EFFECT OF PEROXISOMICINE-A(2) AND T-544 OF THE GENUS KARWINSKIA ON PEROXISOMES OF CANDIDA-BOIDINII

Dimeric anthracenones have been isolated from toxic plants of the genu s Karwinskia (Rhamnaceae). T 514 or peroxisomicine AI is one of the an thracenonic compounds which produce irreversible and selective damage on the peroxisomes of yeast cells in vivo. In this paper we describe t he effect of two structurally related anthracenones on cell viability and on the peroxisomes of the methylotrophic yeast Candida boidinii. A s has been described for peroxisomicine A(1), peroxisomicine A(2) and T 544 caused a decrease in the viability of C. boidinii at all concent rations tested, and disruption of the peroxisomal membrane, T 544 show ing the strongest effect. In C. boidinii cell death and peroxisomal da mage seem to be independent events. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.