Role and significance of the γ-core motif on the activity, selectivity, folding and structural stability of cysteine-rich antifungal proteins secreted by Neosartorya fisc
Thesis supervisor: László Norbert Galgóczi
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Biological Research Centre, Institute of Plant Biology Abbreviation of location of studies: SZBK
Description of the research topic:
Role and significance of the γ-core motif on the activity, selectivity, folding and structural stability of cysteine-rich antifungal proteins secreted by Neosartorya fischeri NRRL181
The increasing incidence of fungal infections due to drug-resistant filamentous fungi in medicine, agriculture and cultural heritage preservation urges the development of new antifungal strategies. The highly stable, extracellular, cysteine-rich antifungal proteins from filamentous Ascomycetes (crAFPs) could offer an alternative, safely applicable solution for the recent antifungal challenges. The structure-function relationship and the main structural elements which are responsible for the toxicity, fungal-selectivity, stability, and folding have not been investigated in detail so far in crAFPs. Our in silico investigations revealed that all isolated crAFPs contain an evolutionary conserved [GXC]-[X3-9]-[C] consensus γ-core motif. This motif is present in small cysteine-rich antifungal peptides and proteins from plants to animals, and has a functional and structural role. Until today, information is not available about the role of the γ-core motif in crAFPs. The proposed project aims to clarify the presence, the role and significance of the γ-core motif on the antifungal activity, selectivity, folding and structural stability of crAFPs. We will address this question by investigating different crAFPs produced by Neosartorya fischeri, their γ-core motif deletion and exchanged mutants, furthermore their γ-core peptides by antifungal susceptibility, haemolytic activity, cytotoxicity tests, and thermal unfolding experiments. Our results will significantly contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the role of γ-core motif in the nature. Moreover, our investigations are essential prerequisites for development of new crAFP-based antifungal strategies.
Required language skills: English B2 Recommended language skills (in Hungarian): German Further requirements: Basic knowledge in microbiological and protein works.
Number of students who can be accepted: 2
Deadline for application: 2018-09-26
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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