Specific study examining silver nanoparticle-induced adaptable physiological signal changes in Phanerochaete chrysosporium in a tetracycline hydrochloride-abundant system

Abstract

Numerous studies have documented the toxicity of AgNPs to cells; however, few studies have attempted to explore the intrinsic mechanistic relationships between fungal cells and contaminants, particularly in the context of changes in physiological signaling in the presence of AgNPs. Therefore, we investigated the response of the model white-rot fungal species Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium) to different concentrations of AgNPs in a tetracycline hydrochloride environment. The results revealed that tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) enhanced the detoxification of P. chrysosporium at low concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In the TCH-abundant system, a relatively low concentration (1.0 μM) of AgNPs activated the antioxidant stress response of P. chrysosporium, enhanced the expression of H+-ATPase, K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-ATPase, increased the flow of cellular mobility signals (H+, K+, Ca2+, and O2 fluxes), and elevated cellular activity for detoxification. Higher concentrations (50.0 μM) of AgNPs inhibited cellular responses in regard to ATPase activity and mobile signals and induced high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ultimately leading to cell death. The effect of AgNPs on P. chrysosporium genes in the TCH-abundant system was also investigated, and significant expression of genes related to transmembrane transport, stress response, and substance and energy metabolism was observed. This study examining the adaptive physiological response of P. chrysosporium to AgNPs in an antibiotic environment provides a new understanding of the intrinsic interaction between this fungus and contaminants.