Characterization of Vps74 in Candida albicans

Abstract:

[Background] Vps74/GOLPH3 is a key protein involved in the glycosylation of the Golgi protein, and an important phosphatidylinositol-4-kinase effector and phosphatidylinositol-4- phosphate sensor participating in a variety of intracellular signaling pathways. [Objective] To characterize the Vps74/GOLPH3 homologue in Candida albicans and investigate the role of Cavps74 in stress response, secretion, morphogenesis and pathogenicity. [Methods] Sequence alignment and analysis were performed by the relevant biosoftware. The gene deletion strain vps74?/? and reconstructed strain VPS74c were constructed by PCR-mediated gene disruption. With reverse genetic analysis, we further investigated the function of Vps74 in protein glycosylation, stress response, secretion, morphogenesis and pathogenicity. [Results] There is a typical homologue of Vps74/GOLPH3 in C. albicans which also plays important role in glycosylation process. Deletion of vps74 resulted in various effects, including decreased secretion ability, morphogenesis, adhesion and loss of pathogenicity. [Conclusion] Vps74 plays a key role in protein secretion, morphogenesis, adhesion and pathogenicity in C. albicans.

Key words:Candida albicans, Vps74/GOLPH3, glycosylation, protein secretion, morphogenesis, pathogenicity