Encephalitozoon cuniculi (Microspora): characterization of a phospholipid metabolic pathway potentially linked to therapeutics.

Phospholipid metabolism of the microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi, an obligate intracellular parasite, has been investigated. Labeled precursor incorporation experiments have shown that phosphatidylserine decarboxylase and phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase are more active in cells infected by E. cuniculi than in uninfected cells.

Lipids of three microsporidian species and multivariate analysis of the host-parasite relationship.

Sporal lipids of 3 microsporidia, Encephalitozoon cuniculi from mammals and Glugea atherinae and Spraguea lophii from fishes, were investigated. High phospholipid levels were found (54.8-64.

Glycoside hydrolase production by an anaerobic rumen fungus Caecomyces communis.

The ruminal fungus Caecomyces communis was grown anaerobically either in a discontinuous cultivation system or in a fermentor with daily withdrawal and addition of fresh medium. Lowe and Orpin media were tested. The best culture conditions for glycoside hydrolase production were obtained in Lowe medium with daily fresh medium addition, whereas the Orpin medium with ruminal fluid was favourable to fungal growth and to the enzyme export process.

Polysaccharide hydrolase production by the rumen fungus Caecomyces communis.

The anaerobic fungus Caecomyces communis was grown in a fermentor in either a discontinuous cultivation system or in a culture system with daily withdrawal and addition of fresh medium. Lowe and Orpin media were tested. The Lowe medium was best for the stimulation of enzyme production, the Orpin medium, for the stimulation of fungal growth and enzyme release.