Progesterone binding proteins in Candida albicans

Abstract EN

Objective : To investigate the presence of progesterone binding protein in the cytosol of the Candida albicans.

Methods : The main procedure included growing of the Candida albicans followed by preparation of the cytosol The cytosol was incubated with radioactive progesterone.

Charcoal was used to separate the bound from the free.

Radioactivity was measured using a beta counter.

Results : It was found that the cytosol from Candida albicans had the ability to bind progesterone.

Measurement of bound/free ligand as a function of bound ligand gave a binding affinity (Ka) oflO'l / mol at 4°C and a binding capacity of 0.63 pmol / mgprotein.

Corticosterone, and to a lesser extent, triamcinolone acetonide, competed with progesterone for binding sites.

Binding was susceptible to heat, trypsin andN-ethylmalemide.

Conclusion : The presence of a binding protein for progesterone in the cytosol of the yeast was confirmed.

The characteristics of progesterone binding proteins in this species appear to be different from those of mammalian progesterone receptors.