Impact of Cordyceps Fungi on Endurance in Tetrahymena thermophila
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Authors
Bold, Katherine
de Guzman, Michael
Date of Issue
2025-04-25
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
In recent years, Cordyceps, a genus of parasitic fungi, has been increasingly used as a naturopathic alternative to caffeine. Cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine), a compound found within Cordyceps, has been proven to increase ATP availability, increase blood oxygen saturation, and reduce physical fatigue. Despite its increasing popularity, limited research is available regarding the cellular and genetic impacts of Cordyceps treatment. This study examined the effects of Cordyceps supplementation on Tetrahymena thermophila motility and gene expression under normal and movement-restricted stress conditions. It was hypothesized that T. thermophila treated with Cordyceps would exhibit altered behaviors related to mobility along with changes in expression of the genes Flippase 1(Flp1) and Calmodulin 1 (CAM1). Flp1 encodes an ATPase which transports phospholipids across the plasma membrane that are vital to mitochondrial function, while CAM1 encodes a calcium-binding protein that facilitates ATPase activity. To test this hypothesis, cells were cultured for approximately 48 hours in either a control SPP media, a 1% methylcellulose SPP media to restrict movement, or a 1% methylcellulose SPP media supplemented with a physiologically-adjusted dose of Cordyceps. The behavioral impacts of Cordyceps treatment on physically stressed cells was determined using chemotaxis, motility, and tumbling assays, while changes in expression of Flp1 and CAM1 was measured via RT-qPCR. It was predicted that Cordyceps treatment would increase cellular movement and the expression of Flp1 and CAM1 genes due to its proposed function as a stimulant.