Lipid Biosynthesis and Maturation Signals in Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis In Vitro

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a fungal parasite of amphibians responsible for the disease chytridiomycosis and partly attributed to massive global population declines of frogs and salamanders. Many of the molecular mechanisms behind the growth and development of Bd and how the fungus invades and infects amphibian hosts are unknown. In this study, two aspects of Bd development were analyzed. Confocal microscopy was used to observe lipid biosynthesis and packaging throughout the sessile life stage of the fungus. Maturation assays were conducted to examine the density-dependent maturation of Bd and to isolate potential developmental regulators secreted by zoosporangia that quicken the development of conspecifics. In addition, the isolation of proteins responsible for host-invasion was attempted using SDS-PAGE. Results from maturation assays support that multiple secretory molecules work synergistically to quicken maturation of zoosporangia. Further isolation of the responsible agents will give insight into how Bd development is regulated in the field. While the lipid analysis results were inconsistent, the data suggest a possible increase in lipid stores as sporangia mature, followed by packaging of lipids into newly forming zoospores in both cell membranes and energy stores. Bands from the protein extraction for invasion mechanism determination were not sufficient for analysis.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Hug, Josie

• amphibian

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/39284

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/39284