Effect of peroxisomicine A2 and T 544 of the genus Karwinskia on peroxisomes of Candida boidinii.

Dimeric anthracenones have been isolated from toxic plants of the genus Karwinskia (Rhamnaceae). T 514 or peroxisomicine A1 is one of the anthracenonic compounds which produce irreversible and selective damage on the peroxisomes of yeast cells in vivo. In this paper we describe the effect of two structurally related anthracenones on cell viability and on the peroxisomes of the methylotrophic yeast Candida boidinii. As has been described for peroxisomicine A1, peroxisomicine A2 and T 544 caused a decrease in the viability of C. boidinii at all concentrations tested, and disruption of the peroxisomal membrane, T 544 showing the strongest effect. In C. boidinii cell death and peroxisomal damage seem to be independent events.