Localization of the C. albicans MBP1 Gene Product in S. cerevisiae

Abstract

The pathogenic yeast species, Candida albicans, is responsible for a number of opportunistic oral and genital infections. Key to its pathogenicity is its ability to convert from yeast to hyphal form upon invasion of human tissue. Research suggests the MBP1 gene product plays a role in this transition. This study continues work carried out by UWEC biology department faculty, Dr. Dan Herman and Dr. Julie Anderson, and former student, Greg Fischer. The C. albicans MBP1 gene was expressed in the closely related, less pathogenic, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Key to this investigation was the cellular localization of the Mbp1 protein. Investigating the localization patterns of the MBP1 gene product will further understanding of the role it plays in the pathogenicity of C. albicans.