Plasmalemmasome development in Trichophyton mentagrophytes grown at suboptimal temperature

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Cell Biology
• Fungal Physiology

Background:

• The dermatophytic fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a common cause of superficial fungal infections.
• Fungal cell membrane integrity and function are crucial for growth and survival.
• Environmental factors, such as temperature, can significantly impact fungal morphology and physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of suboptimal temperature on the ultrastructure of Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
• To characterize novel membranous bodies associated with the fungal plasmalemma under stress conditions.
• To propose a functional role for these structures in fungal adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Cultivation of Trichophyton mentagrophytes at optimal (28°C) and suboptimal (19°C) temperatures.
• Transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis.
• Morphological and cytochemical characterization of observed structures.

Main Results:

• At suboptimal temperature (19°C), numerous membranous bodies, termed plasmalemmasomes, were observed associated with the plasmalemma of young Trichophyton mentagrophytes cells.
• The number of plasmalemmasomes was significantly higher at 19°C compared to the optimum temperature (28°C).
• These structures exhibited distinct morphological and cytochemical characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Suboptimal temperature induces the formation of plasmalemmasomes in Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
• Plasmalemmasomes are likely involved in the fungal response to environmental stress.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise function of plasmalemmasomes in fungal adaptation and pathogenesis.