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Large-scale Top-down Proteomics Using Capillary Zone Electrophoresis Tandem Mass Spectrometry
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Large-scale Top-down Proteomics Using Capillary Zone Electrophoresis Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Published on: October 24, 2018

Capillary electrophoresis for protein profiling of the dimorphic, Pathogenic Fungus, Penicillium marneffei

Julie M Chandler1, Heather R Trenary, Gary R Walker

  • 1Department of Pathology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|February 7, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Penicillium marneffei, a dimorphic fungus endemic to Southeast Asia, causes significant illness in immunocompromised individuals. Understanding its mold-to-yeast transition through protein profiling is key to uncovering virulence mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Penicillium marneffei is an endemic, dimorphic fungus in Southeast Asia.
  • It causes significant morbidity in immunocompromised individuals.
  • The fungus's dimorphism, a key factor in infection, is thermally regulated, switching between mold (25 °C) and yeast (37 °C) phases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the thermally regulated dimorphic transition of Penicillium marneffei.
  • To identify distinct protein expression profiles between the mold and yeast phases.
  • To gain insights into the virulence factors of this pathogenic fungus.

Main Methods:

  • Protein profiling techniques were employed.
  • Comparison of protein expression between the mold phase (25 °C) and yeast phase (37 °C).
  • Basic procedures for demonstrating protein expression differences were outlined.

Main Results:

  • Distinct differences in protein expression were observed between the mold and yeast phases of Penicillium marneffei.
  • These differences are believed to underpin the phase transition.
  • The study provides a foundation for further research into fungal virulence.

Conclusions:

  • Protein profiling is a valuable method for studying fungal dimorphism.
  • Understanding the molecular basis of the P. marneffei phase transition can elucidate virulence.
  • This research contributes to the study of pathogenic fungi in Southeast Asia.

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