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Molecular study of the evolutionary pathway of reassignment of the CUG codon in Candida albicans

Reference	G08693
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Emeritus Mick Tuite
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Manuel Santos
Institution	University of Kent
Department	University of Kent Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	217,970
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	05/01/1998
End date	05/03/2001
Duration	38 months

Abstract

Candida albicans and a number of other Candida species translate the CUG codon as serine not leucine. Neither the mechanism whereby the meaning of a codon can become reassigned, nor the evolutionary pressure that drives such a change, is known. We propose that a key factor is the translational ambiguity of the Ser-tRNA that decodes the CUG codon in these species. Initially we will characterise the Leu- and Ser-tRNAs and their corresponding aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases from C. albicans. Then, using site- directed mutagenesis, we will create a series of mutations within these tRNAs to alter their identities and to create a dual identity Ser-/Leu-tRNA. We will also explore the potential of translational ambiguity in C. albicans as a means of generating the potential for adaption to different physiological conditions.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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