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A Possible Involvement of Sialidase in the Cell Response of the Antarctic Fungus Penicillium griseofulvum P29 to Oxidative Stress

Summary

Scientists studied a cold-loving fungus from Antarctica to understand how it survives in extreme cold. They found that when exposed to freezing temperatures, the fungus produces more of an enzyme called sialidase, along with other protective molecules. This appears to be part of the fungus’s survival strategy against the damaging effects of cold stress, helping it protect its cells from oxidative damage.

Background

Sialidases are enzymes that remove sialic acid residues from glycoproteins and glycolipids and are found in bacteria, viruses, and some fungi. Antarctic fungi possess defense mechanisms for survival in extreme cold environments. The relationship between oxidative stress and sialidase synthesis in fungi has been rarely studied.

Objective

To investigate the involvement of sialidase in the cellular response of Antarctic strain P. griseofulvum P29 against oxidative stress induced by long-term and short-term exposure to low temperatures, and to examine stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzyme activity.

Results

Long-term cold stress (15-20°C) resulted in increased sialidase activity (24-64% higher than control) and enhanced SOD and CAT activity. Short-term cold exposure induced oxidative stress with increased ROS production, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and accumulation of reserve carbohydrates (trehalose and glycogen). Sialidase activity increased 1.7-2.7 fold during cold stress conditions.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence of increased sialidase activity in Antarctic filamentous fungi as a response to oxidative stress induced by low temperatures. Sialidase appears to play a role in the cellular adaptation mechanisms of psychrotolerant fungi to extreme cold environments alongside antioxidant enzymes.
  • Published in:Life (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMC12194652, PMID: 40566577, DOI: 10.3390/life15060926
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