Abstract
Numerous free fatty acids (FFAs) are known to have potent antifungal effects. The mammalian epidermis contains both FFAs and multiple classes of fatty acid esters, including 1-monoacylglycerols and wax esters. We thus hypothesized that wax esters and 1-monoacylglycerols composed of antifungal fatty acids would also have antifungal properties. We tested this hypothesis by examining the effects of 1-monoacylglycerols, 1,3-diacylglycerols, and wax esters on the growth of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the fungus that causes White-nose Syndrome (WNS) in North American bats by invading their epidermis. Laboratory experiments with Pd cultures demonstrated that: (a) three 1-monoacylglycerols (1-monopalmitolein, 1-monoolein, and 1-monolinolein), as well as, (b) two wax esters, behenyl oleate and behenyl palmitoleate, profoundly inhibit Pd growth. The normal growth cycle of Pd was interrupted by addition of two cholesterol esters to the media as well. A bat species resistant to cutaneous Pd infections has these 1-monoacylglycerols in the epidermis, and another Pd resistant bat species has these wax esters in the sebum, thus cutaneous lipid composition is one factor which enables some bats to avoid WNS. Our experiments also revealed that the fatty acid esters which inhibit Pd growth are not hydrolyzed by the lipases secreted by this fungus, whereas the esters that do not inhibit Pd growth are hydrolyzed.
Highlights
Several emergent fungal diseases have decimated multiple vertebrate populations during the past 30 years
Our experiments revealed that the fatty acid esters which inhibit Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) growth are not hydrolyzed by the lipases secreted by this fungus, whereas the esters that do not inhibit Pd growth are hydrolyzed
The results of our study clearly demonstrate that several cutaneous 1-monoacylglycerols containing 16–18 carbon fatty acids which are found in the epidermis of bats inhibit the growth of
Summary
Several emergent fungal diseases have decimated multiple vertebrate populations during the past 30 years. Chytridiomycosis in North and South America is caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and was first observed in 1998 This fungus has since been observed in over 520 amphibian species worldwide, causing severe population declines as well as extinctions in many instances for various infected species [1]. Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) is caused by a severe cutaneous infection with the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola and was first seen in North America in 2006 [2]. This fungus has since been observed infecting the epidermis of 23 snake species, causing severe SFD and mortality in at least
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
