This research proposal is for a molecular genetic study of the self- splicing group I intron of Pneumocystis carinii, which is being characterized as a potential new RNA target for the development of antimicrobial chemotherapeutics agents. An in vivo surrogate organism system in which this intron is transfered to yeast nuclear genes is proposed to perform antibiotic sensitivity assays using pentamidine and others in vitro P. carinii group I ribosome splicing inhibitors. The structure-function relationship analysis of antibiotic resistance mutants will be used to propose new splicing inhibitors in vivo. Due to the absence of culture systems for this opportunistic pathogen and the need for more effective alternative drugs, this novel system represents a fast and inexpensive way to screen chemicals in vivo, as well as a model system to facilitate the development of new drugs acting on group I introns.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31GM018912-04
Application #
6179128
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG5-MBC-1 (01))
Program Officer
Toliver, Adolphus
Project Start
2000-03-19
Project End
Budget Start
2000-03-19
Budget End
2000-07-07
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$5,490
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
622146454
City
Piscataway
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
08854
Miletti-Gonzalez, Karl E; Leibowitz, Michael J (2008) Molecular characterization of two types of rDNA units in a single strain of Candida albicans. J Eukaryot Microbiol 55:522-9