Hsp90 interaction networks in fungi-tools and techniques

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Mycology

Background:

• Heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a key regulator of cellular proteostasis, influencing cell growth, gene expression, and adaptation.
• Hsp90 stabilizes numerous client proteins essential for fundamental life processes and controls the release of cryptic genetic variation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review available genetic and biochemical tools for mapping Hsp90 interaction networks in diverse fungal species.
• To summarize existing Hsp90 network mapping efforts across fungi.
• To highlight the utility of studying Hsp90 networks across evolutionary timescales.

Main Methods:

• Review of genetic and biochemical tools (mutant collections, epitope tagging, proteomics, pharmacological inhibitors) for Hsp90 network analysis.
• Exploitation of tools developed for studying virulence and stress response pathways in fungal pathogens like Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans.
• Comparative analysis of Hsp90 networks across fungal species with significant evolutionary divergence.

Main Results:

• Identification and description of various tools applicable to Hsp90 network mapping in fungi.
• Summary of current knowledge on Hsp90 interactomes in different fungal species.
• Demonstration of the potential for evolutionary insights into Hsp90 networks.

Conclusions:

• The development of sophisticated genetic tools in pathogenic fungi facilitates Hsp90 network mapping.
• Mapping Hsp90 networks across a wide evolutionary range of fungi offers a unique perspective on eukaryotic Hsp90 evolution.
• This approach enhances our understanding of Hsp90's role in fungal biology and evolution.