Cell wall analysis.
The cell wall is a rigid structure essential for survival of the fungal cell. Because of its absence in mammalian cells, the cell wall is an attractive target for antifungal agents. Thus, for different reasons, it is important to know how the cell wall is synthesized and how different molecules regulate that synthesis. The Schizosaccharomyces pombe cell wall is mainly formed by glucose polysaccharides and some galactomannoproteins. Here, we describe a fast and reliable method to analyze changes in S. pombe cell wall composition by using specific enzymatic degradation and chemical treatment of purified cell walls. This approach provides a powerful means to analyze changes in (1,3)beta-glucan and (1,3)alpha-glucan, two main polysaccharides present in fungal cell walls. Analysis of cell wall polymers will be useful to search for new antifungal drugs that may inhibit cell wall biosynthesis and/or alter cell wall structure.
Pérez P, Ribas JC