Role of N -Acetylgalactosamine-Specific Protein in Trapping of Nematodes by Arthrobotrys oligospora

Abstract

An N-acetylgalactosamine-specific protein was purified from mycelial homogenates of the nematodetrapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora by using affinity chromatography. The molecular weight of the protein was estimated at 22,000 by its comparative mobility on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide slab gels. Pretreatment of nematodes with the purified protein reduced entrapment, indicating a role for the sugar-binding protein in recognition and capture of prey by the fungus.

Modulation of the Host Defence System by Nematophagous Fungi and Chitosan

“…Thus, galactose is present in the fungal wall as a glycoprotein [112] and acts as a promoter of filamentous growth in Candida albicans [113] and cellulase gene expression in the anamorphic fungus T. reesei [114]. In turn, nematode-trapping fungi recognise the nematode cuticle, which contains galactose residues, including N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and D-galactose [115][116][117][118][119]. Thus, since galactose could be released from the eggshell, the study of GAL4 in Pc will show promoters that regulate this sugar metabolism [111].…”