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Solid-state NMR spectroscopy reveals unique properties of Trichoderma harzianum cell wall components

Summary

Scientists used advanced spectroscopy techniques to examine the cell wall structure of Trichoderma harzianum, a beneficial fungus used to protect crops from harmful fungi. They discovered that this fungus has a uniquely organized cell wall composed of tough chitin layers inside and flexible sugar polymers outside. This special arrangement helps protect the fungus from dissolving itself with its own powerful enzymes while allowing it to attack pest fungi effectively.

Background

Trichoderma harzianum is a fungus used as a biological control agent against phytopathogenic fungi and acts as a mycoparasite. The fungus interacts with its environment through its cell wall and secretes enzymes that degrade target fungal cell walls while protecting its own. The organization and composition of T. harzianum cell wall at the molecular level remained poorly understood.

Objective

To determine the molecular composition and architecture of T. harzianum T22 cell wall at the atomic level using solid-state NMR spectroscopy and FTIR. To understand how the cell wall structure differs from other fungal species and how it protects against self-digestion by secreted lytic enzymes.

Results

The rigid inner cell wall core of T. harzianum consists primarily of chitin and β-(1,3)-glucan layers, with chitin forming the innermost, least water-accessible component. The outer flexible cell wall layer contains α-glucans, β-glucans, arabinan, mannan, and proteins. Growth on fungal cell wall material reduced rigid polysaccharide and flexible arabinan abundance compared to glucose growth.

Conclusion

T. harzianum forms a chemically distinct cell wall architecture compared to other fungal species, particularly lacking rigid α-(1,3)-glucan and forming a diverse outer polysaccharide layer. This unique composition likely protects against self-digestion by secreted lytic enzymes, a critical feature for its function as a mycoparasite.
  • Published in:Cell Surface,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41141375
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