Natamycin as a perturbator of the fungal membrane (06524)

Project nummer: 06524

Omschrijving van het onderzoek

Natamycin, a polyene antifungal agent, is an inhibitor of moulds and yeasts used to prevent fungal spoilage of food products. It has no negative effects on product quality. In e.g. the EU, natamycin is permitted for the surface treatment of cheese and some types of dry fermented sausages. Although growing cells are killed effectively, it does not always inactivate resting fungal spores. Fungal spores are survival and dispersal structures that travel via water and air and often are the first step for spoilage of food products. The mode of action of natamycin is not known and is the topic of this project, a collaboration between the CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre (KNAW) and Chemical Biology (Utrecht University). We found that natamycin specifically binds to ergosterol in model membranes and living cells. Ergosterol is the dominant sterol in the fungal membrane. Sterols are important multifunctional molecules in fungal cell membranes. In contrast to other polyenes, the complex that natamycin forms with (ergo) sterol molecules does not lead to the formation of cell membrane pores and does not cause leakage of cell contents and cell death. Natamycin binds to ergosterol and blocks the functioning of the molecule, but cell membranes remain intact. In addition, the effect of natamycine on fungal spores is studied. More knowledge about the action of natamycin will provide clues for a smart use in a wider context.

Gebruikers

Four companies and one other university are involved in this project.

Projectleider

Dr. J. Dijksterhuis
Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen
Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures
Postbus 85167
3508 AD UTRECHT

Status van het project

Startdatum:	15-01-2005
Einddatum:	30-04-2009

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