Propionic acid disrupts endocytosis, cell cycle, and cellular respiration in yeast

We previously identified propionic acid as a microbially-produced volatile organic compound with fungicidal activity against several pathogenic fungi. The purpose of this work is to better understand how propionic acid affects fungi by examining some of the effects of this compound on the yeast cell.

We show that propionic acid causes a dramatic increase in the uptake of lucifer yellow in yeast cells, which is consistent with enhanced endocytosis. Additionally, using a propidium iodide assay, we show that propionic acid treatment causes a significant increase in the proportion of yeast cells in G₁ and a significant decrease in the proportion of cells in G₂, suggesting that propionic acid causes a cell cycle arrest in yeast. Finally, we show that the reduction of MTT is attenuated in yeast cells treated with propionic acid, indicating that propionic acid disrupts cellular respiration. Understanding the effects of propionic acid on the yeast cell may aid in assessing the broader utility of this compound.