Cloning Heterologous Proteins for the in vitro Biochemical Characterization of Enzymes Involved in the Synthesis of Cell Wall Polysaccharides

Author: Obinna Allison

Allison, Obinna, 2024 Cloning Heterologous Proteins for the in vitro Biochemical Characterization of Enzymes Involved in the Synthesis of Cell Wall Polysaccharides, Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health

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Abstract

Both human and plant pathogenic fungi have serious economic health and social

implications Rhizopus arrhizus is a filamentous fungus and a common cause of

mucormycosis a severe fungal infection that affects immunocompromised individuals and

manifests as fulminant fungal sinusitis for which there is limited treatment The cell wall is a

vital structural element in fungal organisms, providing both support and protection It primarily

consists of polysaccharides like chitin and glucans that determine fungal integrity and

virulence Our research endeavours to unravel the complexity of the fungal cell wall by

shedding light on the functions of cell wall biosynthetic enzymes These enzymes have diverse

biological functions with promising potential as targets for new antifungal strategies

Keywords: Cell wall, enzymes, PCR, plasmid

Subject: Biotechnology thesis

Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2024
School: College of Medicine and Public Health
Supervisor: Caterina Selva