A new report on gene expression of three killer toxin genes with antimicrobial activity of two killer toxins in Iraq

Abstract

For the first time, 31 type strains of yeasts were tested for killer toxin production in Iraq via the measurement of gene expression of three killer toxin genes (M1, M2, and M28) within the mycovirus in yeasts. All the type strains gave an expression for the three killer toxins with variable levels. The highest expression was recorded for the killer toxin genes in Torulaspora delbrueckii followed by Wickerhamomyces anomalus. Determined antibacterial activity of two killer toxins appeared with high inhibition zone against pathogenic strains of bacteria. Cytotoxicity against human blood cells was not found. These results considered the first record of killer toxins isolated from type strains in Iraq.