Release of dimethylsulfide from dimethylsulfoniopropionate by plant-associated salt marsh fungi

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Published on: October 15, 2015

M K Bacic1, S Y Newell, D C Yoch

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, and Marine Institute, University of Georgia, Sapelo Island, Georgia 31327.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|December 14, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Fungi, particularly ascomycetes, possess dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) lyase activity, enabling the release of dimethylsulfide (DMS). This capability is strongly correlated with host plants that produce DMSP, indicating a significant role for fungi in DMS cycling.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Marine Biology
  • Biogeochemistry

Background:

  • Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) lyase activity, the enzymatic release of dimethylsulfide (DMS) from DMSP, was previously known in bacteria and algae.
  • Fungi, especially ascomycetes, are primary decomposers of smooth cordgrass in salt marshes, a process linked to peak DMS release.
  • The presence of DMSP lyase in fungi suggests a potential role in the marine sulfur cycle.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the DMSP lyase capability of fungal decomposers associated with DMSP-containing plants.
  • To determine if fungi involved in smooth cordgrass decomposition contribute to DMS release.
  • To explore the correlation between fungal DMSP catabolism and host plant DMSP production.

Main Methods:

  • Tested seven smooth cordgrass ascomycetes for DMSP lyase activity.
  • Assessed DMSP lyase competence in ascomycetes from other DMSP-containing plants.
  • Screened ascomycetes and mitosporic fungi from non-DMSP-producing halophytes and marine oomycotes for DMSP lyase activity.

Main Results:

  • Six of seven smooth cordgrass ascomycetes exhibited DMSP lyase activity.
  • Both tested ascomycetes from other DMSP-containing plants were DMSP lyase competent.
  • Only 3 of 11 fungi from non-DMSP-producing plants showed DMSP lyase activity, while marine oomycotes lacked it.
  • Two fungal strains demonstrated both DMSP lyase and DMS uptake capabilities.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal DMSP lyase activity is widespread among decomposers of DMSP-producing plants.
  • A strong correlation exists between fungal DMSP lyase ability and host plant DMSP production.
  • Fungi play a significant role in the biological release of DMS in DMSP-rich environments like salt marshes.

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