Regulation of N-acetylglucosamine kinase synthesis in yeast

Abstract

The presence of N-acetylglucosamine source is essential for the induced synthesis of N-acetylglucosamine kinase (ATP : 2-acetylamino-2-deoxy-D-glucose-6-phosphotransferase) in a wildtype strain of Candida albicans. The enzyme synthesis stops and its concentration in the cells declines rapidly as soon as 2-acetylamino-2-deoxy-D-glucose (GlcNAc) is removed from the medium. Cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis completely prevents induction of N-acetylglucosamine kinase. Further, by blocking the RNA synthesis by actinomycin D or by suppressing the transport of nuclear mRNA to cytoplasm by cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), no further synthesis of the kinase is observed. However, inhibition of DNA synthesis either by hydroxyurea or by mitomycin-C does not impair the synthesis of N-acetylglucosamine kinase.