Related Experiment Videos
Two transcripts, differing at their 3' ends, are produced from the Candida albicans SEC14 gene
Perry J Riggle1, Igor V Slobodkin, Douglas H Brown1
1Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University,136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111,USA.
Microbiology (Reading, England)
|December 5, 1997
Summary
Researchers identified a SEC14 gene mutation in Candida albicans, affecting filamentous growth. This phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine transfer protein is likely essential for growth and may have dual functions in the fungus.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Mycology
- Cell biology
Background:
- The SEC14 gene encodes a phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine transfer protein crucial for yeast growth.
- SEC14 function varies across yeast species; it's essential in Saccharomyces cerevisiae but only required for hyphal growth in Yarrowia lipolytica.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the SEC14 gene in the filamentous growth of Candida albicans.
- To characterize Candida albicans SEC14 and its potential functions.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of insertion mutants in Candida albicans.
- Genetic analysis of SEC14 gene function.
- Northern blot analysis and PCR amplification to study gene transcripts.
Main Results:
- An insertion mutation in the SEC14 gene was identified in a Candida albicans mutant with defective filamentous growth.
- Candida albicans SEC14 appears essential for growth, unlike its counterpart in Yarrowia lipolytica.
- Two SEC14 transcripts with different 3' ends were detected, suggesting regulatory mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Candida albicans SEC14 likely plays an essential role in cell growth.
- The dual transcripts suggest Sec14p may have distinct functions in Candida albicans: one essential for growth and another related to filamentous development.