Functional characterization of GprH, GprI and GprM G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the model organism Aspergillus nidulans.

• Grant number: 15/12415-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: November 01, 2015
• End date: May 14, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Henrique Goldman
• Grantee: Laura Mellado Maronas
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 17/02464-5 - Identification of putative ligands activating G-protein coupled receptors, GprH, GprM and GprI, in Aspergillus nidulans, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

Heterotrimeric G proteins represent one of the most important components of eukaryotic cell signaling. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) sense many extracellular stimuli and activate heterotrimeric G proteins, which further propagate the signals through signaling cascades to nuclear transcription factors regulating gene expression. During the last years the knowledge of receptor-mediated signaling in fungi has been increasing due to its essentiality for cellular functions and survival, and to its expansion to pathogenic fungi, making GPCRs proteins relevant as antifungal drug targets. We will continue the characterization of a putative GPCR, GprH, mediating sexual development in the model organism A. nidulans, and we will begin the characterization of GprI and GprM G protein-coupled receptors. Using a model based on previous data, we will investigate at different levels whether these receptors respond to nutrients and how they propagate the signals to transcription factors mediating sexual development. The potential of GprH is large. We hypothesize that it is a glucose receptor and mediates fruiting-body development, in addition to its role in the signaling of transcription factors involved in the expression of gprI and gprM genes. These topics will be addressed through the following three main objectives: 1) Characterize GprH, GprI and GprM as nutrient sensors. 2) Establish the role of GprH, GprI and GprM in sexual development. 3) Define downstream signaling cascades of GprH, GprI and GprM.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DOS REIS, THAILA FERNANDA; MELLADO, LAURA; LOHMAR, JESSICA M.; SILVA, LILIAN PEREIRA; ZHOU, JING-JIANG; CALVO, ANA M.; GOLDMAN, GUSTAVO H.; BROWN, NEIL A.. GPCR-mediated glucose sensing system regulates light-dependent fungal development and mycotoxin production. PLOS GENETICS, v. 15, n. 10, OCT 2019. (17/02464-5, 18/22040-8, 15/12415-6)