Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-09-02DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101653
Tianyi Zhao, Jinzhuo Shi, Lu Zhang, Wei Yuan, Ning Liu, Zhiyan Cao, Jingao Dong
The fungal pathogen Setosphaeria turcica causes northern corn leaf blight and relies on melanized appressoria for host invasion. SNX-BAR proteins are a subfamily of Sorting nexins (SNX), which regulate membrane trafficking, cargo sorting and membrane remodeling at the endosome. Previous studies have suggested that SNX-BARs play a critical role in growth, development and virulence of plant pathogens. However, its roles in S. turcica remain not fully understood. Here, we characterized the SNX-BAR protein StMvp1, a homolog of yeast Mvp1, in S. turcica and uncovered its critical role in melanin biosynthesis, autophagy, and pathogenicity. Deletion of StMvp1 impaired polarized growth, and appressorium development, significantly reducing pathogenicity on maize. StMvp1 located in endosomes and is necessary for endocytosis. Notably, ΔStMvp1 accumulated intracellular melanin due to the mislocalization of key synthases (StPKS18, StLac1, and StSCD3), which were trapped in punctate endosomal compartments. Meanwhile, ΔStMvp1 exhibited aberrant autophagosome formation and impaired autophagy-dependent appressorium maturation. Our study establishes StMvp1 as a regulator of endosomal sorting, melanin transport, and pathogenicity, providing insights into SNX-BAR-mediated pathogenesis in plant pathogenic fungi.
{"title":"SNX-BAR protein StMvp1 is required for the endosomal sorting, melanin transport, and pathogenicity of Setosphaeria turcica","authors":"Tianyi Zhao, Jinzhuo Shi, Lu Zhang, Wei Yuan, Ning Liu, Zhiyan Cao, Jingao Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101653","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The fungal pathogen <em>Setosphaeria turcica</em> causes northern corn leaf blight and relies on melanized appressoria for host invasion. SNX-BAR proteins are a subfamily of Sorting nexins (SNX), which regulate membrane trafficking, cargo sorting and membrane remodeling at the endosome. Previous studies have suggested that SNX-BARs play a critical role in growth, development and virulence of plant pathogens. However, its roles in <em>S. turcica</em> remain not fully understood. Here, we characterized the SNX-BAR protein StMvp1, a homolog of yeast Mvp1, in <em>S. turcica</em> and uncovered its critical role in melanin biosynthesis, autophagy, and pathogenicity. Deletion of <em>StMvp1</em> impaired polarized growth, and appressorium development, significantly reducing pathogenicity on maize. <em>StMvp1</em> located in endosomes and is necessary for endocytosis. Notably, Δ<em>StMvp1</em> accumulated intracellular melanin due to the mislocalization of key synthases (<em>StPKS18</em>, <em>StLac1</em>, and <em>StSCD3</em>), which were trapped in punctate endosomal compartments. Meanwhile, Δ<em>StMvp1</em> exhibited aberrant autophagosome formation and impaired autophagy-dependent appressorium maturation. Our study establishes <em>StMvp1</em> as a regulator of endosomal sorting, melanin transport, and pathogenicity, providing insights into SNX-BAR-mediated pathogenesis in plant pathogenic fungi.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101653"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145045852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101658
Nahúm G. Cayo Chileno , Daniela Sales Alviano , Celuta Sales Alviano , Tatiana Cardoso e Bufalo , Talita Martins , Laércio Mesquita Júnior , Gabrielle Avelar Silva , Maria Alves Ferreira , Joaquin H. Aquino Rocha , Otavio da Fonseca Martins Gomes , Romildo Dias Toledo Filho , Saulo Rocha Ferreira
The biomineralization of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) mediated by microorganisms has been extensively studied for decades, with a predominant focus on bacteria, algae, and fungi. However, the functional and operational limitations of these species highlight the need to investigate new biological agents. This study aims to evaluate the biomineralization potential of Pythium aphanidermatum, an oomycete from the Chromista kingdom, for crack-healing applications in cement mortars. Its ureolytic capacity to accelerate CaCO3 formation was analyzed, and liquid cultures with controlled concentrations of cells and calcium acetate were designed. Additionally, the microorganism's growth in alkaline media was evaluated. A surface application technique was adapted to determine the crack repair potential in cementitious matrices. Results demonstrated that P aphanidermatum does not necessarily require urea to form CaCO3. A concentration of 105 cells/mL and 100 mM of calcium acetate were optimal for microorganism development through surface application and CaCO3 formation. It was also observed that P. aphanidermatum can tolerate alkaline environments (pH 11). Finally, its filamentous growth allowed partial filling of cracks in carbonated cement mortars. This work expands the scope of biomineralization by incorporating an organism from a previously unreported kingdom into this field, laying the foundation for sustainable and innovative applications in the construction industry.
{"title":"An exploratory study on crack healing in cementitious matrices induced by Pythium aphanidermatum","authors":"Nahúm G. Cayo Chileno , Daniela Sales Alviano , Celuta Sales Alviano , Tatiana Cardoso e Bufalo , Talita Martins , Laércio Mesquita Júnior , Gabrielle Avelar Silva , Maria Alves Ferreira , Joaquin H. Aquino Rocha , Otavio da Fonseca Martins Gomes , Romildo Dias Toledo Filho , Saulo Rocha Ferreira","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The biomineralization of calcium carbonate (CaCO<sub>3</sub>) mediated by microorganisms has been extensively studied for decades, with a predominant focus on bacteria, algae, and fungi. However, the functional and operational limitations of these species highlight the need to investigate new biological agents. This study aims to evaluate the biomineralization potential of <em>Pythium aphanidermatum</em>, an oomycete from the Chromista kingdom, for crack-healing applications in cement mortars. Its ureolytic capacity to accelerate CaCO<sub>3</sub> formation was analyzed, and liquid cultures with controlled concentrations of cells and calcium acetate were designed. Additionally, the microorganism's growth in alkaline media was evaluated. A surface application technique was adapted to determine the crack repair potential in cementitious matrices. Results demonstrated that <em>P aphanidermatum</em> does not necessarily require urea to form CaCO<sub>3</sub>. A concentration of 10<sup>5</sup> cells/mL and 100 mM of calcium acetate were optimal for microorganism development through surface application and CaCO<sub>3</sub> formation. It was also observed that <em>P. aphanidermatum</em> can tolerate alkaline environments (pH 11). Finally, its filamentous growth allowed partial filling of cracks in carbonated cement mortars. This work expands the scope of biomineralization by incorporating an organism from a previously unreported kingdom into this field, laying the foundation for sustainable and innovative applications in the construction industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101658"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145010691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101656
Jia-Yu Song , Hai-Xia Wu , Kevin D. Hyde , Wei-Feng Ding , Qiang Wang , Cui-Ling Gong , Yi-Tong Wang
The species evolution of epiphytic fungi are unique and critically important due to their association with plants. In this study, six new species of Translucidithyrium were discovered re-integrated morphological characteristics of this genus combined with phylogenetic analyses. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that all species of Translucidithyrium formed a monophyletic clade within Phaeothecoidiellaceae. The molecular clock analysis indicated that the divergence time of extant species of Translucidithyrium occurred during the Cenozoic era (18 Mya). The cophylogeny was conducted based on separately phylogenetic trees of Translucidithyrium and its host plants to explore their evolutionary relationships. Translucidithyrium's species with host plant selection likely being random. Understanding the evolutionary history of Translucidithyrium species provides new perspectives and data to support research into the evolution of epiphytic fungi.
{"title":"Diversity of Translucidithyrium (Mycosphaerellales, Phaeothecoidiellaceae) in China: Insights into their evolutionary split time and cophylogeny","authors":"Jia-Yu Song , Hai-Xia Wu , Kevin D. Hyde , Wei-Feng Ding , Qiang Wang , Cui-Ling Gong , Yi-Tong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101656","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101656","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The species evolution of epiphytic fungi are unique and critically important due to their association with plants. In this study, six new species of <em>Translucidithyrium</em> were discovered re-integrated morphological characteristics of this genus combined with phylogenetic analyses. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that all species of <em>Translucidithyrium</em> formed a monophyletic clade within <em>Phaeothecoidiellaceae</em>. The molecular clock analysis indicated that the divergence time of extant species of <em>Translucidithyrium</em> occurred during the Cenozoic era (18 Mya). The cophylogeny was conducted based on separately phylogenetic trees of <em>Translucidithyrium</em> and its host plants to explore their evolutionary relationships. <em>Translucidithyrium</em>'s species with host plant selection likely being random. Understanding the evolutionary history of <em>Translucidithyrium</em> species provides new perspectives and data to support research into the evolution of epiphytic fungi.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101656"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145045853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-08-28DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101645
Alberto C. Abreu, Micael F.M. Gonçalves, Ana C. Esteves, Artur Alves
Lignicolous marine fungi thrive in marine environments by colonizing wood, where they play a vital role in the degradation and recycling of complex molecules. However, lignicolous marine fungi remain under-described, with significant gaps in knowledge concerning their species diversity. To assess the diversity and temporal succession of lignicolous marine fungi, we submerged wood blocks of Pinus pinaster and Fagus sylvatica at the Ria de Aveiro estuary, Portugal and collected samples every two months, over six months. Twenty-nine fungal genera were identified from 251 isolates, with Penicillium being the most common genus after two months of block submersion. Wood type seems to have modulated fungal diversity, with several genera including Lulworthia spp. prefering beech wood, and Paralulworthia colonized pine. We showed that marine fungal genera from the family Lulworthiaceae are predominant and consistent colonizers of wood substrates in estuarine environments, occupying an intermediate role in colonization. In contrast, the genus Penicillium, the pioneer colonizer, decreases over time, likely due to competition with other marine genera. Based on multilocus phylogeny, using sequences of internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear RNA gene cluster (ITS), and partial sequences of tubulin (tub2), calmodulin (cal) and RNA polymerase II (rpb2) coding genes’ sequences, and morphological data, we propose Penicillium alavariense sp. nov., as a novel species in the series Simplicissima. These findings provide new insights into fungal succession on wood substrates, highlighting the role of wood type in shaping fungal communities and advancing our understanding of nutrient cycling in estuarine ecosystems.
木质素海洋真菌在海洋环境中通过定植木材而茁壮成长，它们在复杂分子的降解和再循环中起着至关重要的作用。然而，木质素海洋真菌仍然未被充分描述，其物种多样性方面的知识存在显著差距。为了评估木质素海洋真菌的多样性和时间演替，我们在葡萄牙Ria de Aveiro河口淹没了Pinus pinaster和Fagus sylvatica木块，每两个月采集一次样本，为期6个月。从251株真菌中鉴定出29个真菌属，经过2个月的块状浸泡后，青霉菌是最常见的属。木材类型似乎调节了真菌的多样性，包括Lulworthia sp .喜欢山毛榉木在内的几个属，和副ulworthia定居松树。研究表明，陆氏科海洋真菌属是河口环境中木材基质的主要和一致的定殖菌，在定殖过程中起着中间作用。相比之下，青霉菌属，开拓者，随着时间的推移而减少，可能是由于与其他海洋属的竞争。基于多位点系统发育，利用核RNA基因簇（ITS）内部转录间隔区序列、微管蛋白（tub2）、钙调蛋白（cal）和RNA聚合酶II （rpb2）编码基因的部分序列和形态学资料，我们提出alavariense sp. nov.是Simplicissima系列的新种。这些发现为真菌在木材基质上的演替提供了新的见解，突出了木材类型在真菌群落形成中的作用，并促进了我们对河口生态系统养分循环的理解。
{"title":"Diversity and temporal succession of early-colonizing fungi in wood baits from an estuarine environment, with description of Penicillium alavariense sp. nov","authors":"Alberto C. Abreu, Micael F.M. Gonçalves, Ana C. Esteves, Artur Alves","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101645","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101645","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lignicolous marine fungi thrive in marine environments by colonizing wood, where they play a vital role in the degradation and recycling of complex molecules. However, lignicolous marine fungi remain under-described, with significant gaps in knowledge concerning their species diversity. To assess the diversity and temporal succession of lignicolous marine fungi, we submerged wood blocks of <em>Pinus pinaster</em> and <em>Fagus sylvatica</em> at the Ria de Aveiro estuary, Portugal and collected samples every two months, over six months. Twenty-nine fungal genera were identified from 251 isolates, with <em>Penicillium</em> being the most common genus after two months of block submersion. Wood type seems to have modulated fungal diversity, with several genera including <em>Lulworthia</em> spp. prefering beech wood, and <em>Paralulworthia</em> colonized pine. We showed that marine fungal genera from the family <em>Lulworthiaceae</em> are predominant and consistent colonizers of wood substrates in estuarine environments, occupying an intermediate role in colonization. In contrast, the genus <em>Penicillium</em>, the pioneer colonizer, decreases over time, likely due to competition with other marine genera. Based on multilocus phylogeny, using sequences of internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear RNA gene cluster (ITS), and partial sequences of tubulin (<em>tub2</em>), calmodulin (<em>cal</em>) and RNA polymerase II (<em>rpb2</em>) coding genes’ sequences, and morphological data, we propose <em>Penicillium alavariense</em> sp. nov., as a novel species in the series <em>Simplicissima</em>. These findings provide new insights into fungal succession on wood substrates, highlighting the role of wood type in shaping fungal communities and advancing our understanding of nutrient cycling in estuarine ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101645"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144933478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. xcambivora are serious phytopathogens, namely causing root rot/ink in chestnut trees, which severely threatens this historical crop. Oomycetes produce mycelium but are hard to control with traditional fungicides or BCAs. Recent research revealed Wickerhamomyces anomalus, a yeast endophyte, as a strong antagonist of key pre- and post-harvest fungal pathogens in laboratory settings. This study shows it also inhibits Phytophthora growth. Microscopy revealed that W. anomalus cells adhere to and are found inside Phytophthora hyphae, accumulating within collapsed areas, possibly nourishing on hyphal contents. These interactions occur without the intervention of volatile compounds, siderophores, or hydrolytic enzymes, leaving hyphal walls intact. SEM and TEM of hyphae from P. cinnamomi when co-cultured with W. anomalus showed numerous intrahyphal structures formed in response to the yeast-imposed stress. Otherwise, the yeast shows polarised cells, nuclei fusion, irregularly numbered spores and intercellular bridges, indicating a disrupted reproductive cycle. This is consistent with P. cinnamomi and W. anomalus recognising each other's pheromones, triggering a mating-like response leading to the yeast's attachment and internalisation without damaging the hyphal cell wall. This W. anomalus specific mode-of-action, different from the ones previously reported, suggests potential as a BCA for the pre-harvest management of Phytophthora.
{"title":"Wickerhamomyces anomalus is a predator of the Castanea spp. ink disease-causing oomycetes Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. xcambivora. Based on morphological evidence, a model illustrating a specific mode of action is provided","authors":"Mariana Amorim-Rodrigues , Rogélio Lopes Brandão , Fernanda Cássio , Cândida Lucas","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Phytophthora cinnamomi</em> and <em>P.</em> x<em>cambivora</em> are serious phytopathogens, namely causing root rot/ink in chestnut trees, which severely threatens this historical crop. Oomycetes produce mycelium but are hard to control with traditional fungicides or BCAs. Recent research revealed <em>Wickerhamomyces anomalus</em>, a yeast endophyte, as a strong antagonist of key pre- and post-harvest fungal pathogens in laboratory settings. This study shows it also inhibits <em>Phytophthora</em> growth. Microscopy revealed that <em>W. anomalus</em> cells adhere to and are found inside <em>Phytophthora</em> hyphae, accumulating within collapsed areas, possibly nourishing on hyphal contents. These interactions occur without the intervention of volatile compounds, siderophores, or hydrolytic enzymes, leaving hyphal walls intact. SEM and TEM of hyphae from <em>P. cinnamomi</em> when co-cultured with <em>W. anomalus</em> showed numerous intrahyphal structures formed in response to the yeast-imposed stress. Otherwise, the yeast shows polarised cells, nuclei fusion, irregularly numbered spores and intercellular bridges, indicating a disrupted reproductive cycle. This is consistent with <em>P. cinnamomi</em> and <em>W. anomalus</em> recognising each other's pheromones, triggering a mating-like response leading to the yeast's attachment and internalisation without damaging the hyphal cell wall. This <em>W. anomalus</em> specific mode-of-action, different from the ones previously reported, <em>s</em>uggests potential as a BCA for the pre-harvest management of <em>Phytophthora</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101663"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145216744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-09-15DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101662
Yanling Ma , Muyuan Zhuang , Tanvir Ahmad , Yuhong Yan , Weitian Yuan , Mingxuan Li , Guangyou Tan , Yingyao Deng , Yang Liu
Ochratoxin A (OTA), a potent carcinogenic mycotoxin, is produced by fungi from the Aspergillus and Penicillium genera. Reducing OTA contamination in food remains a global challenge. Osmotic stress is a key factor that influencing fungal development and secondary metabolism, particularly in Aspergillus species. In this study, we explored regulatory role of the OTAbZIP gene, a bZIP-type transcription factor, in growth and OTA biosynthesis under varying NaCl-induced osmotic conditions. Using RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR, we analyzed the transcriptomic responses of wild-type (WT) and ΔOTAbZIP mutant strains of Aspergillus westerdijkiae fc-1 exposed to 0, 20, and 100 g/L NaCl. Deletion of OTAbZIP significantly altered the expression of genes involved in DNA replication, sugar metabolism, ribosome function, and arginine and proline metabolism. The ΔOTAbZIP mutant exhibited greater sensitivity to osmotic stress and lower expression of OTA biosynthetic genes (otaA–D) than the WT. Although components of the HOG-MAPK pathway (Hog1, Gpd1, Cdc28, and Ctt1) were differentially expressed, OTAbZIP deletion did not block Hog1 activation, suggesting OTAbZIP may function in a distinct regulatory role upstream or parallel to this pathway. Overall, our findings highlight OTAbZIP as a key regulator of osmotic stress response and OTA biosynthesis in A. westerdijkiae, offering potential molecular targets to reduce OTA contamination in food and feed.
{"title":"Role of the OTAbZIP gene in regulating growth and OTA production in Aspergillus westerdijkiae fc-1 under osmotic stress","authors":"Yanling Ma , Muyuan Zhuang , Tanvir Ahmad , Yuhong Yan , Weitian Yuan , Mingxuan Li , Guangyou Tan , Yingyao Deng , Yang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ochratoxin A (OTA), a potent carcinogenic mycotoxin, is produced by fungi from the <em>Aspergillus</em> and <em>Penicillium</em> genera. Reducing OTA contamination in food remains a global challenge. Osmotic stress is a key factor that influencing fungal development and secondary metabolism, particularly in <em>Aspergillus</em> species. In this study, we explored regulatory role of the <em>OTAbZIP</em> gene, a bZIP-type transcription factor, in growth and OTA biosynthesis under varying NaCl-induced osmotic conditions. Using RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR, we analyzed the transcriptomic responses of wild-type (WT) and <em>ΔOTAbZIP</em> mutant strains of <em>Aspergillus westerdijkiae</em> fc-1 exposed to 0, 20, and 100 g/L NaCl. Deletion of <em>OTAbZIP</em> significantly altered the expression of genes involved in DNA replication, sugar metabolism, ribosome function, and arginine and proline metabolism. The <em>ΔOTAbZIP</em> mutant exhibited greater sensitivity to osmotic stress and lower expression of OTA biosynthetic genes (<em>otaA–D</em>) than the WT. Although components of the HOG-MAPK pathway (<em>Hog1</em>, <em>Gpd1</em>, <em>Cdc28</em>, and <em>Ctt1</em>) were differentially expressed, <em>OTAbZIP</em> deletion did not block <em>Hog1</em> activation, suggesting <em>OTAbZIP</em> may function in a distinct regulatory role upstream or parallel to this pathway. Overall, our findings highlight <em>OTAbZIP</em> as a key regulator of osmotic stress response and OTA biosynthesis in <em>A. westerdijkiae</em>, offering potential molecular targets to reduce OTA contamination in food and feed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101662"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145216745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Esca Complex of Diseases (ECD) is widespread in viticultural areas worldwide, posing a serious risk to modern viticulture. The role of basidiomycetes in the onset of foliar symptoms has recently been reconsidered, highlighting a link between the reduction in these symptoms and the presence of Fomitiporia mediterranea in vines. As several basidiomycetes have been associated with wood decay in grapevine, understanding their degradation mechanisms could help unravel the role of wood degradation in ECD. Thus, a collection of ECD-associated basidiomycetes, including F. capensis, F. langloisii, F. polymorpha, F. australiensis, Tropicoporus texanus, Inonotus vitis, and Stereum hirsutum, was examined in addition to F. mediterranea. Our study investigates the production and activity of lignocellulosic enzymes (particularly class-II peroxidases and laccases), along with the low molecular weight compounds (LMWC) in the secretome of these fungi, to assess their ability to perform the Chelator-Mediated-Fenton (CMF) pathway. Results highlight the production of ligninolytic enzymes with low production of active manganese peroxidases and a virtually total absence of lignin peroxidase activity. Additionally, the study confirms that the CMF mechanism is widespread among these fungi, with all LMW secretomes fulfilling the required steps of the CMF mechanism. This study provides critical insights into the degradation strategies of ECD-associated white rot agents, offering potential new perspectives on studying ECD symptomatology and developing targeted control strategies. The findings emphasize the need to consider the CMF mechanism in the context of fungal wood degradation and its potential role in ECD development.
{"title":"Around the world in eight white rot species: Assessment of enzymatic and non-enzymatic wood decay pathways of worldwide Esca Complex of Diseases (ECD) associated basidiomycetes","authors":"Alessandro Puca , Samuele Moretti , Mary-Lorène Goddard , Jacques Lalevée , Hanns-Heinz Kassemeyer , Sibylle Farine , Laura Mugnai , Christophe Bertsch","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101661","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101661","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Esca Complex of Diseases (ECD) is widespread in viticultural areas worldwide, posing a serious risk to modern viticulture. The role of basidiomycetes in the onset of foliar symptoms has recently been reconsidered, highlighting a link between the reduction in these symptoms and the presence of <em>Fomitiporia mediterranea</em> in vines. As several basidiomycetes have been associated with wood decay in grapevine, understanding their degradation mechanisms could help unravel the role of wood degradation in ECD. Thus, a collection of ECD-associated basidiomycetes, including <em>F. capensis</em>, <em>F. langloisii</em>, <em>F. polymorpha</em>, <em>F. australiensis</em>, <em>Tropicoporus texanus</em>, <em>Inonotus vitis</em>, and <em>Stereum hirsutum</em>, was examined in addition to <em>F. mediterranea</em>. Our study investigates the production and activity of lignocellulosic enzymes (particularly class-II peroxidases and laccases), along with the low molecular weight compounds (LMWC) in the secretome of these fungi, to assess their ability to perform the Chelator-Mediated-Fenton (CMF) pathway. Results highlight the production of ligninolytic enzymes with low production of active manganese peroxidases and a virtually total absence of lignin peroxidase activity. Additionally, the study confirms that the CMF mechanism is widespread among these fungi, with all LMW secretomes fulfilling the required steps of the CMF mechanism. This study provides critical insights into the degradation strategies of ECD-associated white rot agents, offering potential new perspectives on studying ECD symptomatology and developing targeted control strategies. The findings emphasize the need to consider the CMF mechanism in the context of fungal wood degradation and its potential role in ECD development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101661"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145266577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-06-14DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101618
Flavia de Fatima Costa , Bruno Paulo Rodrigues Lustosa , Camila Pereira Perico , Ricardo Belmonte-Lopes , João Lucas Vitório Ribeiro Carvalho , Emanuel L. Razzolini , Germana Davila dos Santos , Bruna Jacomel Favoreto de Souza Lima , Cristina Maria de Souza-Motta , Roberto Tadeu Raittz , Yinggai Song , Laura Selbmann , G. Sybren de Hoog , Jacques Meis , Vania Aparecida Vicente
Lichens exemplify a unique symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria, where fungi (mycobionts) provide structural support, while algae or cyanobacteria (photobionts) provide nutrients. Recent discoveries in the order Chaetothyriales have led to the description of several lichenicolous species, underscoring an intricate relationship of some black yeast-like fungi with lichens. The present study aims to investigate public metagenomic data of lichens available in the SRA database, covering a total of 2888 samples. The analysis incorporated 122 molecular marker sequences (barcodes and padlock probes) previously documented in the literature for species classified within Chaetothyriales. Additionally, 11 novel barcodes for species recently identified in lichens of the genera Cladophialophora and Paracladophialophora are described. The selected metagenomes were then compared with molecular marker sequences using local BLASTn (v2.6.0+), considering only alignments with a coverage cut-off and 100 % identity (perfect match). Reads from each sample were retrieved from the SRA as a multifasta file and analyzed with the SWeeP method for vector-based, alignment-free sequence analysis. The analysis identified fungi that are known as environmental inhabitants and, occasionally, opportunistic pathogens of vertebrates, including species in the genera Cladophialophora, Cyphellophora, and Exophiala. These species were distributed across 11 BioProjects from various locations around the world. The findings of this study corroborate extant knowledge concerning fungal colonization in diverse extremophilic environments, including deserts, tundra, and rocky surfaces.
{"title":"In silico search reveals the association of lichens with black yeast-like fungi in the order Chaetothyriales","authors":"Flavia de Fatima Costa , Bruno Paulo Rodrigues Lustosa , Camila Pereira Perico , Ricardo Belmonte-Lopes , João Lucas Vitório Ribeiro Carvalho , Emanuel L. Razzolini , Germana Davila dos Santos , Bruna Jacomel Favoreto de Souza Lima , Cristina Maria de Souza-Motta , Roberto Tadeu Raittz , Yinggai Song , Laura Selbmann , G. Sybren de Hoog , Jacques Meis , Vania Aparecida Vicente","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101618","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101618","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lichens exemplify a unique symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria, where fungi (mycobionts) provide structural support, while algae or cyanobacteria (photobionts) provide nutrients. Recent discoveries in the order Chaetothyriales have led to the description of several lichenicolous species, underscoring an intricate relationship of some black yeast-like fungi with lichens. The present study aims to investigate public metagenomic data of lichens available in the SRA database, covering a total of 2888 samples. The analysis incorporated 122 molecular marker sequences (barcodes and padlock probes) previously documented in the literature for species classified within Chaetothyriales. Additionally, 11 novel barcodes for species recently identified in lichens of the genera <em>Cladophialophora</em> and <em>Paracladophialophora</em> are described. The selected metagenomes were then compared with molecular marker sequences using local BLASTn (v2.6.0+), considering only alignments with a coverage cut-off and 100 % identity (perfect match). Reads from each sample were retrieved from the SRA as a multifasta file and analyzed with the SWeeP method for vector-based, alignment-free sequence analysis. The analysis identified fungi that are known as environmental inhabitants and, occasionally, opportunistic pathogens of vertebrates, including species in the genera <em>Cladophialophora</em>, <em>Cyphellophora</em>, and <em>Exophiala</em>. These species were distributed across 11 BioProjects from various locations around the world. The findings of this study corroborate extant knowledge concerning fungal colonization in diverse extremophilic environments, including deserts, tundra, and rocky surfaces.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 6","pages":"Article 101618"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144312750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-07-22DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101632
Wen-Long Song , Di Lin , Min-Li Cai , Xia Chen , Qun Dai , Shuang-Lin Chen
Urban green areas are vital yet underexplored reservoirs of microbial diversity in cities. This study examines myxomycete communities in Zijin Mountain National Forest Park, a subtropical urban forest in Nanjing, China, across four seasons and multiple forest types. Combining field collections and moist chamber cultures, we documented 60 species from 906 occurrence records. Seasonal variation dominated community dynamics, with species richness peaking in summer and declining in winter. β-diversity was primarily driven by species turnover (βsim = 0.23–0.28), with nestedness playing a minor role across temporal and spatial scales. Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa emerged as a forest-type indicator for mixed broad-leaved stands, while Arcyria cinerea and Cribraria violacea tracked seasonal humidity changes. Crucially, myxomycete composition showed no statistically significant differentiation among forest types, a departure from natural ecosystems, suggesting that urban management homogenizes habitats critical for microbial niche partitioning. These findings highlight urban parks’ underrecognized role in preserving myxomycete diversity but reveal their vulnerability to microhabitat simplification. We advocate conseration of decaying wood and leaf litter to maintain ecological functions, offering actionable strategies for biodiversity-informed urban planning.
{"title":"Myxomycetes in urban green space in subtropical China: Spatiotemporal patterns override forest type effects","authors":"Wen-Long Song , Di Lin , Min-Li Cai , Xia Chen , Qun Dai , Shuang-Lin Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101632","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101632","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urban green areas are vital yet underexplored reservoirs of microbial diversity in cities. This study examines myxomycete communities in Zijin Mountain National Forest Park, a subtropical urban forest in Nanjing, China, across four seasons and multiple forest types. Combining field collections and moist chamber cultures, we documented 60 species from 906 occurrence records. Seasonal variation dominated community dynamics, with species richness peaking in summer and declining in winter. β-diversity was primarily driven by species turnover (<em>β</em><sub><em>sim</em></sub> = 0.23–0.28), with nestedness playing a minor role across temporal and spatial scales. <em>Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa</em> emerged as a forest-type indicator for mixed broad-leaved stands, while <em>Arcyria cinerea</em> and <em>Cribraria violacea</em> tracked seasonal humidity changes. Crucially, myxomycete composition showed no statistically significant differentiation among forest types, a departure from natural ecosystems, suggesting that urban management homogenizes habitats critical for microbial niche partitioning. These findings highlight urban parks’ underrecognized role in preserving myxomycete diversity but reveal their vulnerability to microhabitat simplification. We advocate conseration of decaying wood and leaf litter to maintain ecological functions, offering actionable strategies for biodiversity-informed urban planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 6","pages":"Article 101632"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144714531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-06-27DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101619
Christina M. Kelliher , Jay C. Dunlap
In many model organisms, the circadian system has been proposed to comprise multiple oscillators that interact to promote accuracy of the clock as well as intricacies of rhythmic outputs. In Neurospora crassa, the circadian transcriptional/translational loop comprising of the FRQ (Frequency) and WCC (White Collar Complex) proteins has been instrumental in explaining many attributes of the clock including entrainment and rhythms in development and gene expression; in addition, some non-circadian oscillations can be unmasked when the FRQ-WCC feedback loop is eliminated. These rhythms have often lost defining circadian characteristics and are potentially controlled by other oscillators, termed FRQ-less oscillators (FLOs) in Neurospora. Understanding the biology of these oscillators and their hierarchical relationship with the FRQ-WCC oscillator (FWO) are salient questions in rhythms research. In this study, we examined candidate FLO effector pathways involving peroxiredoxins (Prxs) and mTOR. We find that independent gene knockouts compromising each pathway do not alter circadian period length or decrease the amplitude of the core circadian FWO rhythm in any meaningful way in Neurospora. Our findings suggest that molecular rhythms in Prx oxidation and in mTOR activity on the chol-1 FLO oscillator are neither required for nor strongly regulate FWO components during a normal circadian day.
{"title":"Individual peroxiredoxin or Tor pathway components are not required for circadian clock function in Neurospora crassa","authors":"Christina M. Kelliher , Jay C. Dunlap","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101619","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101619","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In many model organisms, the circadian system has been proposed to comprise multiple oscillators that interact to promote accuracy of the clock as well as intricacies of rhythmic outputs. In <em>Neurospora crassa</em>, the circadian transcriptional/translational loop comprising of the FRQ (Frequency) and WCC (White Collar Complex) proteins has been instrumental in explaining many attributes of the clock including entrainment and rhythms in development and gene expression; in addition, some non-circadian oscillations can be unmasked when the FRQ-WCC feedback loop is eliminated. These rhythms have often lost defining circadian characteristics and are potentially controlled by other oscillators, termed FRQ-less oscillators (FLOs) in <em>Neurospora</em>. Understanding the biology of these oscillators and their hierarchical relationship with the FRQ-WCC oscillator (FWO) are salient questions in rhythms research. In this study, we examined candidate FLO effector pathways involving peroxiredoxins (Prxs) and mTOR. We find that independent gene knockouts compromising each pathway do not alter circadian period length or decrease the amplitude of the core circadian FWO rhythm in any meaningful way in <em>Neurospora</em>. Our findings suggest that molecular rhythms in Prx oxidation and in mTOR activity on the <em>chol-1</em> FLO oscillator are neither required for nor strongly regulate FWO components during a normal circadian day.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 6","pages":"Article 101619"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144535417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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