Fungal Proteomics

Invasive mycoses are a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The limited antifungal agents and the emergence of multidrug-resistant fungi in healthcare settings are of concern. System-level understanding is pivotal to designing new, cost-effective, broad-spectrum, non-toxic, and potent antifungal agents. Identification of proteins in a cell, an organelle, extracellular vesicles, or extracellular medium is crucial for understanding the biology of microbes such as fungi. Many proteomic methods, including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE), liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and label-free quantitative proteomics have been widely used in the study of fungal pathogens. These methods have yielded insights into the abundance, state, and functions of proteins that are exquisitely controlled by a vast array of environment cue-responsive regulatory mechanisms, including mRNA processing, post-translational modifications, and cellular compartmentalisation. These cutting-edge proteomic technologies have contributed immensely, among others, to the better understanding of mechanisms of drug resistance in fungi such as Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, and Candida spp. The current chapter describes the applications of system-wide proteomic analyses and protein profiling for better diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections.