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Metabolic fingerprinting to elucidate the biodegradation of phosphonoacetic acid and its impact on Penicillium metabolism

Summary

Scientists studied how three types of mold fungi break down and use a phosphorus-containing compound called phosphonoacetic acid. Using advanced chemical analysis, they identified unique metabolic patterns in each fungal strain depending on whether they were given regular phosphorus or the more challenging phosphonoacetic acid. These findings reveal how fungi adapt their internal chemistry to handle different phosphorus sources and could help identify which fungi are best at breaking down harmful phosphorus-containing chemicals in the environment.

Background

Fungi, particularly Penicillium species, play a significant role in degrading organophosphonates and other xenobiotics due to their flexible metabolism. Understanding the metabolic response of fungi to phosphonate compounds requires advanced analytical techniques to study their cellular physiology and identify metabolic biomarkers.

Objective

This study aimed to identify metabolic differences in three Penicillium strains when cultured on media containing either inorganic phosphate or phosphonoacetic acid as the sole phosphorus source, using metabolomic analysis to elucidate their biodegradation mechanisms and metabolic responses.

Results

The study identified distinct metabolic fingerprints between strains and phosphorus sources. P. commune showed increased glutathione, adenosine, and glucose on PA-medium, indicating stress responses and activation of secondary metabolite pathways. Wild-type strains exhibited elevated levels of precursors for secondary metabolites, while differences in carbohydrate storage and aromatic amino acids distinguished the strains.

Conclusion

Metabolomic fingerprinting effectively distinguished metabolic strategies among Penicillium strains in response to different phosphorus sources. P. commune and P. funiculosum S4 showed similar metabolism on inorganic phosphate, while P. commune and P. crustosum S2 shared characteristics on phosphonoacetic acid, providing insights into fungal adaptation mechanisms and potential biomarkers for strain identification.
  • Published in:Biodegradation,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41023299, DOI: 10.1007/s10532-025-10192-8
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