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

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