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Cloning of cDNAs coding for Candida albicans cell surface proteins
M Sentandreu1, M V Elorza, E Valentin
1Secció Departmental de Microbiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia. Universitat de València, Spain.
Summary
Researchers identified two Candida albicans genes. One gene codes for enolase, found in cell walls, while the other codes for a novel 30 kDa protein localized to membranes and mycelial cell walls.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- Understanding its cell wall components and gene expression is crucial for developing antifungal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize genes differentially expressed between yeast and germ-tube forms of Candida albicans.
- To investigate the function and localization of proteins encoded by these genes.
Main Methods:
- Construction of cDNA libraries from yeast and germ-tube Candida albicans.
- Immunoscreening using antibodies against cell wall components.
- Southern and Northern blot analyses for gene homology and transcript size.
- Gene isolation from a genomic library and sequencing.
- Western blot analysis for protein localization.
Main Results:
- Identified 29 positive clones, selecting two (11Y and 24M) for specific reactivity.
- Clone 11Y corresponds to a known enolase gene, with transcripts in both yeast and germ-tubes.
- Clone 24M codes for a novel 30 kDa protein, primarily detected in membrane and mycelial cell wall fractions.
Conclusions:
- Candida albicans possesses distinct gene expression patterns between its yeast and germ-tube forms.
- The identified enolase plays a role in cell wall structure.
- The novel 30 kDa protein from clone 24M represents a potential target for antifungal therapies due to its specific localization.