Time-course based proteomic profiling of the yeast form of Penicillium marneffei

Abstract

Penicillium marneffei is a thermal dimorphic fungus that is the causative organism for third most frequent opportunistic infectious disease of the AIDS patient group. It is the yeast form of the fungus that is pathogenic to humans. Proteins both structural and functional of this fungus are vital for its survival and causing pathogenesis in host. The proteins of this fungus are separated at a time-course of 12 hours and 24 hours by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. In this technique proteins separate according to their net charge in the first dimension and molecular mass in the second dimension. Study of the proteins of an organism in part or in its entirety is called proteomics. Proteomes of 12 hour and 24 hour time course were compared for differential protein expression. Proteins spots unique to a time course were excised and sent for mass spectral analysis. The mass spectrum provides data about the structure of the protein from which the function can be derived. The ultimate goal of knowing the protein structure and function is to understand the molecular mechanisms of the fungal pathogenecity which aids in the development of new drugs caused by Penicillium marneffei and device new tests to accurately diagnose the disease.