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A mass spectrometry-based strategy for investigating volatile molecular interactions in microbial consortia: unveiling a Fusarium-specific induction of an antifungal compound

Summary

Scientists developed a new method to study how different fungi communicate and compete with each other through invisible chemical signals called volatile organic compounds. By growing three types of fungi together in a controlled setup, they discovered that Fusarium culmorum specifically produces a compound called γ-terpinene when in contact with other fungi. This compound acts as a natural antifungal agent, helping Fusarium fight off competing fungi. This research provides a blueprint for understanding complex fungal interactions in environments like human lungs and could eventually help diagnose or prevent fungal-related diseases.

Background

Microbial co-cultivation has emerged as a promising methodology for studying molecular interactions between fungal species and activating silent biosynthetic clusters. However, a major challenge remains in determining which fungal species is responsible for producing volatile molecules induced during co-culture confrontations, particularly when these molecules are not detectable in individual cultures.

Objective

This study developed a three-head-to-head fungal co-culture strategy using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry to identify species-specific production of volatile organic compounds and determine fungal origin of induced metabolites during confrontations between three fungal species.

Results

A Fusarium-specific induction of three volatile molecules was detected: γ-terpinene and two unidentified sesquiterpene compounds. These molecules appeared only in co-cultures where Fusarium culmorum was present (FusxAsp and FusxCla) but not in single cultures or Aspergillus-Cladosporium co-cultures. Bioassays confirmed that γ-terpinene exhibited antifungal activity against both Aspergillus amstelodami and Cladosporium cladosporioides at multiple concentrations.

Conclusion

The proposed three-head-to-head co-culture methodology effectively identifies species-specific volatile metabolite induction and determines fungal origin of induced compounds in fungal consortia. The strategy is broadly applicable to studying volatile interactions in microbiomes of ecological and clinical significance, particularly for understanding fungal interactions in oral and lung mycobiomes.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40070966, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1417919
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