Investigations into the area of proteomics have grown tremendously in the past few decades and have expanded to include metal-containing proteins, known as metalloproteins. Exploring the set of metalloproteins expressed by an organism, known as the metalloproteome, of pathogenic organisms provides valuable information regarding the relationship between pathogen and host as well as an overall greater understanding of the pathogenic organism. Utilizing metal-based purification and identification to study the metalloproteome of a pathogenic organism is currently being applied to Histoplasma capsulatumin Dr. Caruso's Metallomics Laboratory. Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus which grows into a yeast at 37�C when inhaled, and causes a respiratory infection known as Histoplasmosis. Examination of metal acquisition and identification metalloproteins within Histoplasma capsulatum would allow for better understanding of the microbial growth and toxicity mechanisms that may partially function through metal up or down regulation. This information could potentially lead to treatments that would reduce and possibly eliminate symptoms for individuals infected with the disease. Several analytical instruments including the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, High Pressure Liquid Chromatography and Electrospray Ionization/ Iontrap Mass Spectrometry allow for a robust metal-based approach for the identification of metalloproteins within Histoplasma capsulatum.

Metalloproteome of <i>Histoplasma capsulatum</i>: The role of metals in microbial growth

246th National Meeting (2013)

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Metalloproteome of Histoplasma capsulatum: The role of metals in microbial growth