title: Cytotoxicity of dihydropteroate in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
abstract: Microbes and plants synthesise folate using a unique biosynthetic pathway that is absent in animals. The end product, tetrahydrofolate, is utilised by all forms of life. In this study, an intermediate in this synthesis, dihydropteroic acid, was found to be toxic to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Further tests were performed on mutants deficient in folate synthesis. One mutant specifically lacked dihydropteroate synthase and the second lacked dihydrofolate synthase. Dihydropteroic acid itself appeared to be toxic since both of these mutants were also inhibited. These results suggest novel ways in which antifolate therapy may be developed.
authors.affiliation: CSIRO Health Sciences and Nutrition, 343 Royal Parade, Parkville, Vic., 3052, Australia.
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bayly
authors.forename: Ian G
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Macreadie
mesh_terms: D004094:Dihydropteroate Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009154:Mutation; D011622:Pterins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D011622:Pterins; C000978:dihydropteroate; D005492:Folic Acid; D004094:Dihydropteroate Synthase