Cell cycle studies on the mode of action of yeast K28 killer toxin.

The virally encoded K28 killer toxin of Saccharomyces cerevisiae kills sensitive cells by a receptor-mediated process. DNA synthesis is rapidly inhibited, cell viability is lost more slowly and cells eventually arrest, apparently in the S phase of the cell cycle with a medium-sized bud, a single nucleus in the mother cell and a pre-replicated (1n) DNA content. Cytoplasmic microtubules appear normal, and no spindle is detectable. Arrest of a sensitive haploid yeast strain by alpha-factor at START gave complete protection for at least 4 h against a toxin concentration that killed non-arrested cells at the rate of one log each 2.5 h. Cells released from alpha-factor arrest were killed by toxin…