BACKGROUND: The cytoskeleton was investigated as a potential target for the inhibition of cell division in Fellomyces fuzhouensis CBS 8243 related to Cryptococcus neoformans. METHODS: Vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, methyl benzimidazole-2-yl carbamate (BCM), thiabendazole, cytochalasins A, B and D and latrunculin A were added to yeast extract peptone dextrose medium containing cells, investigated by phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy, counted in a Burker chamber and absorbance was measured. RESULTS: Vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, cytochalasins A, B and D transiently blocked proliferation. BCM disrupted microtubules and inhibited mitosis, but F-actin patches and cables persisted and neck-less conidia appeared without stalks. Latrunculin disrupted F-actin, cells became spherical, and stalks and necks degenerated; microtubules persisted, but mitosis, cytokinesis and conidiogenesis were blocked. The combined application of latrunculin and BCM disrupted F-actin and microtubules, and inhibited cells became spherical and did not divide. CONCLUSIONS: Microtubules and F-actin are effective targets for permanent inhibition of nuclear and cell division and conidiogenesis by BCM and latrunculin A.

Department of Biology Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic

Citace poskytuje Crossref.org