The Molecular Basis of Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Activity in the K2v Killer Toxin
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Paul Rowley, University of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Fungal pathogens are increasingly resistant to existing antifungals, highlighting the need for new strategies. Killer strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae produce toxins that bind ß-1,6-glucan and disrupt cells via pore formation. K2v, a variant of the K2 toxin, differs by four amino acid substitutions and exhibits broader antifungal activity, with mutations located outside the a and ß domains in regions associated with toxin maturation. Through experimental analysis, we identified that a single y-domain substitution (L174P) is sufficient to confer K2v-like activity. In this study, K2 and its variants were evaluated using killer assays by measuring zones of inhibition across yeast strains To assess differences in antifungal activity. This work provides insight into how specific mutations influence toxin function, advancing our understanding of antifungal mechanisms and supporting the development of improved antifungal strategies.
The Molecular Basis of Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Activity in the K2v Killer Toxin
Fungal pathogens are increasingly resistant to existing antifungals, highlighting the need for new strategies. Killer strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae produce toxins that bind ß-1,6-glucan and disrupt cells via pore formation. K2v, a variant of the K2 toxin, differs by four amino acid substitutions and exhibits broader antifungal activity, with mutations located outside the a and ß domains in regions associated with toxin maturation. Through experimental analysis, we identified that a single y-domain substitution (L174P) is sufficient to confer K2v-like activity. In this study, K2 and its variants were evaluated using killer assays by measuring zones of inhibition across yeast strains To assess differences in antifungal activity. This work provides insight into how specific mutations influence toxin function, advancing our understanding of antifungal mechanisms and supporting the development of improved antifungal strategies.