Ras hyperactivation versus overexpression: Lessons from Ras dynamics in Candida albicans

Ras signaling is required for serum-induced hyphal differentiation in Candida albicans.

Serum induces Candida albicans to make a rapid morphological change from the yeast cell form to hyphae. Contrary to the previous reports, we found that serum albumin does not play a critical role in this morphological change. Instead, a filtrate (molecular mass, <1 kDa) devoid of serum albumin induces hyphae. To study genes controlling this response, we have isolated the RAS1 gene from C. albic...

A Candida albicans chaperonin subunit (CaCct8p) as a suppressor of morphogenesis and Ras phenotypes in C. albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the pathogen Candida albicans can be induced to undergo morphogenesis from a yeast to a filamentous form. A C. albicans gene (CaCCT8) was identified encoding a subunit of the Cct chaperonin complex, whose expression prevents filament formation in both fungi without interfering with growth of the yeast form. In S. cerevisiae, pseudohyphal growth induced by Ras2Val19,...

A computationally engineered RAS rheostat reveals RAS/ERK signaling dynamics

Synthetic protein switches controlled with user-defined inputs are powerful tools for studying and controlling dynamic cellular processes. To date, these approaches have relied primarily on intermolecular regulation. Here we report a computationally guided framework for engineering intramolecular regulation of protein function. We utilize this framework to develop chemically inducible activator...

K-Ras, but Not H-Ras or N-Ras, Hyperactivation Regulates Brain Neural Stem Cell Proliferation in a Raf/Rb-dependent Manner

Overexpression of MDR-1 and CDR-2 genes in fluconazole resistance of Candida albicans isolated from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis

Background and Purpose: Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic fungus that can colonize women&rsquo;s mucosal epithelial cell surfaces, causing vulvovaginitis in specific circumstances. The major genes contributing to drug resistance in C. albicans are the candida drug resistance (CDR) and multi drug resistance (MDR) genes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the CDR-2 and MDR...