title: Mechanism of action of nikkomycin and the peptide transport system of Candida albicans.
abstract: Nikkomycin was found to be a potent growth inhibitor of Candida albicans through competitive inhibition of chitin synthase [Ki = 0.16 microM (0.1 microgram ml-1)]. The activity of the peptide-nucleoside drug was antagonized by both peptone and defined peptides. Transported dipeptides were effective antagonists while transported oligopeptides were not. A mutant of C. albicans resistant to the effects of nikkomycin through a transport defect was unable to transport dipeptides, while oligopeptide uptake was apparently unaffected. At least two peptide permeases are operational in this organism.
mesh_terms: D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000254:growth & development; D002687:Chitin Synthase / Q000378:metabolism; D009705:Nucleosides / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D010455:Peptides / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D009705:Nucleosides; D010455:Peptides; C011952:nikkomycin; D002687:Chitin Synthase