Abstract P-30: Structure of the 80S Ribosome From Candida Albicans Revealed by Integrative Structural Biology Approach

Abstract

Background: The fungus Candida albicans is one of the most common fungal human pathogens, causing numerous mucocutaneous infections. About 80% of the world population is colonized with this pathogen, and in many cases, it does not reveal its pathogenic properties. However in the events when the suppression of normal bacterial flora occurs, e.g. as a consequence of chemotherapy or antibiotics treatment, multi-resistant strains of Candida albicans can rapidly colonize the host organism and prevent the normal flora recovery, which in turn can trigger many other diseases especially in the case of immunocompromised patients. Methods: We used an integrated structural biology approach based on the single-particle cryo-EM reconstruction and macromolecule X-ray crystallography. Results: One of the most promising targets for antibiotic action is a protein synthesis apparatus and ribosomes in the cell. In this study, we characterized structurally the protein synthesis machinery of Candida albicans using the state-of-the-art techniques of single-particle Cryo-electron microscopy and macromolecular X-ray crystallography. Conclusion: We obtained the 2.4 Å resolution structure of the 80S ribosome from Candida albicans and the 4.2 Å resolution structure of the vacant C. albicans ribosome by X-ray crystallography. We believe that this study will shed light on mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in C. albicans and improve candidiasis treatment in the future.