scholarly journals Identification and Characterization of Rvs162/Rvs167-3, a Novel N-BAR Heterodimer in the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Areti Gkourtsa ◽  
Janny van den Burg ◽  
Karin Strijbis ◽  
Teja Avula ◽  
Sietske Bijvoets ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Genetic Interaction ◽  
Phenotypic Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Associated Functions ◽  
Increased Sensitivity ◽  
Green Fluorescent ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACT Membrane reshaping resides at the core of many important cellular processes, and among its mediators are the BAR (Bin, Amphiphysin, Rvs) domain-containing proteins. We have explored the diversity and function of the Rvs BAR proteins in Candida albicans and identified a novel family member, Rvs167-3 (orf19.1861). We show that Rvs167-3 specifically interacts with Rvs162 to form a stable BAR heterodimer able to bind liposomes in vitro . A second, distinct heterodimer is formed by the canonical BAR proteins Rvs161 and Rvs167. Purified Rvs161/Rvs167 complex also binds liposomes, indicating that C. albicans expresses two functional BAR heterodimers. We used live-cell imaging to localize green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Rvs167-3 and Rvs167 and show that both proteins concentrate in small cortical spots. However, while Rvs167 strictly colocalizes with the endocytic marker protein Abp1, we do not observe any colocalization of Rvs167-3 with sites of endocytosis marked by Abp1. Furthermore, the rvs167-3 Δ/Δ mutant is not defective in endocytosis and strains lacking Rvs167-3 or its partner Rvs162 do not display increased sensitivity to high salt concentrations or decreased cell wall integrity, phenotypes which have been observed for rvs167 Δ/Δ and rvs161 Δ/Δ strains and which are linked to endocytosis defects. Taken together, our results indicate different roles for the two BAR heterodimers in C. albicans : the canonical Rvs161/Rvs167 heterodimer functions in endocytosis, whereas the novel Rvs162/Rvs167-3 heterodimer seems not to be involved in this process. Nevertheless, despite their different roles, our phenotypic analysis revealed a genetic interaction between the two BAR heterodimers, suggesting that they may have related but distinct membrane-associated functions.

scholarly journals Insight into the Antiadhesive Effect of Yeast Wall Protein 1 of Candida albicans

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 795-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce L. Granger
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Surrounding Medium ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Green Fluorescent

ABSTRACTYwp1 is a prominent glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored glycoprotein of the cell wall ofCandida albicans; it is present in the yeast form of this opportunistic fungal pathogen but absent from filamentous forms and chlamydospores. Yeast cells that lack Ywp1 are more adhesive and form thicker biofilms, implying an antiadhesive activity for Ywp1, with a possible role in yeast dispersal. The antiadhesive effect of Ywp1 is transplantable from yeast to hyphae, as hyphae that are forced to expressYWP1lose adhesion in anin vitroassay. Deletion of the GPI anchor results in loss of Ywp1 to the surrounding medium and reduction of the antiadhesive effect, implying an importance of time-dependent residency in the cell wall. Anchor-negative versions of Ywp1 possessing or lacking a C-terminal green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag were created inC. albicansand harvested from culture supernatants; in addition to serving as quantifiable markers for Ywp1 secretion, they revealed that the cleaved 11-kDa propeptide of Ywp1 remains strongly but noncovalently associated with the Ywp1 core. This association is resistant to highly acidic and basic solutions, 8 M urea, and 1% SDS (below 45°C). Above 50°C, SDS dissociates the isolated complex, but even higher temperatures are required to dissociate the propeptide from native Ywp1 that is anchored in a cell wall. This property has permitted detection, for the first time, of orthologs of Ywp1 in other members of theCandidaclade. The cleaved propeptide, which carries the sole N-glycan of Ywp1, must participate in the antiadhesive effect of Ywp1.

scholarly journals Autophosphorylation of Tyr397 and its phosphorylation by Src-family kinases are altered in focal-adhesion-kinase neuronal isoforms

2000 ◽  
Vol 348 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeleine TOUTANT ◽  
Jeanne-Marie STUDLER ◽  
Ferran BURGAYA ◽  
Alicia COSTA ◽  
Pascal EZAN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focal Adhesion Kinase ◽  
Focal Adhesion ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Src Family Kinases ◽  
Critical Residue ◽  
Green Fluorescent ◽  
And Function

In brain, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is regulated by neurotransmitters and has a higher molecular mass than in other tissues, due to alternative splicing. Two exons code for additional peptides of six and seven residues (‘boxes’ 6 and 7), located on either side of Tyr397, which increase its autophosphorylation. Using in situ hybridization and a monoclonal antibody (Mab77) which does not recognize FAK containing box 7, we show that, although mRNAs coding for boxes 6 and 7 have different patterns of expression in brain, FAK+6,7 is the main isoform in forebrain neurons. The various FAK isoforms fused to green fluorescent protein were all targeted to focal adhesions in non-neuronal cells. Phosphorylation-state-specific antibodies were used to study in detail the phosphorylation of Tyr397, a critical residue for the activation and function of FAK. The presence of boxes 6 and 7 increased autophosphorylation of Tyr397 independently and additively, whereas they had a weak effect on FAK kinase activity towards poly(Glu,Tyr). Src-family kinases were also able to phosphorylate Tyr397 in cells, but this phosphorylation was decreased in the presence of box 6 or 7, and abolished in the presence of both. Thus the additional exons characteristic of neuronal isoforms of FAK do not alter its targeting, but change dramatically the phosphorylation of Tyr397. They increase its autophosphorylation in vitro and in transfected COS-7 cells, whereas they prevent its phosphorylation when co-transfected with Src-family kinases.

scholarly journals Systematic survey of deubiquitinase localization identifies USP21 as a regulator of centrosome- and microtubule-associated functions

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1095-1103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvie Urbé ◽  
Han Liu ◽  
Sebastian D. Hayes ◽  
Claire Heride ◽  
Daniel J. Rigden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
A549 Cells ◽  
Binding Motif ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Microtubule Binding ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Associated Functions ◽  
Green Fluorescent

Ubiquitination is a reversible modification that influences a broad range of physiological processes. There are approximately 90 deubiquitinases (DUBs) encoded in the human genome, of which 79 are predicted to have catalytic activity. We tagged 66 DUBs with green fluorescent protein and systematically surveyed their subcellular distribution, identifying enzymes specific to the nucleus, plasma membrane, and secretory and endocytic pathways. USP21 is unique in showing clear association with both centrosomes and microtubules. Using an in vitro assay, we show that microtubule binding is direct and identify a novel microtubule-binding motif encompassed within amino acids 59–75 of the N-terminus of USP21. Our functional studies indicate a key role for USP21 in the governance of microtubule- and centrosome-associated physiological processes: Depletion of USP21 in A549 cells compromises the reestablishment of a radial array of microtubules during recovery from cold-induced depolymerization and also reduces the probability of primary cilium formation, whereas USP21 knockdown in PC12 cells inhibits nerve growth factor–induced neurite outgrowth.

scholarly journals Rapid Screening Method for Compounds That Affect the Growth and Germination of Candida albicans, Using a Real-Time PCR Thermocycler

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (22) ◽  
pp. 8193-8196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucja M. Jarosz ◽  
Bastiaan P. Krom
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Rapid Screening ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Hyphal Formation ◽  
Green Fluorescent

ABSTRACTWe propose a screening method for compounds affecting growth and germination inCandida albicansusing a real-time PCR thermocycler to quantify green fluorescent protein (GFP) fluorescence. Using PACT1-GFPand PHWP1-GFPreporter strains, the effects of a wide range of compounds on growth and hyphal formation were quantitatively assessed within 3 h after inoculation.

scholarly journals In VitroReporter Assays for Screening of Chemicals That Disrupt Androgen Signaling

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gargi Bagchi Bhattacharjee ◽  
S. M. Paul Khurana
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Cell Systems ◽  
Reporter Assays ◽  
Increased Sensitivity ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Green Fluorescent ◽  
Male Hormones ◽  
Developmental Windows ◽  
Antiandrogenic Activity

Endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs) modulate hormone signaling and cause developmental and reproductive anomalies. Today, there is a global concern regarding endocrine disruption effects, particularly those mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). Androgen or male hormones are critical for the development and maintenance of male characteristics and numerous EDCs exist in the environment with the potential to disrupt androgen action. The threat is more during critical developmental windows when there is increased sensitivity to these compounds. Timely screening and detection of the EDCs is essential to minimize deleterious effects produced by these toxic chemicals. As a first line of screening,in vitrotranscription assays are very useful due to their speed, convenience, and cost effectiveness. In this paper, recentin vitroreporter assays for detecting androgenic or antiandrogenic activity of EDCs have been reviewed. Two important cell systems used for this purpose, namely, the mammalian or yeast cell systems, have been discussed. Use of reporter genes such as bacterial luciferase (lux) and green fluorescent protein (gfp) has significantly improved speed and sensitivity of detection. Also, many of the current reporter assay systems can be used in a high throughput format allowing speedy evaluation of multiple potential EDCs at a lower price.

scholarly journals TheRTA3Gene, Encoding a Putative Lipid Translocase, Influences the Susceptibility of Candida albicans to Fluconazole

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (10) ◽  
pp. 6060-6066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah G. Whaley ◽  
Sarah Tsao ◽  
Sandra Weber ◽  
Qing Zhang ◽  
Katherine S. Barker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Clinical Isolate ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Microtiter Plate ◽  
Microtiter Plate Assay ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Activating Mutations ◽  
Gene Coding ◽  
Activating Mutation ◽  
Green Fluorescent

ABSTRACTTheRTA3gene, coding for a member of the Rta1p-like lipid-translocating exporter family, is coordinately upregulated with the ATP-binding cassette transporter genesCDR1andCDR2in azole-resistant clinical isolates ofCandida albicansthat carry activating mutations in the transcription factor Tac1p. We show here that deletingRTA3in an azole-resistant clinical isolate carrying a Tac1p-activating mutation lowered fluconazole resistance by 2-fold, while overexpressingRTA3in an azole-susceptible clinical isolate resulted in enhanced fluconazole tolerance associated with trailing growth in a liquid microtiter plate assay. We also demonstrate that an Rta3p-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein localizes predominantly to the plasma membrane, consistent with a putative function for Rta3p as a lipid translocase.

scholarly journals Motor Protein Myo5p Is Required To Maintain the Regulatory Circuit ControllingWOR1Expression in Candida albicans

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 626-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadezda Kachurina ◽  
Bernard Turcotte ◽  
Malcolm Whiteway
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bud Emergence ◽  
Regulatory Circuit ◽  
Myosin I ◽  
Bud Growth ◽  
Green Fluorescent ◽  
Germ Tubes

ABSTRACTTheCandida albicans MYO5gene encodes myosin I, a protein required for the formation of germ tubes and true hyphae. Because the polarized growth of opaque-phase cells in response to pheromone results in mating projections that can resemble germ tubes, we examined the role of Myo5p in this process. We localized green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Myo5p in opaque-phase cells ofC. albicansduring both bud and shmoo formation. In vegetatively growing opaque cells, Myo5p is found at sites of bud emergence and bud growth, while in pheromone-stimulated cells, Myo5p localizes at the growing tips of shmoos. Intriguingly, cells homozygous forMTLain which theMYO5gene was deleted failed to switch efficiently from the white phase to the opaque phase, although ectopic expression ofWOR1from theMET3promoter can convertmyo5mutants into mating-competent opaque cells. However, whenWOR1expression was shut off, themyo5-defective cells rapidly lost both their opaque phenotype and mating competence, suggesting that Myo5p is involved in the maintenance of the opaque state. WhenMYO5is expressed conditionally in opaque cells, the opaque phenotype, as well as the mating ability of the cells, becomes unstable under repressive conditions, and quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated that the shutoff ofMYO5expression correlates with a dramatic reduction inWOR1expression. It appears that while myosin I is not directly required for mating inC. albicans, it is involved inWOR1expression and the white-opaque transition and thus is indirectly implicated in mating.

scholarly journals A Large Nonconserved Region of the Tethering Protein Leashin Is Involved in Regulating the Position, Movement, and Function of Woronin Bodies in Aspergillus oryzae

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 866-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei Han ◽  
Feng Jie Jin ◽  
Jun-ichi Maruyama ◽  
Katsuhiko Kitamoto
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Oryzae ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Terminal Region ◽  
Middle Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fusion Construct ◽  
Egfp Fusion Protein ◽  
Woronin Body ◽  
Green Fluorescent ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACT The Woronin body is a Pezizomycotina-specific organelle that is typically tethered to the septum, but upon hyphal wounding, it plugs the septal pore to prevent excessive cytoplasmic loss. Leashin (LAH) is a large Woronin body tethering protein that contains highly conserved N- and C-terminal regions and a long (∼2,500-amino-acid) nonconserved middle region. As the involvement of the nonconserved region in Woronin body function has not been investigated, here, we functionally characterized individual regions of the LAH protein of Aspergillus oryzae (AoLAH). In an Aolah disruptant, no Woronin bodies were tethered to the septum, and hyphae had a reduced ability to prevent excessive cytoplasmic loss upon hyphal wounding. Localization analysis revealed that the N-terminal region of AoLAH associated with Woronin bodies dependently on AoWSC, which is homologous to Neurospora crassa WSC (Woronin body sorting complex), and that the C-terminal region was localized to the septum. Elastic movement of Woronin bodies was observed when visualized with an AoLAH N-terminal-region–enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusion protein. An N- and C-terminal fusion construct lacking the nonconserved middle region of AoLAH was sufficient for the tethering of Woronin bodies to the septum. However, Woronin bodies were located closer to the septum and exhibited impaired elastic movement. Moreover, expression of middle-region-deleted AoLAH in the Aolah disruptant did not restore the ability to prevent excessive cytoplasmic loss. These findings indicate that the nonconserved middle region of AoLAH has functional importance for regulating the position, movement, and function of Woronin bodies.

scholarly journals The Septin AspB in Aspergillus nidulans Forms Bars and Filaments and Plays Roles in Growth Emergence and Conidiation

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yainitza Hernández-Rodríguez ◽  
Susan Hastings ◽  
Michelle Momany
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Nidulans ◽  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Germ Tube ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Early Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Fluorescent ◽  
And Function ◽  
Cytoskeletal Elements ◽  
Germ Tubes

ABSTRACTIn yeast, septins form rings at the mother-bud neck and function as diffusion barriers. In animals, septins form filaments that can colocalize with other cytoskeletal elements. In the filamentous fungusAspergillus nidulansthere are five septin genes,aspA(an ortholog ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae CDC11),aspB(an ortholog ofS. cerevisiae CDC3),aspC(an ortholog ofS. cerevisiae CDC12),aspD(an ortholog ofS. cerevisiae CDC10), andaspE(found only in filamentous fungi). TheaspBgene was previously reported to be the most highly expressedAspergillus nidulansseptin and to be essential. Using improved gene targeting techniques, we found that deletion ofaspBis not lethal but results in delayed septation, increased emergence of germ tubes and branches, and greatly reduced conidiation. We also found that AspB-green fluorescent protein (GFP) localizes as rings and collars at septa, branches, and emerging layers of the conidiophore and as bars and filaments in conidia and hyphae. Bars are found in dormant and isotropically expanding conidia and in subapical nongrowing regions of hyphae and display fast movements. Filaments form as the germ tube emerges, localize to hyphal and branch tips, and display slower movements. All visible AspB-GFP structures are retained inΔaspDand lost inΔaspAandΔaspCstrains. Interestingly, in theΔaspEmutant, AspB-GFP rings, bars, and filaments are visible in early growth, but AspB-GFP rods and filaments disappear after septum formation. AspE orthologs are only found in filamentous fungi, suggesting that this class of septins might be required for stability of septin bars and filaments in highly polar cells.

scholarly journals Rab14 Regulates Maturation of Macrophage Phagosomes Containing the Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans and Outcome of the Host-Pathogen Interaction

2015 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 1523-1535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blessing Okai ◽  
Natalie Lyall ◽  
Neil A. R. Gow ◽  
Judith M. Bain ◽  
Lars-Peter Erwig
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Phagosome Maturation ◽  
Hyphal Length ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Fluorescent

Avoidance of innate immune defense is an important mechanism contributing to the pathogenicity of microorganisms. The fungal pathogenCandida albicansundergoes morphogenetic switching from the yeast to the filamentous hyphal form following phagocytosis by macrophages, facilitating its escape from the phagosome, which can result in host cell lysis. We show that the intracellular host trafficking GTPase Rab14 plays an important role in protecting macrophages from lysis mediated byC. albicanshyphae. Live-cell imaging of macrophages expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Rab14 or dominant negative Rab14, or with small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of Rab14, revealed the temporal dynamics of this protein and its influence on the maturation of macrophage phagosomes following the engulfment ofC. albicanscells. Phagosomes containing liveC. albicanscells became transiently Rab14 positive within 2 min following engulfment. The duration of Rab14 retention on phagosomes was prolonged for hyphal cargo and was directly proportional to hyphal length. Interference with endogenous Rab14 did not affect the migration of macrophages towardC. albicanscells, the rate of engulfment, the overall uptake of fungal cells, or early phagosome processing. However, Rab14 depletion delayed the acquisition of the late phagosome maturation markers LAMP1 and lysosomal cathepsin, indicating delayed formation of a fully bioactive lysosome. This was associated with a significant increase in the level of macrophage killing byC. albicans. Therefore, Rab14 activity promotes phagosome maturation duringC. albicansinfection but is dysregulated on the phagosome in the presence of the invasive hyphal form, which favors fungal survival and escape.

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