative antifungal therapies.