Measuring intracellular calcium concenrations in Pichia pastoris

Authors

Stephanie Diaz, University of the Pacific
Joseph Kim, University of the Pacific
Gregory Dimont, University of the Pacific
Kavneet Bindra, University of the Pacific

Poster Number

44

Lead Author Major

Biological Sciences

Format

Poster Presentation

Faculty Mentor Name

Der Thor

Faculty Mentor Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract/Artist Statement

Pichia pastoris, a methylotrophic yeast, is used for heterologous protein expression. Calcium is an important second messenger in signal transduction. Little research has been performed to analyze calcium homeostasis in P. pastoris. In our research, we compared the growth rate of P. pastoris under different calcium concentrations. The growth rate was higher with higher concentration of calcium. We then tested the ability of different ions (calcium, potassium, and sodium) to increase the intracellular calcium concentration of P. pastoris. Only calcium was able to increase intracellular calcium concentration. Knowing that calcium has an effect on cell growth and intracellular calcium concentrations, we can possibly increase protein expression and secretion from Pichia Pastoris by altering calcium concentrations.

Location

DeRosa University Center, Ballroom

Start Date

20-4-2013 1:00 PM

End Date

20-4-2013 3:00 PM