Genome-wide screening of genes associated with momilactone B sensitivity in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Momilactone B is a natural product with dual biological activities, including antimicrobial and allelopathic properties, and plays a major role in plant chemical defense against competitive plants and pathogens. The pharmacological effects of momilactone B on mammalian cells have also been reported. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying its broad bioactivity. In this study, the genetic determinants of momilactone B sensitivity in yeast were explored to gain insight into its mode of action. We screened fission yeast mutants resistant to momilactone B from a pooled culture containing genome-wide gene-overexpressing strains in a drug-hypersensitive genetic background. Overexpression of pmd1, bfr1, pap1, arp9, or SPAC9E9.06c conferred resistance to momilactone B. In addition, a drug-hypersensitive, barcoded deletion library was newly constructed and the genes that imparted altered sensitivity to momilactone B upon deletion were identified. Gene Ontology and fission yeast phenotype ontology enrichment analyses predicted the biological pathways related to the mode of action of momilactone B. The validation of predictions revealed that momilactone B induced abnormal phenotypes such as multiseptated cells and disrupted organization of the microtubule structure. This is the first investigation of the mechanism underlying the antifungal activity of momilactone B against yeast. The results and datasets obtained in this study narrow the possible targets of momilactone B and facilitate further studies regarding its mode of action.