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Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi
Published on: July 6, 2016
Integrin-like proteins in Candida spp. and other microorganisms
1Yale University School of Medicine, 464 Congress Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, USA.
Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|February 12, 2000
Summary
Integrins, cell adhesion proteins, have homologs in primitive organisms like Candida. This review explores these integrin-like proteins and their role in fungal adhesion, morphogenesis, and virulence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vertebrate integrins are key cell surface proteins mediating adhesion and morphogenesis.
- Homologs of integrins have been identified in evolutionarily primitive organisms.
- Fungal pathogens like Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis possess surface proteins with potential integrin-like functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for integrin-like surface proteins in Candida species.
- To analyze the role of the Candida protein Int1p in fungal adhesion, morphogenesis, and virulence.
- To discuss other microorganisms expressing putative integrin-like proteins.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on fungal surface proteins.
- Analysis of protein sequence motifs for integrin homology.
- Examination of experimental data on the function of Int1p in Candida.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis exhibit surface proteins with motifs resembling vertebrate integrins.
- The integrin-like protein Int1p significantly contributes to Candida adhesion and morphogenesis.
- Int1p also plays a role in the virulence of Candida species.
Conclusions:
- Integrin-like proteins are present in fungi and are crucial for their biological processes.
- These proteins represent potential targets for antifungal therapies.
- The study highlights the conserved nature of integrin signaling pathways across different organisms.
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