Candida albicans metabolic adaptation gene SFU1 regulates dual-species biofilm with Streptococcus mutans

<i>SFU1</i> modulates hyphal development, redox homeostasis, and biofilm formation in <i>C. albicans</i>, thereby profoundly affecting its pathogenic synergy with <i>S. mutans</i>. <i>SFU1</i> deletion leads to disrupted architecture and attenuated cariogenic virulence of the dual-species biofilm. This study reveals the potential value of targeting fundamental metabolic pathways in <i>C. albicans</i> to interfere with the cariogenicity of cross-kingdom biofilms, and provides a novel perspective for the prevention and therapy of dental caries.