Cloning of a Cryptococcus neoformans gene, GPA1, encoding a G-protein alpha-subunit homolog

The RAM1 gene encoding a protein-farnesyltransferase beta-subunit homologue is essential in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Many small G proteins require post-translational modification to allow functional association to the cell membrane. This process often involves the enzymic addition of hydrophobic prenyl groups to a conserved cysteine residue near the C-terminus of the protein. The enzymes that catalyse these reactions include protein farnesyltransferase and protein geranylgeranyltransferases. The human fungal ...

Adenylyl Cyclase Functions Downstream of the G Protein Gpa1 and Controls Mating and Pathogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans

Identification and Functional Characterization of a Cryptococcus neoformans UPC2 Homolog

Azoles are currently the most widely used class of antifungal drugs clinically, and are effective for treating fungal infections. Target site of azoles is ergosterol biosynthesis in fungal cell membrane, which is absent in the mammalian host. However, the development of resistance to azole treatments in the fungal pathogen has become a significant challenge. Here, we report the identification a...

The yeast G protein alpha subunit Gpa1 transmits a signal through an RNA binding effector protein Scp160.

In yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae the G protein betagamma subunits (Ste4/Ste18) have long been known to transmit the signal required for mating. Here we demonstrate that GTPase-deficient mutants of Galpha (Gpa1) directly activate the mating response pathway. We also show that signaling by activated Gpa1 requires direct coupling to an RNA binding protein Scp160. These findings suggest an additio...

Cloning and evaluation of gene expression and purification of gene encoding recombinant protein containing binding subunit of coli surface antigens CS1 and CS2 from Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Background & Objective: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major causative agent of diarrhea. Enterotoxins and the colonization factors (CFs) are major virulence factors in ETEC infections. The bacterium binds to the intestinal epithelial cell surface through colonization factors and produces enterotoxins that cause excessive fluid and electrolyte secretion in the lumen of the intesti...