Sulphitolysis in keratinolysi. Biochemical proof

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Biochemistry
• Dermatology

Background:

• Dermatophytes are fungi that cause skin infections.
• Keratin is a structural protein found in hair, skin, and nails.
• The mechanism by which dermatophytes degrade keratin is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biochemical processes involved in keratin degradation by the dermatophyte Keratinomyces ajelloi.
• To identify specific compounds released during the breakdown of human hair by K. ajelloi.
• To determine if sulphitolysis is a common mechanism employed by dermatophytes.

Main Methods:

• Culturing Keratinomyces ajelloi on human hair in a buffered medium.
• Utilizing ion exchange chromatography to detect and identify compounds in the culture filtrate.
• Employing enzymic hydrolysis to confirm the presence of S-sulphocysteine, which is destroyed by acidic hydrolysis.

Main Results:

• S-sulphocysteine was identified in the filtrates of K. ajelloi grown on human hair.
• The presence of S-sulphocysteine indicates that sulphitolysis occurs during keratinolysis by K. ajelloi.
• Thiosulphuric esters were previously found in hair perforations by Microsporum gypseum.

Conclusions:

• Sulphitolysis is a key mechanism in keratin degradation by Keratinomyces ajelloi.
• This finding suggests that sulphitolysis is a common strategy used by dermatophytes to break down keratin.
• Further research into dermatophyte-keratin interactions can inform the development of antifungal treatments.