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Ultrastructure of budding process of Malassezia pachydermatis
K Nishimura1, Y Asada, S Tanaka
1Department of Dermatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
The ultrastructure of Malassezia pachydermatis and its budding process was investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The innermost layer of the cell wall showed the serrated structure characteristic of the genus Malassezia. In the daughter cell, this structure became more defined as the cell grew. The mode of conidium ontogeny was monopolar blastic development with a collarette. The appearance was similar to that reported previously for Malassezia furfur, with the following difference: the budding base was 0.9-1.1 microns in diameter which was broader than that of M. furfur (0.5-0.7 microns).
Insights
The ultrastructure of Malassezia pachydermatis was studied using electron microscopy. This yeast exhibits a characteristic serrated cell wall and monopolar blastic budding, differing from Malassezia furfur in budding base diameter.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
- Microbial Ultrastructure
Background:
- Malassezia species are yeasts commonly found on mammalian skin.
- Understanding their cellular structure and reproductive mechanisms is crucial for mycology and dermatology.
- Previous studies have described Malassezia furfur ultrastructure, but Malassezia pachydermatis requires further detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructure of Malassezia pachydermatis.
- To elucidate the specific characteristics of its budding process.
- To compare its ultrastructure with that of Malassezia furfur.
Main Methods:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology.
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for internal cellular details.
- Comparative analysis of ultrastructural features.
Main Results:
- The innermost cell wall layer of Malassezia pachydermatis displayed a serrated structure, typical for the Malassezia genus.
- This serrated structure became more defined in the daughter cell during growth.
- The yeast demonstrated monopolar blastic conidium ontogeny with a collarette, similar to Malassezia furfur.
- A key difference was observed in the budding base diameter: 0.9-1.1 microns for Malassezia pachydermatis versus 0.5-0.7 microns for Malassezia furfur.
Conclusions:
- Malassezia pachydermatis possesses a distinct ultrastructure, including a characteristic serrated cell wall.
- The budding process is a monopolar blastic type with a collarette.
- The broader budding base in Malassezia pachydermatis distinguishes it ultrastructurally from Malassezia furfur.