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Regulation of cellular stress responses in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans - a proteomic approach

ReferenceBB/C510391/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Al Brown
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution University of Aberdeen
DepartmentSchool of Medical Sciences
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 179,257
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/10/2004
End date 30/09/2007
Duration36 months

Abstract

Candida albicans is the major systemic fungal pathogen of humans. Its success as a pathogen is based partially upon its resistance to oxidative stresses and other environmental insults. However, the molecular mechanisms that underpin this resistance are poorly understood. Recent studies from our own (and other) laboratories have indicated that C. albicans have evolved specialised stress responses compared with budding and fission yeasts, and that Hog1 stress activated protein kinase (SAPK) plays a pivotal role in these responses. Our working hypothesis is that the Hog1 SAPK coordinates a specialised General Stress Response in C. albicans. We will test this hypothesis firstly by defining the effects of specific stresses upon the C. albicans proteome, and the role of Hog1 in mediating these responses. Specific proteins highlighted using proteomics will be examined. First, bioinformatics will be used to map their predicted functions onto metabolic and signalling pathways (where possible). Then their functions will be tested directly in C. albicans using reverse genetics to examine the stress and growth phenotypes of null mutant. In addition, proteomics will be combined with molecular and cellular approaches to identify and characterise upstream and downstream targets of Hog1. In this way we will generate a comprehensive picture of Hog1 mediated stress responses in this fungal pathogen. (Joint with BB/C510383/1)

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Plant & Microbial Sciences (PMS)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative Proteomics and Cell Function (PCF) [2003-2004]
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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