The protein synthesis factor EF-3 is apparently unique to fungi, with no analogous factor present in prokaryotes, plants or animals. Therefore, EF-3 provides a unique target for the development of anticryptococcal agents and perhaps broad spectrum antifungal drugs which would be important in treating a range of other opportunistic infections in AIDS patients. EF-3 plays a complex biochemical role in its interaction with ribosomes, aminoacyl tRNA, trinucleotides and other elongation factors, making the interface between EF-3 and the ribosome a suitable target for a modeled inhibitor. We propose to define this interface with molecular genetic and biochemical analyses with the following specific aims: 1. To demonstrate that EF-3 is structurally and functionally conserved in fungi and thus a suitable target for a broad spectrum antifungal. 2. Identify the region of EF-3 which interacts with the ribosome, the residues involved and the nature of their interaction. 3. Identify the components of the ribosome which interact with EF-3 and the nature of their binding interface. Our long-range goals include structure-function studies of the EF-3 protein, and by way of collaboration, a 3-dimensional analysis of the binding sites. These studies should provide the information necessary to design cryptococcal-specific and fungal-specific antimicrobials with little or no toxic side effects.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01AI031807-01A1
Application #
3146801
Study Section
AIDS and Related Research Study Section 3 (ARRC)
Project Start
1992-05-01
Project End
1995-04-30
Budget Start
1992-05-01
Budget End
1993-04-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Irvine
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
161202122
City
Irvine
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92697
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Ghannoum, M A; Spellberg, B; Saporito-Irwin, S M et al. (1995) Reduced virulence of Candida albicans PHR1 mutants. Infect Immun 63:4528-30
Myers, K K; Sypherd, P S; Fonzi, W A (1995) Use of URA3 as a reporter of gene expression in C. albicans. Curr Genet 27:243-8