Abstract Detail

Poster Session

Ahrendt, Steven [1], Jeong, Na [1], Ear, Sapphire [1], Stajich, Jason [1].

Growth inhibition of Neurospora crassa by the chytridiomycete Homolaphlyctis polyrhiza.

The need for natural antifungal treatment is increasing as fungi become progressively resistant to current, conventionally synthesized antifungal drugs. Chytrids are a polyphyletic group of early-diverging fungi which are relatively understudied despite fulfilling various important roles in the ecosystem as decomposers, parasites, and symbionts with other organisms. As such, this group of organisms represents a potentially valuable source of novel antifungal compounds. Here we describe the interaction between the Chytridiomycete Homolaphlyctis polyrhiza and the filamentous Ascomycete Neurospora crassa. When H. polyrhiza and N. crassa are co-cultured, there is a distinct inhibitory effect by the H.polyrhiza sporangia on N. crassa hyphal growth, manifesting as a clear zone extending approximately 1 mm in all directions from the edge of the sporangia. The sporangia of closely related chytrids B. dendrobatidis and S. punctatus do not demonstrate this inhibitory effect. Additionally, N. crassa has drastically reduced growth when co-cultured with H. polyrhiza in liquid media. We further tested this interaction by inoculating filtrate from the co-cultures with new N. crassa conidia and again observed the inhibitory property. Further assays are ongoing to determine the chemical nature of compound, including a range of temperature and chemical stresses (eg Proteinase K). Direct probing with HPLC for bioassay-guided fractionation and subsequent LC-MS will allow us to screen for compounds. Testing additional targets for susceptibility, including mutants of N. crassa, other species from within the genus Neurospora, and other microorganisms (eg Aspergillus nidulans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and E. coli) will provide details about the ability of H. polyrhiza to be a potentially viable producer of economically or medically relevant antifungal compounds.

1 - University of California, Riverside, Plant Pathology & Microbiology, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA

Keywords:
Homolaphlyctis polyrhiza
Neurospora crassa
antifungal
inhibition
Chytridiomycota.

Presentation Type: Offered Paper - Poster
Session: P1
Location: Lincoln Room/Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Date: Monday, June 9th, 2014
Time: 8:00 PM
Number: P1002
Abstract ID:169
Candidate for Awards:Graduate Student Poster Presentation Award