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The plate-washing assay: a simple test for filamentous growth in budding yeast
1Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260.
Abstract:
Filamentous growth is a foraging response that occurs in fungal species. It allows fungal pathogens to invade cells and tissues of a host organism. Budding yeast undergoes filamentous growth and can invade semisolid agar plates, penetrating the agar surface. These cells cannot be removed by rinsing with water and form an invasive scar. The plate-washing assay is an easy first test for filamentous growth and is performed at low cost with minimal reagents. The assay is versatile: It can be used as a teaching tool, is amenable to high-throughput genetic analysis, and is used to evaluate filamentous growth in different fungal species, including pathogens like Candida albicans.
Insights
Filamentous growth in budding yeast allows fungal pathogens to invade host tissues. A simple plate-washing assay effectively detects this invasive growth, useful for research and teaching.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Filamentous growth is a foraging strategy in fungi.
- This growth allows fungal pathogens to invade host cells and tissues.
- Budding yeast exhibits filamentous growth, enabling invasion of semi-solid agar.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the plate-washing assay as a simple method for detecting filamentous growth.
- To highlight the assay's utility in studying fungal invasion and pathogenesis.
- To demonstrate the assay's versatility for research and education.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a plate-washing assay to assess filamentous growth in budding yeast.
- Observing the ability of yeast cells to penetrate agar surfaces.
- Evaluating the removal of invasive cells by rinsing.
Main Results:
- Filamentous growth in budding yeast leads to agar penetration and the formation of an invasive scar.
- These invasive cells are resistant to removal by simple rinsing.
- The plate-washing assay provides a clear visual indicator of filamentous growth.
Conclusions:
- The plate-washing assay is a low-cost, effective, and versatile tool for studying fungal filamentous growth.
- This assay can be used as a preliminary test for filamentous growth in various fungal species, including pathogens like Candida albicans.
- The assay's simplicity makes it suitable for teaching, high-throughput genetic screening, and evaluating pathogenic potential.
