U.S. researchers discover new gene involved in toxic competition among yeast

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. researchers have identified a new gene that makes yeast resistant to a lethal toxin, according to a new study published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

To study the evolution of toxin resistance, researchers at the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute used yeast, the kind commonly used for home baking, as a model organism.

The researchers analyzed yeast infected with a virus that causes the yeast to secrete a lethal toxin called K28. The virus does not negatively affect the infected yeast. Instead, infected yeast are also resistant to the toxin's effects, according to the study.

These infected yeast secrete the K28 toxin to wipe out non-infected yeast growing nearby. This provides the infected yeast an evolutionary advantage in the competition for resources, according to the study.

The newly discovered gene helps some yeast endure toxins and can help scientists understand toxin resistance, said a release of the U.S. National Institutes of Health on Tuesday.