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Small-Scale Plasma Membrane Preparation for the Analysis of Candida albicans Cdr1-mGFPHis
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MFS transportome of the human pathogenic yeast Candida albicans

Manisha Gaur1, Nidhi Puri, Raman Manoharlal

  • 1Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. manisha1310@rediffmail.com

BMC Genomics
|December 6, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Researchers identified 95 major facilitator superfamily (MFS) proteins in Candida albicans, a human pathogen. Most MFS transporters are expressed, offering potential targets for antifungal resistance and nutrient transport studies.

Area of Science:

  • * Molecular Biology
  • * Mycology
  • * Biochemistry

Background:

  • * The Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) comprises ubiquitous membrane transporters in bacteria, archaea, and eukarya.
  • * MFS proteins function as uniporters, symporters, or antiporters, playing crucial roles in cellular transport.
  • * Candida albicans is a significant human pathogenic yeast with implications in various infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To conduct a comprehensive in silico analysis of the MFS transportome in Candida albicans.
  • * To identify and classify all MFS proteins encoded within the C. albicans genome.
  • * To assess the expression levels of identified MFS genes.

Main Methods:

  • * Computational analysis of the C. albicans genome to identify MFS proteins.
  • * Classification of MFS proteins into families using Saier's Transport Commission (TC) system.
  • * Validation of family designations using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome.
  • * Analysis of existing genomics/proteomics data and RT-PCR for gene expression assessment.

Main Results:

  • * Identification of 95 potential MFS proteins in C. albicans, clustered into 17 families.
  • * Major families include SP (22 members), DHA1 (22 members), DHA2 (9 members), and ACS (16 members).
  • * 87 out of 95 identified MFS genes showed detectable expression at mRNA or protein levels; 8 genes were not expressed under basal conditions.

Conclusions:

  • * The C. albicans genome encodes a substantial complement of MFS transporters.
  • * Most identified MFS transporters are expressed, suggesting significant physiological roles.
  • * This characterization provides a foundation for investigating MFS roles in C. albicans, including antifungal resistance and nutrient uptake.

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