Effect of cytoskeleton inhibitors on conidiogenesis and capsule in the long neck yeast Fellomyces examined by scanning electron microscopy.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this basic study was to investigate by scanning electron microscopy the effects of cytoskeleton inhibitors on conidiogenesis and capsule in the yeast Fellomyces fuzhouensis CBS 8243, related to Cryptococcus neoformans.


METHODS
Cells were treated by methyl benzimidazole-2-ylcarbamate (BCM) and latrunculin A (LAT) in yeast extract peptone dextrose medium and examined by scanning electron microscopy.


RESULTS
During conidiogenesis, mother cells covered by capsule formed hypha-like stalks and at the hyphal tip yeast-like conidium developed. LAT blocked both stages of conidiogenesis. Inhibited mother cells and conidia became spherical and their capsule disappeared. BCM did not block formation of conidia that were neckless, or affect capsule. Combined application of LAT and BCM blocked both stages of conidiogenesis, cells became spherical and their capsule disappeared.


CONCLUSIONS
Yeast cells with disrupted actin cytoskeleton do not reproduce by conidiogenesis and do not retain inherited cell shape and capsule.
Kopecká
Marie
M
Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, UCB, Brno, Czech Republic. mkopecka@med.muni.cz
Ilkovics
Ladislav
L
Ramíková
Vladimíra
V
Yamaguchi
Masashi
M
D001487:Basidiomycota / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / Q000494:pharmacology; D048430:Cell Shape / Q000187:drug effects; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods; D013172:Spores, Fungal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D053778:Thiazolidines / Q000494:pharmacology
D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; D053778:Thiazolidines; C037067:latrunculin A