How Histatin 5 Works Against Candida albicans
Author Information
Author(s): Sun Jianing N, Li Wansheng, Jang Woong Sik, Nayyar Namrata, Sutton Mark D, Edgerton Mira
Primary Institution: University at Buffalo
Hypothesis
Does the antifungal peptide Histatin 5 bind to specific sites on the Ssa2 protein in Candida albicans to facilitate its uptake and killing effect?
Conclusion
Histatin 5 binds to specific regions of the Ssa2 protein in Candida albicans, enhancing its uptake and fungicidal activity.
Supporting Evidence
- Candida albicans Ssa2p is crucial for the uptake and killing activity of Histatin 5.
- Histatin 5 binding sites were identified within the ATPase domain of Ssa2p.
- Binding of Histatin 5 does not require nucleotides but is enhanced by their presence.
Takeaway
Histatin 5 is a special protein that helps kill yeast cells by sticking to a helper protein called Ssa2, which helps it get inside the yeast.
Methodology
The study used pull-down assays, limited digestion, and peptide array analyses to identify binding sites of Histatin 5 on the Ssa2 protein.
Limitations
The study did not explore the full range of potential binding sites or the effects of other environmental factors on Histatin 5 activity.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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