Related Experiment Videos
Fungus-specific translation elongation factor 3 gene present in Pneumocystis carinii
M F Ypma-Wong1, W A Fonzi, P S Sypherd
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine 92717.
Abstract:
Historically, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia has been the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with AIDS. Antiprotozoan drugs are effective in the treatment and prophylaxis of P. carinii pneumonia, which lends credence to the widely held view that P. carinii is a protozoan. However, recent genetic evidence suggests that P. carinii should be classified as a fungus. Translation elongation factor 3 (EF-3) is an essential, soluble translation component which is unique to fungal protein synthesis and is not required for protein synthesis in other eukaryotes. We have identified and isolated a gene for EF-3 from P. carinii, adding more evidence for this organism's assignment as a fungus.
Insights
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is a significant AIDS complication. Genetic analysis reveals Pneumocystis carinii possesses a fungal translation elongation factor 3 (EF-3), supporting its classification as a fungus.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is a leading cause of illness and death in AIDS patients.
- Antiprotozoan drugs are effective for PCP treatment and prevention, supporting its classification as a protozoan.
- Recent genetic findings challenge the protozoan classification of P. carinii.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the classification of Pneumocystis carinii.
- To identify fungal-specific genes within P. carinii.
- To provide further evidence for the fungal nature of P. carinii.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of Pneumocystis carinii.
- Isolation of the gene for translation elongation factor 3 (EF-3).
- Comparison of EF-3 gene with those from other eukaryotes.
Main Results:
- A gene for translation elongation factor 3 (EF-3) was identified and isolated from P. carinii.
- EF-3 is a unique component of fungal protein synthesis.
- The presence of EF-3 in P. carinii indicates a fungal classification.
Conclusions:
- Pneumocystis carinii exhibits genetic characteristics consistent with fungi.
- The identification of the EF-3 gene provides strong evidence for reclassifying P. carinii as a fungus.
- This finding has implications for understanding PCP pathogenesis and treatment.