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Rapid, extensive and reversible vacuolation of Schizosaccharomyces pombe induced by amphotericin B
Abstract:
The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has no large vacuoles under normal growth conditions, although budding yeasts usually have large central vacuoles. The minimum inhibitory concentration of amphotericin B to S. pombe was 0.5 microgram ml-1; treatment with 0.2 microgram ml-1 for 20 min induced rapid and extensive vacuolation in S. pombe exponential phase cells. Growth rate of the cells with 0.2 microgram ml-1 amphotericin B was much reduced for 6 h, showing extensive vacuolation. Vacuolation in itself was not fatal: on removal of the drug, most cells recovered gradually and eventually multiplied.
Insights
Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, lacking large vacuoles, rapidly developed them when treated with amphotericin B. This vacuolation temporarily slowed growth but was not lethal, with cells recovering after drug removal.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) typically lacks large vacuoles, unlike many budding yeasts.
- Vacuoles play crucial roles in cellular homeostasis, storage, and waste management in eukaryotic cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of amphotericin B on vacuolation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
- To determine the impact of induced vacuolation on cell growth and viability.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of exponential phase Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells with amphotericin B at 0.2 microgram/mL for 20 minutes.
- Observation of vacuolation using microscopy.
- Monitoring of cell growth rate and recovery after drug removal.
Main Results:
- Amphotericin B treatment induced rapid and extensive vacuolation in S. pombe.
- A significant reduction in growth rate was observed for approximately 6 hours post-treatment.
- Vacuolation itself was not fatal; cells recovered and multiplied upon drug removal.
Conclusions:
- Amphotericin B can induce significant vacuolation in fission yeast, a phenomenon not typical under normal growth.
- The induced vacuolation temporarily impairs cell growth but does not lead to cell death.
- Schizosaccharomyces pombe exhibits resilience and recovery capabilities following amphotericin B-induced cellular stress.