Enzyme release by Trichophyton rubrum depends on nutritional conditions

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Measuring Volatile and Non-volatile Antifungal Activity of Biocontrol Products
06:47

Measuring Volatile and Non-volatile Antifungal Activity of Biocontrol Products

Published on: December 5, 2020

J Brasch1, B S Martins, E Christophers

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Kiel, Germany.

Mycoses
|September 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Nutrient availability significantly impacts enzyme release in Trichophyton rubrum, a key factor in tinea infections. Glucose addition generally inhibits enzyme secretion, except for N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase in peptone media.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Enzymes released by dermatophytes play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of tinea infections.
  • Understanding the factors influencing fungal enzyme secretion is essential for comprehending disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of different nutrients (peptone, keratin, lipids) on extracellular enzyme release by Trichophyton rubrum.
  • To determine the effect of glucose supplementation on nutrient-induced enzyme secretion.

Main Methods:

  • Trichophyton rubrum was cultured in media supplemented with peptone, keratin, or lipids.
  • Glucose was added to separate culture assays to assess its inhibitory effect.
  • Extracellular enzyme activities in culture supernatants were quantified using the api-zym test.

Main Results:

  • Extracellular enzyme activity was significantly dependent on the supplied nutrients.
  • Keratin-rich media induced the release of seven different enzymes, compared to five with lipids and two with peptone.
  • Glucose addition generally inhibited enzyme release, with N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase being an exception in peptone cultures.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal nutrition critically regulates extracellular enzyme release, a phenomenon likely relevant both in vivo and in vitro.
  • Alkaline phosphatase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase may hold greater significance in tinea pathogenesis than previously recognized.

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