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Low Temperature Enhances N-Metabolism in Paxillus involutus Mycelia In Vitro: Evidence From an Untargeted Metabolomic Study

Summary

Researchers studied how a common forest fungus (Paxillus involutus) responds to cold temperatures like those found in spring and autumn. Surprisingly, even though the fungus grew slower in the cold, it actually increased its nitrogen uptake and production of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. This suggests the fungus has special adaptation mechanisms to thrive in cold environments, which could be important for understanding how climate change might affect forest health.

Background

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) are major plant symbionts that influence nutrient uptake and stress resistance. Paxillus involutus is an important ECMF genus with broad distribution in the northern hemisphere. While most research focuses on ECMF response to warm temperatures, molecular responses to low temperature exposure remain poorly understood despite these fungi naturally occurring in cold climates.

Objective

This study investigates the molecular and metabolomic response of Paxillus involutus mycelia to prolonged low temperature exposure at 4°C using untargeted GC-MS/MS analysis. The research aims to understand how nitrogen and carbon metabolism are regulated under cold stress conditions relevant to natural fungal habitats.

Results

Low temperature exposure significantly reduced mycelial growth and increased oxidative stress markers. Despite reduced overall nutrient levels, nitrogen concentration and N-metabolism were markedly enhanced, particularly through the GS-GOGAT pathway, with elevated amino acid concentrations. Carbon metabolism was reprogrammed rather than reduced, with increased glycolysis intermediates and stress-related metabolites like trehalose and inositol family members, while overall carbon percentage remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Low temperature triggers enhanced nitrogen metabolism in P. involutus mycelia without additional carbon supply, involving increased NH4+ uptake and redirection of carbon skeletons toward nitrogen-compound biosynthesis. These findings suggest cold adaptation mechanisms in ECMF and have implications for understanding fungal-plant symbiotic balance under climate change, though further ecological validation is needed.
  • Published in:Environmental Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental In Vitro Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40796359, DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.70162
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