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Methylation of elongation factor 1 alpha from the fungus Mucor
Abstract:
A basic protein from the dimorphic fungus Mucor racemosus, found to be highly methylated, is shown to be protein synthesis elongation factor 1 alpha. This protein is the most abundant protein in hyphal cells but is less abundant in yeast cells. It is post-translationally methylated with the formation of mono-, di-, and trimethyllysine at as many as 16 sites. Nearly 20% of the 44 lysine residues of elongation factor 1 alpha from mycelia are modified while those from sporangiospores are virtually unmethylated.
Insights
A key protein in Mucor racemosus, elongation factor 1 alpha, is heavily methylated in its hyphal form but not in its yeast form. This methylation occurs at multiple lysine sites, impacting protein abundance.
Area of Science:
- Fungal biology
- Molecular biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mucor racemosus is a dimorphic fungus.
- Protein synthesis elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1α) is crucial for translation.
- The role and modification of EF-1α in dimorphic fungi are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a highly methylated basic protein in Mucor racemosus.
- To investigate the post-translational modifications of this protein.
- To determine the differential abundance of this protein in hyphal versus yeast cells.
Main Methods:
- Protein isolation and characterization.
- Mass spectrometry for methylation site analysis.
- Quantitative analysis of protein levels in different cell types.
Main Results:
- The identified protein is protein synthesis elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1α).
- EF-1α is extensively post-translationally methylated at up to 16 lysine residues in hyphal cells.
- Nearly 20% of lysine residues are modified in mycelial EF-1α, while it is unmethylated in sporangiospores.
- EF-1α is the most abundant protein in hyphal cells but less abundant in yeast cells.
Conclusions:
- Protein synthesis elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1α) undergoes significant post-translational methylation in Mucor racemosus hyphae.
- Differential methylation and abundance of EF-1α may be linked to the dimorphic transition in this fungus.