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Lomasomes and Other Fungal Plasma Membrane Macroinvaginations Have a Tubular and Lamellar Genesis

Summary

Scientists studied mushroom cells to understand structures called lomasomes that form at the cell membrane surface. Using advanced microscopy techniques, they discovered these structures are made of tiny tubes and layers that can fold and swell into different shapes. These findings help explain how fungal cells that decompose wood organize their membranes and may be involved in how cells take in materials from their surroundings.

Background

Lomasomes are large-sized invaginations of the plasma membrane found in fungal cells, particularly in wood-decaying basidiomycetes. The ultrastructural morphology of lomasomes is diverse and can consist of vesicles, tubes, lamellae, and their combinations. Their functions and mechanisms of formation have remained poorly understood.

Objective

To classify and establish the features of various types of plasma membrane macroinvaginations in xylotrophic basidiomycetes using volumetric fluorescent and electron microscopic techniques. The study aims to identify relationships between macroinvaginations and endocytosis while characterizing their structural genesis.

Results

Large plasma membrane invaginations in xylotrophs have fundamentally tubular or lamellar genesis, forming various structures including glomeruli, pendants, plaques, small vesicles, and large vesicles. The study identified that these macroinvaginations correspond to classical lomasomes at the ultrastructural level and that their formation and morphology are influenced by preincubation conditions, osmotic pressure, and time of observation.

Conclusion

Fungal plasma membrane macroinvaginations, including lomasomes, originate from tubular and lamellar invaginations that can swell into vesicles through various mechanisms. These structures are distinct from endocytic pathways and vacuolar systems, representing a novel intracellular tubular system in wood-decaying fungi that requires further investigation regarding their biological functions.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental/Microscopy Study,
  • Source: PMID: 36547649, DOI: 10.3390/jof8121316
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