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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 how a fungus from Antarctica called Penicillium griseofulvum survives in extremely cold conditions. They discovered that when exposed to cold temperatures, the fungus produces an enzyme called sialidase at higher levels, which helps it defend against damage caused by reactive oxygen species (harmful molecules). This response works alongside other protective enzymes, suggesting that sialidase is an important part of the fungus’s survival strategy in cold environments.

Background

Sialidases are enzymes that remove terminal sialic acid residues from glycoproteins and glycolipids. Previous research identified sialidase production in various fungal species, including the Antarctic strain Penicillium griseofulvum. Fungi adapted to extremely low temperatures possess defense mechanisms against oxidative stress, but the relationship between oxidative stress and sialidase synthesis has been poorly studied.

Objective

This study investigated the involvement of sialidase in the cellular response of the Antarctic strain P. griseofulvum P29 to oxidative stress induced by long-term and short-term exposure to low temperatures. The research examined stress biomarkers, antioxidant enzyme activity, and sialidase synthesis under various temperature conditions.

Results

Long-term cold exposure resulted in temperature-dependent sialidase synthesis, with 64% higher activity at 15°C compared to optimal temperature. Short-term temperature downshift induced oxidative stress evidenced by increased ROS production (3.3-fold increase in superoxide anion at 6°C), protein oxidation (7.3-fold increase in carbonyl groups), and lipid peroxidation. Simultaneously, sharp increases in SOD and CAT activity coincided with significant increases in sialidase activity, demonstrating a coordinated stress response.

Conclusion

This study marks the first demonstration of increased sialidase activity in filamentous fungi from extreme cold environments as a response to oxidative stress. The results suggest that sialidase plays a role in the cellular defense mechanisms of psychrotolerant fungi against cold-induced oxidative stress, similar to antioxidant enzymes like SOD and CAT.
  • Published in:Life (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40566577
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