Abstract: Objective To investigate the influence of TTS-12,a steroid saponin from Tribulus terrestris,on building biofilm of Cryptococcus neoformans,and to explore the possible mechanism.Methods The inhibitory effects of biofilm formation of Cryptococcus neoformans by TTS-12 was observed by microscopy and assessed by MTT method.The expression of PMT4 mRNA was measured by real-time RT-PCR with different concentrations of TTS-12.Results Compared with control group,TTS-12 treatment showed inhibitory effects on the formation process,making the biofilm more loosened.The growth kinetics and PMT4 mRNA level in TTS-12-treated group were dose-dependently lower than those in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusions TTS-12 may has inhibitory effect on formation of Cryptococcus biofilm by PMT4 gene.

Key words: Tribulus terrestris, Cryptococcus neoformans, biofilm, TTS-12, PMT4