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Isolation and characterization of the dsRNA virus from the yeast Endomyces magnusii
M Pospísek1, Z Palková, B Janderová
1Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have been isolated from the yeast Endomyces magnusii. The VLPs measure 43 nm in diameter and contain six species of dsRNA (0.78, 0.83, 1.77, 1.84, 2.64, 4.30 kb respectively). E. magnusii produces a 'toxic' protein, which reduces the growth, and changes the colony morphology, of sensitive strains of Hansenula sp. growing on solid media. All strains of E. magnusii tested produced the 'toxin' and contained the VLPs. Current procedures of curing failed to destroy the ability to produce the 'toxin'.
Insights
Virus-like particles (VLPs) were found in Endomyces magnusii yeast, correlating with a toxin that inhibits other yeast strains. These VLPs and the toxin could not be eliminated by standard curing methods.
Area of Science:
- * Mycology and Yeast Genetics
- * Molecular Biology and Virology
Background:
- * Endomyces magnusii is a yeast species.
- * Certain yeast strains produce toxins that affect others.
- * Virus-like particles (VLPs) are non-infectious structures resembling viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the presence and characteristics of virus-like particles (VLPs) in Endomyces magnusii.
- * To determine the relationship between VLPs and a previously identified 'toxic' protein produced by E. magnusii.
- * To assess the efficacy of curing methods in eliminating toxin production.
Main Methods:
- * Isolation and characterization of virus-like particles (VLPs) from yeast.
- * Analysis of dsRNA content within the isolated VLPs.
- * Testing the 'toxic' protein's effect on sensitive yeast strains (Hansenula sp.).
- * Application of standard curing procedures to eliminate toxin production.
Main Results:
- * Virus-like particles (VLPs) were successfully isolated from Endomyces magnusii.
- * The VLPs measured 43 nm in diameter and contained six distinct dsRNA species.
- * All tested E. magnusii strains produced a 'toxin' and harbored VLPs.
- * Standard curing methods were ineffective in eliminating the toxin production.
Conclusions:
- * Endomyces magnusii harbors virus-like particles (VLPs) associated with a potent toxin.
- * The toxin production and VLP presence are linked in E. magnusii strains.
- * Current curing methods are insufficient to remove the toxin-producing capability.