Partial characterization of the extracellular matrix released onto hydrophobic surfaces by conidia and conidial germlings of Colletotrichum graminicola

The extracellular matrix (ECM) released by conidia of Colletotrichum graminicola when incubated on artificial hydrophobic substrata was investigated. Time-course experiments revealed that proteins and carbohydrates were released in the ECM of both ungerminated and germinated conidia. Stains for protein and carbohydrate revealed that part of the ECM remained attached to the substratum after the fungus had been removed. The ECM isolated from substrata where ungerminated conidia had adhered and from substrata where germinated conidia had adhered exhibited the same profiles when analysed by SDS-PAGE for proteins and glycoproteins and by HPLC for carbohydrate analysis. The ECM was found to be composed of glycoproteins with a molecular weight of around 200 kDa. Deglycosylation of the isolated ECM material resulted in the release of a protein with a molecular weight of approx. 116 kDa, indicating that the original protein was extensively glycosylated. Carbohydrate analysis demonstrated that mannose was the predominant sugar. That the ECM remained attached to the surface of the hydrophobic substrata suggests that it has a role in adhesion.