SWI5-dependent HO expression protein 3 (She3)

The SWI5-dependent HO expression protein 3 (She3) is a critical adapter protein involved in the asymmetric distribution of genetic material and organelles in budding yeast and pathogenic fungi. It functions by bridging the RNA-binding protein She2p and its associated mRNA cargo (such as ASH1 mRNA) to the Myo4p myosin V motor, allowing the motor to pull the complex along actin cables toward the emerging bud. Beyond its role in simple yeast budding, She3 is particularly important in the human pathogen Candida albicans, where it is required for hyphal growth and the transport of virulence-related factors to the hyphal tip. Because the yeast-to-hypha transition is a major driver of host tissue invasion and systemic infection, She3 represents an attractive target for antifungal drug development. Currently, research into She3 focuses on its potential as a virulence factor target, although no clinical inhibitors have been identified to date.

Other names

She3pSHE3Swi5p-dependent HO expression 3

Acts as a molecular adapter that links the She2p-mRNA complex to the Myo4p myosin V motor, enabling the active transport of messenger RNAs and cortical endoplasmic reticulum along actin filaments toward the cell bud or hyphal tip.