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Nitric Oxide-Mediated Regulation of Chitinase Activity and Cadmium Sequestration in the Response of Schizophyllum commune to Cadmium Stress

Summary

Schizophyllum commune is an edible mushroom with health benefits, but cadmium pollution threatens both the fungus and human health. Researchers discovered that when exposed to cadmium, the mushroom produces a signaling molecule called nitric oxide that makes its cell wall enzymes more active, causing cadmium to accumulate in the cell wall and damaging the fungus. By controlling nitric oxide levels, scientists could potentially make these fungi more resistant to heavy metal pollution and safer for consumption.

Background

Schizophyllum commune is an edible fungus with medicinal properties, but exposure to heavy-metal pollution like cadmium (Cd) poses significant health risks. Cd toxicity inhibits fungal growth and leads to Cd accumulation in mycelium. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying Cd-induced growth inhibition and Cd accumulation remain poorly understood.

Objective

This study investigates the role of nitric oxide (NO) in mediating Cd-induced stress in Schizophyllum commune 20R-7-F01, specifically focusing on how NO signaling influences fungal growth under Cd stress and the mechanisms involved in Cd accumulation.

Results

Cd exposure resulted in growth inhibition and Cd-dependent increase in endogenous NO levels, primarily mediated by the nitrate reductase (NR) pathway rather than NOS. NO enhanced chitinase activity, promoting Cd accumulation in the fungal cell wall and leading to growth inhibition. Inhibiting NR activity or scavenging NO effectively reduced Cd accumulation and alleviated growth inhibition.

Conclusion

NO serves as a key mediator in the fungal response to Cd stress by enhancing chitinase activity and Cd accumulation in the fungal cell wall. Manipulating NO levels and chitinase activity presents a potential strategy to enhance fungal tolerance to heavy-metal pollution and protect both environmental and human health.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40142363, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13030470
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