A novel X factor secreted by yeast inhibits Saccharomyces cerevisiae K1, K2 and K28 killer toxins

  • Vytautas MELVYDAS
  • Elena SERVIENE
  • Olga CERNISHOVA
  • Giedre PETKUNIENE

Abstract

A new killer phenotype possessing the Kx strain was isolated from Lithuanian apple wine yeast population. It has been determined to belong to Saccharomyces cerevisiae species. The yeast was investigated by killing and immunity tests, evaluation of toxin activity and dsRNA analysis. Activity of Kx yeasts against S. cerevisiae K1, K2 and K28 killers and at the same time the lack of immunity as well as detection of a novel 2.5 kb M dsRNA fragment suggest presence of a new killer toxin. In this work, the Kx strain was shown to inhibit all known S. cerevisiae toxins. A detailed genetic and biochemical analysis is in progress to prove this phenomenon as being determined by a novel Kx toxin. Keywords: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, dsRNA, toxin, immunity, wine yeast
Published
2007-04-01
Section
Articles