Differential Expression of Genes Encoding Secreted Proteins in Penicillium Marneffei

Penicillium marneffei is a dimorphic pathogenic fungus endemic to Southeast Asia.It primarly infects individuals with compromised immunity, particularly those with AIDS.This fungus undergoes a dimorphic switch when shifted from growth at 25ºC to 37ºC.At 25ºC, P. marneffei grows as a mycelium, whereas at 37ºC this fungus develops as a single-celled yeast that reproduces by fission.The latter type of morphogenesis is associated with pathogenesis.Presumably, one or more of a subset of 37ºC induced genes that encode secreted proteins may play roles in pathogenesis.Fungal secreted proteins play an important biological role.Studies have revealed that some fungal secreted proteins are involved in pathogenesis.Therefore, uniquely secreted proteins in Penicillium marneffei have been putatively identified by computational analysis.Those secreted protein-encoding genes expressed solely v ACKNOLEDGMENTS I dedicated this thesis in the loving memory of my father Haile Rezenom and my mother Tereza Branca.I would like to thank you for all the sacrifices you made to make my education possible.I also would like give thanks to my siblings, Yohannes Rezenom, Seare Rezenom and Elsa Rezenom, for their love and encouragement.I would like to acknowledge the advice and guidance of my advisor Dr. Chet Cooper.I also