Mechanism of action of nikkomycin and the peptide transport system of Candida albicans.

Journal article

Nikkomycin was found to be a potent growth inhibitor of Candida albicans through competitive inhibition of chitin synthase [Ki = 0.16 microM (0.1 microgram ml-1)]. The activity of the peptide-nucleoside drug was antagonized by both peptone and defined peptides. Transported dipeptides were effective antagonists while transported oligopeptides were not. A mutant of C. albicans resistant to the effects of nikkomycin through a transport defect was unable to transport dipeptides, while oligopeptide uptake was apparently unaffected. At least two peptide permeases are operational in this organism.

Authors: McCarthy, P; Troke, P; Gull, K

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Journal of general microbiology
• Volume: 131
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 775-780
• Publication date: 1985-04-01
• ISSN: 0022-1287
• Language: English
• Keywords: Chitin Synthase; Nucleosides; Biological Transport; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Candida albicans; Peptides; Antibiotics, Antifungal; Aminoglycosides