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Biochemistry

Muscodor albus Fungus Reveals Mechanism of Action of Volatile Organic Compounds on Bacteria

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by scientists at Yale University has shed light on the mechanism of action of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by the fungus Muscodor albus, which has been found to inhibit and kill other fungi, bacteria, and insects. The study, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, used genetic screens and biochemical assays to investigate the mode of action of these VOCs. The research revealed that the VOCs induce DNA damage in bacteria, leading to cell death, and also cause filamentous growth and increased cellular membrane fluidity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fungus Muscodor albus produces a complex mixture of VOCs that inhibit and kill other organisms through unknown mechanisms.
  • A single-gene knockout screen revealed high sensitivity of Escherichia coli lacking enzymes in the pathways of DNA repair, DNA metabolic process, and response to stress when exposed to the VOCs of M. albus.
  • Sensitivity of knockouts involved in the repair of specific DNA alkyl adducts suggests that the VOCs may induce alkylation and DNA damage.
  • Cytotoxicity profiling indicated that during VOC exposure, E. coli became filamentous and demonstrated an increase in cellular membrane fluidity.
  • The volatile nature of the toxic compounds produced by M. albus and their broad range of inhibition make this fungus an attractive biological agent.
  • The mechanism of action of the VOCs will inform the utility and safety of potential mycofumigation applications for M. albus.
  • M. Campos, C. Jacobs-Wagner, and S.A. Strobela are additional authors on this research.
  • The study was conducted at Yale University, Howard Hughes Med Inst, New Haven, CT 06511, United States.

Statistics:

  • The study found that the VOCs produced by M. albus induced DNA damage in E. coli, leading to cell death.
  • The VOCs also caused filamentous growth and increased cellular membrane fluidity in E. coli.
  • The study used genetic screens and biochemical assays to investigate the mode of action of the VOCs.
  • The research was published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2015;81(3):1147-1156.
  • The study was funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Sources:

  • Mycofumigation by the Volatile Organic Compound-Producing Fungus Muscodor albus Induces Bacterial Cell Death through DNA Damage. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2015;81(3):1147-1156.
  • Applied and Environmental Microbiology can be contacted at: Amer Soc Microbiology, 1752 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036-2904, USA. (American Society for Microbiology - www.asm.org; Applied and Environmental Microbiology - aem.asm.org)

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