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Phage formation in Staphylococcus muscae cultures; the effect of the yeast fraction on virus synthesis

W H PRICE

    The Journal of General Physiology
    |January 1, 1949
    PubMed

    Insights

    A yeast fraction stimulates virus formation in insect cells. This active substance is taken up by cells and metabolized, with similar yeast fractions also enhancing enzyme production.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Microbiology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Investigating factors that influence virus replication is crucial for understanding viral pathogenesis.
    • The role of cellular components in supporting viral multiplication is an area of ongoing research.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To identify and characterize substances that stimulate the formation of *Solenopsis invicta* virus (S. muscae virus).
    • To explore the potential of yeast-derived fractions in promoting viral replication.

    Main Methods:

    • Preparation of a non-dialyzable fraction from fresh bakers' yeast.
    • Incubation of insect cells in synthetic medium with the yeast fraction during log-phase multiplication.
    • Partial purification of the active substance and assessment of its uptake and metabolism by cells.
    • Comparison with fractions from calf thymus, pancreas, and liver.

    Main Results:

    • A non-dialyzable yeast fraction significantly stimulated *S. muscae* virus formation in cultured insect cells.
    • Similar active fractions were not detected in calf thymus, pancreas, or liver.
    • The active yeast substance was taken up by cells and metabolized; in the absence of virus, it was converted to a non-available form.
    • A purified yeast fraction known to stimulate adaptive enzyme formation also enhanced *S. muscae* virus formation.

    Conclusions:

    • Specific non-dialyzable fractions from bakers' yeast contain a substance that promotes *S. muscae* virus replication.
    • The active substance is cell-associated and subject to metabolic processing.
    • The findings suggest a potential link between yeast's ability to stimulate adaptive enzyme formation and its capacity to enhance viral replication.
    Keywords:
    STAPHYLOCOCCI/cultureYEAST

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