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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 fungus from Antarctica to understand how it survives in extremely cold conditions. They discovered that when exposed to cold temperatures, this fungus produces more of an enzyme called sialidase, which appears to help protect cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen molecules. This finding adds to our understanding of how microorganisms adapt and survive in the world’s harshest environments.

Background

Sialidases are enzymes that remove terminal sialic acid residues from glycoproteins and glycolipids. While sialidase production has been identified in some fungal pathogens, the relationship between oxidative stress and sialidase synthesis remains poorly understood. The Antarctic fungus Penicillium griseofulvum P29 possesses defense mechanisms necessary for survival in extreme cold environments.

Objective

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

Results

Long-term cold stress resulted in temperature-dependent sialidase synthesis, with 64% increased activity at 15°C compared to optimal conditions. Short-term temperature downshift to 6°C induced oxidative stress with 3.3-fold and 2.1-fold increases in superoxide and hydrogen peroxide levels, respectively. Sialidase activity increased 2.7-fold at 6°C exposure, coinciding with significant increases in SOD and CAT activity and accumulation of stress biomarkers including protein carbonyls, lipid peroxidation products, trehalose, and glycogen.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates for the first time that increased sialidase activity occurs in filamentous fungi from extreme cold environments as a response to oxidative stress. The coordinated upregulation of sialidase with antioxidant enzymes suggests a novel role for sialidase in cellular defense mechanisms against cold-induced oxidative stress in psychrotolerant fungi.
  • Published in:Life (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40566577
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