Identification of Toxic Domains of the "KKT" Genes in Saccharomyces Yeasts
Abstract
As infectious fungal strains develop resistance to current antifungal treatments, these treatments become less effective. Research for novel treatments points towards the utilization of antifungal toxins produced by “killer yeasts”. Toxins produced by Saccharomyces yeasts, in particular the toxin K1, have been shown to inhibit the growth or kill certain sensitive strains, including the infectious, drug resistant yeast Candida glabrata, which is the second most common source of fungal infections.
A toxic homolog of K1 was found in Saccharomyces paradoxus, called K1L. In other species of yeast, a family of genes homologous to K1L, called the KKTKKTs.
Identification of Toxic Domains of the "KKT" Genes in Saccharomyces Yeasts
As infectious fungal strains develop resistance to current antifungal treatments, these treatments become less effective. Research for novel treatments points towards the utilization of antifungal toxins produced by “killer yeasts”. Toxins produced by Saccharomyces yeasts, in particular the toxin K1, have been shown to inhibit the growth or kill certain sensitive strains, including the infectious, drug resistant yeast Candida glabrata, which is the second most common source of fungal infections.
A toxic homolog of K1 was found in Saccharomyces paradoxus, called K1L. In other species of yeast, a family of genes homologous to K1L, called the KKTKKTs.