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Ultraviolet-mediated antimycotic activity of alpha-terthienyl on Microsporum cookei
1Institute of Botany, University of Ferrara, Italy.
Abstract:
Alpha-terthienyl (alpha-T) in the presence of UV-A irradiation reduced the growth rate of Microsporum cookei. In the dark, alpha-T accumulated in small diffuse vacuoles within the hyphae. After UV-A treatment, alpha-T caused damage to the membranes of the nucleus, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Plasmolytic and autolytic changes occurred resulting in plasma membrane breakage and cell wall aberrations. UV-A activated alpha-T would appear to target membrane proteins.
Insights
UV-A light activates alpha-terthienyl (alpha-T), inhibiting fungal growth by damaging cell membranes. This photoactivated compound targets proteins within the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum of Microsporum cookei.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Photobiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alpha-terthienyl (alpha-T) is a naturally occurring compound with potential biological activities.
- UV-A irradiation is known to activate certain photosensitive molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of alpha-terthienyl (alpha-T) combined with UV-A irradiation on the growth and cellular integrity of Microsporum cookei.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of photoactivated alpha-T in fungal cells.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Microsporum cookei cultures to alpha-terthienyl (alpha-T) in the presence and absence of UV-A irradiation.
- Microscopic examination of fungal hyphae to observe cellular changes and accumulation of alpha-T.
- Assessment of membrane integrity and cellular damage.
Main Results:
- Alpha-terthienyl (alpha-T) significantly reduced the growth rate of Microsporum cookei under UV-A irradiation.
- In the dark, alpha-T localized within vacuoles.
- UV-A activated alpha-T induced significant damage to the nuclear, mitochondrial, and endoplasmic reticulum membranes, leading to plasmolysis, autolysis, and cell wall aberrations.
Conclusions:
- UV-A activated alpha-terthienyl (alpha-T) exhibits potent antifungal activity against Microsporum cookei.
- The primary mechanism involves targeting and damaging cellular membranes, particularly membrane proteins, leading to cell death.
- Alpha-terthienyl (alpha-T) shows promise as a photosensitizer for antifungal applications.