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A Mass Spectrometry-Based Approach to Identify Phosphoprotein Phosphatases and their Interactors
10:17

A Mass Spectrometry-Based Approach to Identify Phosphoprotein Phosphatases and their Interactors

Published on: April 29, 2022

A serine/threonine protein phosphatase-like protein, CaPTC8, from Candida albicans defines a new PPM subfamily

Jinjiang Fan1, Meiqun Wu, Linghuo Jiang

  • 1Mammalian Cell Genetics Group, Health Sector, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4P 2R2. jinjiang.fan@mail.mcgill.ca

Gene
|December 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

We identified seven protein phosphatase type 2C (PP2C) members in Candida albicans, including a novel gene, CaPTC8. This gene is crucial for stress responses and the yeast-to-hyphal transition in this fungus.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • The Protein Phosphatase M (PPM) family, including Mg(2+)-dependent protein phosphatases, dephosphorylate serine/threonine residues.
  • Protein Phosphatase type 2Cs (PP2Cs) are a key subgroup within the PPM family.
  • Candida albicans is a significant human fungal pathogen where understanding regulatory mechanisms is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize PP2C members in Candida albicans.
  • To investigate the function of a newly identified PP2C gene, CaPTC8.
  • To explore the evolutionary relationships within the PPM family.

Main Methods:

  • Genome database searching for PP2C homologs in C. albicans.
  • Northern blot analysis to assess CaPTC8 gene expression under various stress conditions.
  • Gene disruption to evaluate the role of CaPTC8 in hyphal development.
  • Sequence analysis and three-dimensional homology modeling to understand protein structure and evolution.

Main Results:

  • Seven PP2C members were identified in C. albicans, with CaPTC8 representing a novel gene.
  • CaPTC8 expression is induced by high osmolarity, temperature, and serum-stimulated filamentous growth.
  • Deletion of CaPTC8 resulted in defective hyphal formation, indicating its role in the yeast-to-hyphal transition.
  • Sequence analysis revealed distinct amino acid substitutions and functional divergence in CaPTC8 compared to other PP2Cs.
  • Phylogenetic analysis supports the establishment of a new subfamily, PP2CR, within the PPM family.

Conclusions:

  • CaPTC8 plays a vital role in Candida albicans' response to environmental stress.
  • CaPTC8 is essential for the morphological transition from yeast to hyphae, a key virulence factor.
  • The CaPTC8-related genes and the newly proposed PP2CR subfamily are evolutionarily conserved.

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