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Characterization of two different toxins of Wickerhamomyces anomalus (Pichia anomala) VKM Y-159
Z Farkas1, J Márki-Zay, Judit Kucsera
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
Abstract:
Wickerhamomyces anomalus VKM Y-159 strain produces two types of toxin designated as WAKT a and WAKT b, encoded by chromosomal genes. The WAKT a toxin is heat-labile, pronase sensitive acting in pH range 3-4 affecting on several yeasts including pathogenic Candida species while the WAKT b toxin is protease- and thermo-resistant, acting in pH range 3-7 on two species, Candida alai and Candida norvegica. The rapid decrease of the number of viable cells after toxin treatment demonstrates that both toxins have cytocidic effect.
Insights
Wickerhamomyces anomalus produces two yeast toxins, WAKT a and WAKT b. These toxins exhibit distinct properties and effectively kill pathogenic yeast cells, including Candida species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus VKM Y-159 produces antimicrobial compounds.
- Understanding yeast toxins is crucial for developing new antifungal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the properties of two toxins, WAKT a and WAKT b, produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus VKM Y-159.
- To determine the spectrum of activity and optimal conditions for each toxin.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical assays to determine heat-lability, pronase sensitivity, and pH stability.
- Testing toxin activity against various yeast species, including pathogenic Candida.
- Assessing the cytocidic effect by monitoring viable cell counts.
Main Results:
- WAKT a is heat-labile and pronase-sensitive, active at pH 3-4 against multiple yeasts, including Candida species.
- WAKT b is protease- and thermo-resistant, active at pH 3-7 against Candida alai and Candida norvegica.
- Both toxins demonstrated a rapid, significant decrease in viable yeast cells, indicating a cytocidic effect.
Conclusions:
- Wickerhamomyces anomalus produces two distinct yeast toxins with different stability and activity profiles.
- These toxins possess potent cytocidic activity against pathogenic yeasts, highlighting their potential as antifungal agents.
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