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Response to Salt Stress of the Halotolerant Filamentous Fungus Penicillium chrysogenum P13

Summary

Scientists studied a special salt-loving fungus called Penicillium chrysogenum P13 that can survive in very salty environments like salt lakes. When exposed to high salt levels, the fungus activates protective mechanisms including special enzymes that neutralize harmful cellular damage. The research shows that the fungus handles salt stress by producing more of its own antioxidants and storing special compounds that protect its cells.

Background

Halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms can survive in extreme saline environments through specialized adaptive mechanisms. Penicillium chrysogenum is a filamentous fungus that has been isolated from saline habitats. Understanding the cellular and physiological responses of these organisms to salt stress provides insights into extremophile adaptation strategies.

Objective

To investigate the response of a newly isolated halotolerant Penicillium chrysogenum P13 strain to elevated sodium chloride concentrations at morphological and cellular levels. The study aimed to establish the relationship between salt stress and oxidative stress in filamentous fungi.

Results

The strain demonstrated moderate halotolerance with optimal growth at 5% NaCl and survival up to 20% NaCl. Under high salt conditions (7.5-10% NaCl), increased levels of oxidatively damaged proteins, lipid peroxidation, and reserve carbohydrates were observed, correlating with elevated antioxidant enzyme activities. These findings confirm the relationship between salt stress and oxidative stress in the fungal cells.

Conclusion

P. chrysogenum P13 exhibits adaptive mechanisms involving antioxidant enzyme defenses and accumulation of protective compounds in response to salt stress. The study demonstrates that salt tolerance in filamentous fungi is linked to enhanced oxidative stress resistance through enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40141973, DOI: 10.3390/molecules30061196
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