Research Interests:

Our research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of signal-transduction pathways that control cell proliferation and differentiation.  We are analyzing the structure/function of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae MAP kinase (Kss1) that controls cell proliferation and differentiation.  Our approach is to alter the KSS1 gene by in vitro site-directed mutagenesis followed by in vivo expression of the mutant gene so that we can measure its affect on cell proliferation.  We have also created a molecular model (3-dimensional image) of the kinase to provide us with a better understanding of where our mutations reside within the kinase. For our second major focus, we are studying the control of proliferation and development and the molecular basis for pathogenicity of the opportunistic yeast pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans.  By use of the PCR technique, we have cloned several genes of a cryptococcal pheromone pathway, including a G protein, MAP kinase, and Ras protein.  We are now elucidating the roles of these proteins in mating and development using myriad molecular biological techniques.

Recent Publications:

Courchesne, W.E. 2002. Characterization of a novel, broad-based fungicidal activity for the antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone.  J.Pharm.Exp.Therap., 300: 1-5.

Cao, H., W.E. Courchesne, and C.C. Mastick. 2002. A role for the phosphorylation of caveolin-1 at Tyr 14 revealed by a modified two-hybrid screen: recruitment of CSK to caveolae, J. Biol. Chem. In Press.

Search For Dr. Courchesne's Publications In PubMed

Mailing Address:
Dr. William Courchesne
Associate Professor
Department of Microbiology 320
School of Medicine
University of Nevada
Reno, NV 89557-0046