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The Candida albicans 14-3-3 gene, BMH1, is essential for growth
David Cognetti1, Dana Davis, Joy Sturtevant
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
Abstract:
The 14-3-3 proteins are a family of conserved small acidic proteins that have been implicated in playing major roles in a wide variety of signalling cascades. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the 14-3-3 genes (BMH1 and BMH2) are essential for normal pseudohyphal induction and normal bud cell development. The Bmh proteins function in the cAMP-dependent RAS/MAPK and rapamycin-sensitive signalling cascades. Deletion of only one BMH gene demonstrates no phenotypic differences under normal growth conditions. Strains deleted of both BMH1 and BMH2 are either non-viable or demonstrate sensitivity to environmental stresses. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the BMH homologues (RAD24 and RAD25) are essential for cell cycle control after DNA damage and deletion of both genes renders the cell inviable. The 14-3-3 gene in Candida albicans (BMH1) was identified using a novel adherence assay and differential display RT-PCR. Unlike other yeasts, C. albicans has only one 14-3-3 gene (BMH1). It was not possible to construct double knockouts by routine methods. These results suggested that the C. albicans BMH1 gene is essential. The essentiality of C. albicans BMH1 was confirmed by a PCR disruption technique. The C. albicans bmh1 Delta/BMH1 heterozygotes exhibit growth and morphogenetic defects. Therefore, the BMH1 gene in C. albicans (Accession No. AF038154) is an excellent candidate to improve our understanding of the coordinate regulation of cell cycle and morphogenesis.
Insights
The 14-3-3 protein BMH1 is essential in Candida albicans, impacting cell cycle and morphogenesis. Its absence causes growth defects, highlighting its critical role in this yeast.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Yeast Genetics
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- 14-3-3 proteins are crucial regulators in diverse signaling pathways across eukaryotes.
- In model yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 14-3-3 genes (BMH1, BMH2) are vital for pseudohyphal development and stress response.
- Homologs in Schizosaccharomyces pombe are essential for cell cycle control post-DNA damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and essentiality of the sole 14-3-3 gene (BMH1) in Candida albicans.
- To understand the function of BMH1 in regulating cell cycle and morphogenesis in C. albicans.
Main Methods:
- Identification of the C. albicans BMH1 gene using adherence assays and differential display RT-PCR.
- Confirmation of BMH1 essentiality via PCR disruption techniques.
- Analysis of growth and morphogenetic defects in C. albicans bmh1 Delta/BMH1 heterozygotes.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans possesses only one 14-3-3 gene, BMH1, unlike other yeasts.
- Attempts to create double knockouts were unsuccessful, suggesting BMH1 is essential.
- BMH1 gene disruption resulted in heterozygotes exhibiting significant growth and morphogenetic defects.
Conclusions:
- The BMH1 gene is essential for the viability and normal development of Candida albicans.
- BMH1 plays a critical role in coordinating cell cycle progression and morphogenesis in C. albicans.
- C. albicans BMH1 (Accession No. AF038154) is a key target for studying these regulatory processes.