Cloning and Characterization of PRA1 , a Gene Encoding a Novel pH-Regulated Antigen of Candida albicans

• DOI: 10.1128/jb.180.2.282-289.1998
• Publication Date: 2019-12-31T16:28:14Z
• Authors: Maria Sentandreu; M. Victoria Elorza; Rafael Sentandreu; William A. Fonzi
• Keywords: Cloning (programming); Fungal protein

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans. The cell wall the organism defines interface between and host tissues likely to play essential pivotal role in host-pathogen interaction. components critical this interaction are undefined. Immunoscreening a lambda expression library with sera raised against mycelial walls C. was used identify genes encoding surface proteins. One positive clones represented candidal gene that differentially expressed response changes pH culture medium. Maximal occurred at neutral pH, no detected below 6.0. On basis pattern, corresponding designated PRA1, for pH-regulated antigen. protein predicted from nucleotide sequence 299 amino acids long motifs characteristic secreted glycoproteins. localization N glycosylation were directly demonstrated by fractionation immunoblot analysis. Deletion imparted temperature-dependent defect hypha formation, indicating morphogenesis. PRA1 homologous antigens Aspergillus spp. which react serum aspergillosis patients, suggesting may have host-parasite during infection.