Linear DNA plasmids of Pichia inositovora are associated with a novel killer toxin activity

Summary Pichia inositovora, strain NRRL Y-18709, which contains three linear double-stranded DNA plasmids, pPinl-1, pPinl-2 and pPinl-3, was cured of these plasmids both by growing the strain in the presence of 50 g/ml bisbenzimide, and by exposure to ultraviolet light. Both cured and uncured strains were tested for growth on a variety of carbon sources. No differences in growth response were detected, indicating no discernible involvement of the linear plasmids in the catabolism of these compounds. Culture supernatants of Pichia inositovora were shown to contain a substance larger than 100 kDa that is toxic to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain GS 1688. Toxin activity was optimal in YEPD assay plates containing 50 mM citrate buffer with a pH between 3.4 and 4.2. Culture supernatants from P. inositovora were also weakly active against Cephaloascus albidus, strain NRRL Y-18710, and Citeromyces matritensis, strain NRRL Y-18711. Concentrated supernatants from cured P. inositovora strains did not exhibit these activities, consistent with the hypothesis that this toxic activity is linear plasmid-encoded. Unlike the wellknown Kluyveromyces lactis system or the newly identified P. acaciae system, P. inositovora strains cured of their linear plasmids do not become detectably sensitive to toxin produced by the wild-type strain, suggesting a nonplasmid-encoded immunity function.