Characterization of the Cell Wall of a Mushroom Forming Fungus at Atomic Resolution Using Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

Author: mycolabadmin
2020-10-28
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Summary

This research provides an atomic-level view of mushroom cell wall structure using advanced imaging techniques. The findings reveal new details about how fungal cell walls are built and organized, which has important implications for both basic science and practical applications. Impacts on everyday life: – Improved understanding for developing new antifungal medications – Better methods for diagnosing fungal infections – Potential applications in sustainable materials development – Enhanced knowledge for industrial production of fungal products – Applications in biotechnology and food science

Background

Cell walls play essential functions in the interaction of fungi with their (a)biotic environment and are key to hyphal morphogenesis and mechanical strength. Despite their importance, relatively little is known about fungal cell walls. Previous work has shown that the composition of fungal cell walls is dynamic and varies between species, strains, environmental conditions, and developmental stage. Until recently, biochemical analysis of fungal cell walls was based on destructive methods using enzymatic and/or chemical treatments.

Objective

To study the structural organization of the cell wall of Schizophyllum commune, a representative of the Basidiomycota, using solid-state NMR spectroscopy combined with HPLC and GC-MS analysis to provide novel insights into cell wall composition and architecture.

Results

The rigid core of the cell wall was found to contain different forms of chitin ranging from highly branched to single stranded β-(1,4)-chitin, α- and β-(1,3)-glucans including β-(1,3)-(1,6)-glucan, mannose, and fucose. The mobile fraction contained different surface species such as terminal hexoses in form of α and β-linked reducing and non-reducing ends of glucan and different mannose species. The study revealed that α-(1,3)-glucan and polymeric fucose are present in the rigid core structure even after alkali treatment.

Conclusion

The study provided a refined model of S. commune cell wall structure, revealing novel insights into its composition and organization. The presence of α-(1,3)-glucan in the core structure, similar to findings in Aspergillus fumigatus, suggests an important structural role across fungal kingdoms. The discovery of fucose in the rigid alkali-resistant part represents a unique feature of basidiomycete cell walls that could be targeted for anti-fungal development or diagnosis.

Published in:The Cell Surface,
Study Type:Laboratory Research,
Source: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2020.100046