Expression, crystallization and preliminary X-ray data analysis of NT-Als9-2, a fungal adhesin from Candida albicans

Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun. 2011 Apr 1;67(Pt 4):467-70. doi: 10.1107/S1744309111003460. Epub 2011 Mar 25.

Abstract

Candida albicans is a common human fungal commensal that can also cause a range of infections from skin/mucosal `thrush' to severe systemic candidiasis. Adherence to host cells is one of the key determinants of Candida pathogenesis. The Als family of surface proteins has been implicated in adhesion of C. albicans, yet limited information has been published on the structure and mechanism of these fungal adhesins. The N-terminal region of these proteins has been shown to possess adhesive properties, making it a possible target for new therapeutic strategies. Recombinant NT-Als9-2 from C. albicans (residues 18-329) was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified and crystallized. Diffraction data were collected to 2.0 Å resolution. The crystals belonged to space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 34.73, b = 68.71, c = 120.03 Å, α = β = γ = 90° and one molecule in the asymmetric unit. Platinum-derivatized crystals belonged to the same space group, with similar unit-cell parameters, although they were not completely isomorphous.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Candida albicans / chemistry*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / chemistry*
  • Crystallization
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Fungal Proteins / chemistry*
  • Gene Expression

Substances

  • ALA1 protein, Candida albicans
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Fungal Proteins