title: Characterization of cerulenin-resistant mutants of Candida albicans.
abstract: Cerulenin, an inhibitor of fatty acid biosynthesis, has been used to study the role of the plasma membrane in germination of Candida albicans. To further elucidate this association, spontaneous, cerulenin-resistant mutants of C. albicans were isolated. Two of the mutants, 4918-2 and 4918-10, were compared biochemically with wild-type cells (4918). All strains grew equally well at 37 degrees C and synthesized fatty acids at comparable rates in the absence of the drug. In the presence of cerulenin, wild-type cells did not proceed through a logarithmic growth stage and exhibited a significantly impaired ability to incorporate [3H]acetate into newly synthesized lipid material. All strains were examined ultrastructurally. Alterations were observed in the membranous structures of cerulenin-treated wild-type cells. Such changes were not observed in cerulenin-treated mutant strains. Further examination of mutant strains revealed differences in cell wall protein and polysaccharide compositions when compared with those of wild-type cells. These apparent alterations in cell surface components may be correlated with the reduced abilities of mutant strains to adhere, in vitro, to mammalian cells.
mesh_terms: D000268:Adhesiveness; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002569:Cerulenin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002108:Ceruletide; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D005656:Fungal Proteins; D008055:Lipids; D011134:Polysaccharides; D002569:Cerulenin; D002108:Ceruletide