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Cytoskeletal structures, ultrastructural characteristics and the capsule of the basidiomycetous yeast Cryptococcus laurentii

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Abstract

The cytoskeleton, capsule and cell ultrastructure were studied during the cell cycle of Cryptococcus laurentii. In an encapsulated strain, cytoplasmic microtubules and a mitotic spindle were detected. Mitosis was preceded by migration of the nucleus into the bud. F-actin failed to be visualised by rhodamine-phalloidin (RhPh) in encapsulated cells and therefore an acapsular strain was used. The following actin structures were found: actin dots, actin cables and cytokinetic ring. Ultrastructural studies showed the presence of a nucleus in the bud before mitosis. A collar-shaped structure was seen at the base of bud emergence. A lamellar cell wall and a rough outer surface of the cells were detected. Cytoskeletal structures found in C. laurentii are similar to those in Cryptococcus neoformans, which is a serious human pathogen.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Mrs V. Ramíková, Mrs D. Klemová, Dr. L. Ilkovics and Mr. P. Hnilička for technical assistance, and Dr. E. Breierová and Dr. N. Kolarová for providing valuable information on the strains used in the study. The study was supported by grants 310/03/1195 and 310/06/0605 from the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic.

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Correspondence to Marek David.

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David, M., Gabriel, M. & Kopecká, M. Cytoskeletal structures, ultrastructural characteristics and the capsule of the basidiomycetous yeast Cryptococcus laurentii . Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 92, 29–36 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10482-006-9131-5

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