Molecular architecture of chitin and chitosan-dominated cell walls in zygomycetous fungal pathogens by solid-state NMR.

ABSTRACT: Zygomycetous fungal infections pose an emerging medical threat among individuals with compromised immunity and metabolic abnormalities. Our pathophysiological understanding of these infections, particularly the role of fungal cell walls in growth and immune response, remains limited. Here we conducted multidimensional solid-state NMR analysis to examine cell walls in five Mucorales species, including key mucormycosis causative agents like Rhizopus and Mucor species. We show that the rigid core of the cell wall primarily comprises highly polymorphic chitin and chitosan, with minimal quantities of β-glucans linked to a specific chitin subtype. Chitosan emerges as a pivotal molecule preserving hydration and dynamics. Some proteins are entrapped within this semi-crystalline chitin/chitosan lay

SUBMITTER: Cheng Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11437000 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature