Examining the Effects of Complement on Saccharomyces cerevisiae Growth after Treatments to Increase Its Cell Wall Porosity

Abstract

This project examines the effect of complement proteins found in human serum on S. cerevisiae growth after treatments to increase the porosity of its cell wall. Two distinct methods, chemical treatments and pre-existing genetic modifications of the species, were used independently and in combination. Attempts to increase cell wall porosity through combining genetic mutations from the Δchs1 mutant and cell wall weakening treatments (LiAc, DTT, 2-DG) failed to demonstrate significant cell killing from complement proteins. Further experiments will explore the effects of a different mutant strain -- Δmnn9 in combination with chemical treatments.