Grant: Operating Grant

Kinesins are nanosized protein machines that help move a wide variety of subcellular components around the cell on protein tracks called microtubules. One of the key functions kinesin-based movement serves is to facilitate timely and equal segregation of genetic material between dividing cells. Recent research has come to show that inhibition of this type of kinesin-based movement in disease causing cells, such as pathogens and tumors, could offer a powerful and side effect-lowering therapeutic intervention when cell-type or mechanism-specific kinesins are targeted. A new form of kinesin, which functions in movement of genetic material in budding yeast, appears to exist exclusively in budding yeast relatives that cause deadly fungal infections in a significant proportion of the human population. This form of kinesin has also recently been shown to move its genetic cargo by an unprecedented mechanism. Together, these factors could form the basis for development a new generation of anti-fungal drugs once sufficient information is obtained about their mode of movement and breadth of roles in the more pathogenic species. Our research proposal describes our approach toward attaining this information.