Abstract

In this study, we used proteomics in conjunction with microscopy to study differences in the proteome and hyphal morphology of the copper tolerant soft rot fungus Phialophora malorum grown in media containing 0.064, 0.64% Cu as CuSO4. Unique proteins were found in the control and the copper-treated (0.064% CuSO4) samples. Of five unique proteins found in the 0.064% CuSO4 treated cultures, ATP synthase subunit alpha is considered to play an important role in copper tolerance as it is involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and steroids and may relate to morphological changes associated with hyphal cell walls of the fungus when grown in the presence of copper. ICP-AES analyses showed total mycelial Cu to increase with media Cu with 5246- and 16535 mu g Cu/g dry wt mycelia respectively found in 0.064 and 0.64% Cu-cultures after 6 weeks growth. Rubeanic acid staining of 0.064% mycelia showed Cu bound in intracellular bodies while most Cu was found as extracellular precipitates on the surfaces of hyphae in 0.64% Cu. SEM showed hyphal surfaces enrobed in fibrillar polysaccharides to which Cu was bound.

Keywords

Copper tolerance; ICP-AES; LC-MS/MS; Phialophora malorum; Proteomics; Soft rot fungi

Published in

International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation
2019, Volume: 137, pages: 147-152

SLU Authors

• Karunasekera, Hasanthi

  • Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Daniel, Geoffrey

  • Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Microbiology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2018.12.001

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/97400