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Virus-like particles in yeast: isolation and infectivity.
Zeitschrift Fur Allgemeine Mikrobiologie
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Researchers identified novel virus-like particles in a temperature-sensitive (ts) Candida tropicalis strain. These particles, absent in wild-type cells, were isolated and characterized, with potential for infecting other yeast species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Yeast Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Thermosensitive (ts) strains of Candida tropicalis exhibit unique cellular characteristics.
- Investigating intracellular components in ts mutants can reveal novel biological entities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize virus-like particles (VLPs) found in a thermosensitive strain of Candida tropicalis.
- To isolate and describe the morphology and potential infectivity of these VLPs.
Main Methods:
- Thin section electron microscopy of Candida tropicalis cells.
- Cell disruption using pressure methods.
- Isolation and partial purification of particulate fractions.
- Infection assays using Saccharomyces cerevisiae mating pairs.
Main Results:
- Virus-like particles with electron-dense cores were observed in both intact and degenerated ts Candida tropicalis cells.
- A distinct particulate fraction, absent in wild-type Candida tropicalis, was isolated from disrupted ts cells.
- The isolated particles measured 80-120 nm in diameter and included empty particles with central cavities.
- A method for infecting Saccharomyces cerevisiae mating pairs with these partially purified particles was established.
Conclusions:
- Thermosensitive mutations in Candida tropicalis can lead to the production of unique virus-like particles.
- These VLPs possess distinct morphological characteristics and are separable from cellular components.
- The demonstrated infectivity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae suggests potential for inter-species transmission or interaction.