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An acetylsalicylic acid-sensitive aggregation phenomenon in Dipodascopsis uninucleata
J L Kock1, P W van Wyk, P Venter
1Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Orange Free State, South Africa. Kockjlf@micro.nw.uovs.ac.za
Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek
|July 31, 1999
Summary
Ascospores of Dipodascopsis uninucleata yeast aggregate in orderly clusters after release. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) blocks this process, suggesting involvement of novel fatty acids and surface hooks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Yeast Biology
- Cellular Aggregation
Background:
- The yeast Dipodascopsis uninucleata exhibits a unique sexual reproductive stage.
- Ascospores are released from a sac-like ascus during this stage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of ascospore release and aggregation in D. uninucleata.
- To identify factors influencing ascospore aggregation.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of D. uninucleata to the sexual reproductive stage.
- Observation of ascospore release and aggregation.
- Treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) to assess its effects.
Main Results:
- Ascospores are individually released and form orderly clusters.
- Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) significantly inhibited both ascospore release and aggregation.
- Novel ASA-sensitive oxidized fatty acids (3R-hydroxy-oxylipins) and surface hooks are implicated.
Conclusions:
- Ascospore aggregation in D. uninucleata is an ordered process.
- Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) interferes with ascospore release and aggregation.
- Surface structures and specific oxidized fatty acids play a role in this phenomenon.