Gel Shift Assay of Nuclear Extracts from Histoplasma capsulatum Demonstrates the Presence of Several DNA Binding Proteins

A gel shift assay was optimized to detect several general DNA binding proteins from Histoplasma capsulatum strain G217B. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) technique also detected protein(s) recognizing a pyrimidine-rich motif found in several Histoplasma promoters. Establishment of EMSA conditions provides an important framework to evaluate regulation of homeostatic or phase-specific genes that may influence virulence in Histoplasma and other dimorphic fungal pathogens.