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Defective plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase or orthovanadate resistant mutants from Candida albicans, a pathogenic yeast
S K Mahanty1, P Gupta, U Banerjee
1School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
Orthovanadate-resistant mutants of diploid yeast Candida albicans were isolated by using two step mutational process. Such mutants had altered plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity. Based on the levels of PM-ATPase activity, these mutants could be grouped into two categories; one group included those mutants which did not exhibit reduction in PM-ATPase activity while the other displayed a reduction of upto 40% in enzyme activity. These mutants exhibited a number of distinct phenotypic characteristics and altered abilities with regard to phenotypic divergence. Results demonstrate the importance of PM-ATPase in overall physiology of this pathogenic yeast.
Insights
Researchers identified orthovanadate-resistant mutants in Candida albicans, revealing altered plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity crucial for yeast physiology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Yeast Genetics
Background:
- Candida albicans is a pathogenic yeast with a significant impact on human health.
- The plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase (PM-ATPase) plays a vital role in maintaining cellular homeostasis.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms can provide insights into fungal physiology and potential therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize orthovanadate-resistant mutants of Candida albicans.
- To investigate the relationship between PM-ATPase activity and resistance.
- To explore the physiological and phenotypic consequences of altered PM-ATPase activity.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of mutants using a two-step mutational process.
- Assay of plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity in isolated mutants.
- Phenotypic characterization of selected mutants.
Main Results:
- Orthovanadate-resistant mutants of Candida albicans were successfully isolated.
- Mutants displayed altered PM-ATPase activity, categorized into two groups: normal activity and up to 40% reduced activity.
- These mutants exhibited distinct phenotypic characteristics and altered abilities, indicating phenotypic divergence.
Conclusions:
- Plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity is critical for the overall physiology of Candida albicans.
- Alterations in PM-ATPase can lead to significant phenotypic changes and resistance.
- This study highlights the importance of PM-ATPase in the adaptation and survival of this pathogenic yeast.