Cytokinesis, the process by which the cytoplasm divides to generate two daughter cells after mitosis, is a crucial stage of the cell cycle. Successful cytokinesis must be coordinated with chromosome segregation and requires the fine orchestration of several processes, such as constriction of the actomyosin ring, membrane reorganization, and, in fungi, cell wall deposition. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as budding yeast, septins play a pivotal role in the control of cytokinesis by assisting the assembly of the cytokinetic machinery at the division site and controlling its activity. Yeast septins form a collar at the division site that undergoes major dynamic transitions during the cell cycle. This review discusses the functions of septins in yeast cytokinesis, their regulation and the implications of their dynamic remodelling for cell division.
{"title":"Septin Organization and Dynamics for Budding Yeast Cytokinesis","authors":"Maritzaida Varela Salgado, Simonetta Piatti","doi":"10.3390/jof10090642","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090642","url":null,"abstract":"Cytokinesis, the process by which the cytoplasm divides to generate two daughter cells after mitosis, is a crucial stage of the cell cycle. Successful cytokinesis must be coordinated with chromosome segregation and requires the fine orchestration of several processes, such as constriction of the actomyosin ring, membrane reorganization, and, in fungi, cell wall deposition. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as budding yeast, septins play a pivotal role in the control of cytokinesis by assisting the assembly of the cytokinetic machinery at the division site and controlling its activity. Yeast septins form a collar at the division site that undergoes major dynamic transitions during the cell cycle. This review discusses the functions of septins in yeast cytokinesis, their regulation and the implications of their dynamic remodelling for cell division.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142182990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Verticillium dahliae is a soil-borne fungal pathogen that can cause severe vascular wilt in many plant species. Kelch repeat proteins are essential for fungal growth, resistance, and virulence. However, the function of the Kelch repeat protein family in V. dahliae is unclear. In this study, a Kelch repeat domain-containing protein DK185_4252 (VdLs.17 VDAG_08647) included in the conserved VdPKS9 gene cluster was identified and named VdKeR1. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a high degree of evolutionary conservation of VdKeR1 and its homologs among fungi. The experimental results showed that the absence of VdKeR1 impaired vegetative growth, microsclerotia development, and pathogenicity of V. dahliae. Osmotic and cell wall stress analyses suggested that VdKeR1-deleted mutants were more tolerant to NaCl, sorbitol, CR, and CFW, while more sensitive to H2O2 and SDS. In addition, analyses of the relative expression level of sqe and the content of squalene and ergosterol showed that VdKeR1 mediates the synthesis of squalene and ergosterol by positively regulating the activity of squalene epoxidase. In conclusion, these results indicated that VdKeR1 was involved in the growth, stress resistance, pathogenicity, and ergosterol metabolism of V. dahliae. Investigating VdKeR1 provided theoretical and experimental foundations for subsequent control of Verticillium wilt.
{"title":"The Kelch Repeat Protein VdKeR1 Is Essential for Development, Ergosterol Metabolism, and Virulence in Verticillium dahliae","authors":"Wen-Li Xia, Zhe Zheng, Feng-Mao Chen","doi":"10.3390/jof10090643","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090643","url":null,"abstract":"Verticillium dahliae is a soil-borne fungal pathogen that can cause severe vascular wilt in many plant species. Kelch repeat proteins are essential for fungal growth, resistance, and virulence. However, the function of the Kelch repeat protein family in V. dahliae is unclear. In this study, a Kelch repeat domain-containing protein DK185_4252 (VdLs.17 VDAG_08647) included in the conserved VdPKS9 gene cluster was identified and named VdKeR1. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a high degree of evolutionary conservation of VdKeR1 and its homologs among fungi. The experimental results showed that the absence of VdKeR1 impaired vegetative growth, microsclerotia development, and pathogenicity of V. dahliae. Osmotic and cell wall stress analyses suggested that VdKeR1-deleted mutants were more tolerant to NaCl, sorbitol, CR, and CFW, while more sensitive to H2O2 and SDS. In addition, analyses of the relative expression level of sqe and the content of squalene and ergosterol showed that VdKeR1 mediates the synthesis of squalene and ergosterol by positively regulating the activity of squalene epoxidase. In conclusion, these results indicated that VdKeR1 was involved in the growth, stress resistance, pathogenicity, and ergosterol metabolism of V. dahliae. Investigating VdKeR1 provided theoretical and experimental foundations for subsequent control of Verticillium wilt.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142182996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giacomo Casalini, Andrea Giacomelli, Laura Galimberti, Riccardo Colombo, Laura Milazzo, Dario Cattaneo, Antonio Castelli, Spinello Antinori
We present a challenging case of a patient admitted to an intensive care unit with influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA). The clinical course was characterised by refractory fungal pneumonia and tracheobronchitis, suspected drug-induced liver injury due to triazole antifungals, and secondary bacterial infections with multidrug-resistant microorganisms, resulting in a fatal outcome despite the optimisation of antifungal treatment through therapeutic drug monitoring. This case underscores the complexity that clinicians face in managing critically ill patients with invasive fungal infections.
{"title":"Navigating Uncertainty: Managing Influenza-Associated Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in an Intensive Care Unit","authors":"Giacomo Casalini, Andrea Giacomelli, Laura Galimberti, Riccardo Colombo, Laura Milazzo, Dario Cattaneo, Antonio Castelli, Spinello Antinori","doi":"10.3390/jof10090639","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090639","url":null,"abstract":"We present a challenging case of a patient admitted to an intensive care unit with influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA). The clinical course was characterised by refractory fungal pneumonia and tracheobronchitis, suspected drug-induced liver injury due to triazole antifungals, and secondary bacterial infections with multidrug-resistant microorganisms, resulting in a fatal outcome despite the optimisation of antifungal treatment through therapeutic drug monitoring. This case underscores the complexity that clinicians face in managing critically ill patients with invasive fungal infections.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142182992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Based on a multi-locus phylogeny of a combined dataset of ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 and comprehensive morphological analyses, we describe three new species from the Melanosporum group of genus Tuber and synonymize T. pseudobrumale and T. melanoexcavatum. Phylogenetically, the three newly described species, T. yunnanense, T. melanoumbilicatum and T. microexcavatum, differ significantly in genetic distance from any previously known species. Morphologically, T. yunnanense is distinctly different from its closest phylogenetically related species, T. longispinosum, due to its long shuttle-shape spores (average the ratio of spore length to spore width for all spores (Qm) = 1.74). Tuber melanoumbilicatum differs from the other species in having a cavity and long shuttle-shaped spores (Qm = 1.65). Although T. microexcavatum sampled ascomata have relatively low maturity, they can be distinguished from its closely related species T. pseudobrumale by the ascomata size, surface warts, and spore number per asci; additionally, phylogenetic analysis supports it as a new species. In addition, molecular analysis from 22 newly collected specimens and Genebank data indicate that T. pseudobrumale and T. melanoexcavatum are clustered into a single well-supported clade (Bootstrap (BS) = 100, posterior probabilities (PP) = 1.0); and morphological characteristics do not differ. Therefore, based on the above evidence and publication dates, we conclude that T. melanoexcavatum is a synonym of T. pseudobrumale. By taking into account current knowledge and combining the molecular, multigene phylogenetic clade arrangement and morphological data, we propose that the Melanosporum group should be divided into four subgroups. Diagnostic morphological features and an identification key of all known species in the Melanosporum group are also included. Finally, we also provide some additions to the knowledge of the characterization of T. pseudobrumale, T. variabilisporum, and T. pseudohimalayense included in subgroup 1 of the Melanosporum group.
基于ITS、LSU、tef1-α和rpb2组合数据集的多焦点系统发生以及综合形态学分析,我们描述了块茎属Melanosporum组的3个新种,并将T. pseudobrumale和T. melanoexcavatum同名。在系统发育上,这三个新描述的物种(T. yunnanense、T. melanoumbilicatum和T. microexcavatum)与之前已知的任何物种在遗传距离上都有显著差异。从形态上看,云南块菌(T. yunnanense)与其系统发育关系最密切的种--长梭形块菌(T. longispinosum)明显不同,因为它的孢子呈长梭形(所有孢子的平均孢子长度与孢子宽度之比(Qm)= 1.74)。Tuber melanoumbilicatum 与其他物种的不同之处在于它有一个空腔和长梭形孢子(Qm = 1.65)。虽然取样的 T. microexcavatum 的子囊成熟度相对较低,但可通过子囊大小、表面疣和每个子囊的孢子数将其与近缘种 T. pseudobrumale 区分开来;此外,系统发育分析也支持将其作为一个新种。此外,对 22 份新采集标本的分子分析和基因库数据表明,T. pseudobrumale 和 T. melanoexcavatum 被聚类为一个支持良好的支系(Bootstrap (BS) = 100, posterior probabilities (PP) = 1.0);且形态特征无差异。因此,根据上述证据和发表日期,我们认为 T. melanoexcavatum 是 T. pseudobrumale 的异名。考虑到现有知识,并结合分子、多基因系统发生支系排列和形态学数据,我们建议将 Melanosporum 组划分为四个亚组。此外,我们还提供了所有已知 Melanosporum 类物种的形态诊断特征和鉴定检索表。最后,我们还对 Melanosporum 组 1 亚群中的 T. pseudobrumale、T. variabilisporum 和 T. pseudohimalayense 的特征进行了补充。
{"title":"Three New Truffle Species (Tuber, Tuberaceae, Pezizales, and Ascomycota) from Yunnan, China, and Multigen Phylogenetic Arrangement within the Melanosporum Group","authors":"Rui Wang, Gangqiang Dong, Yupin Li, Ruixue Wang, Shimei Yang, Jing Yuan, Xuedan Xie, Xiaofei Shi, Juanbing Yu, Jesús Pérez-Moreno, Fuqiang Yu, Shanping Wan","doi":"10.3390/jof10090640","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090640","url":null,"abstract":"Based on a multi-locus phylogeny of a combined dataset of ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 and comprehensive morphological analyses, we describe three new species from the Melanosporum group of genus Tuber and synonymize T. pseudobrumale and T. melanoexcavatum. Phylogenetically, the three newly described species, T. yunnanense, T. melanoumbilicatum and T. microexcavatum, differ significantly in genetic distance from any previously known species. Morphologically, T. yunnanense is distinctly different from its closest phylogenetically related species, T. longispinosum, due to its long shuttle-shape spores (average the ratio of spore length to spore width for all spores (Qm) = 1.74). Tuber melanoumbilicatum differs from the other species in having a cavity and long shuttle-shaped spores (Qm = 1.65). Although T. microexcavatum sampled ascomata have relatively low maturity, they can be distinguished from its closely related species T. pseudobrumale by the ascomata size, surface warts, and spore number per asci; additionally, phylogenetic analysis supports it as a new species. In addition, molecular analysis from 22 newly collected specimens and Genebank data indicate that T. pseudobrumale and T. melanoexcavatum are clustered into a single well-supported clade (Bootstrap (BS) = 100, posterior probabilities (PP) = 1.0); and morphological characteristics do not differ. Therefore, based on the above evidence and publication dates, we conclude that T. melanoexcavatum is a synonym of T. pseudobrumale. By taking into account current knowledge and combining the molecular, multigene phylogenetic clade arrangement and morphological data, we propose that the Melanosporum group should be divided into four subgroups. Diagnostic morphological features and an identification key of all known species in the Melanosporum group are also included. Finally, we also provide some additions to the knowledge of the characterization of T. pseudobrumale, T. variabilisporum, and T. pseudohimalayense included in subgroup 1 of the Melanosporum group.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142182994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lei Liu, Yaqiong Jin, Huijuan Lian, Qianxi Yin, Hailei Wang
The worldwide occurrence of wheat crown rot, predominantly caused by the pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum, has a serious impact on wheat production. Numerous microorganisms have been employed as biocontrol agents, exhibiting effectiveness in addressing a wide array of plant pathogens through various pathways. The mycelium of the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium effectively inhibits the growth of F. pseudograminearum by tightly attaching to it and forming specialized penetrating structures. This process leads to the release of intracellular inclusions and the eventual disintegration of pathogen cells. Furthermore, volatile organic compounds and fermentation products produced by P. chrysosporium exhibit antifungal properties. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and modalities of action will facilitate the advancement and implementation of this biocontrol fungus. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the mycoparasitic behavior of P. chrysosporium, transcriptome analyses were conducted to examine the interactions between P. chrysosporium and F. pseudograminearum at 36, 48, and 84 h. During mycoparasitism, the up-regulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding fungal cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs), iron ion binding, and mycotoxins were mainly observed. Moreover, pot experiments revealed that P. chrysosporium not only promoted the growth and quality of wheat but also hindered the colonization of F. pseudograminearum in wheat seedlings. This led to a delay in the development of stem base rot, a reduction in disease severity and incidence, and the activation of the plant’s self-defense mechanisms. Our study provides important insights into the biocontrol mechanisms employed by P. chrysosporium against wheat crown rot caused by F. pseudograminearum.
小麦冠腐病主要由病原菌镰刀菌(Fusarium pseudograminearum)引起,在全球范围内的发生对小麦生产造成了严重影响。许多微生物已被用作生物防治剂,通过各种途径有效地防治各种植物病原体。白腐真菌 Phanerochaete chrysosporium 的菌丝体通过紧紧附着在 F. pseudograminearum 上并形成专门的穿透结构,有效抑制了 F. pseudograminearum 的生长。这一过程会导致细胞内包涵物的释放,最终使病原体细胞解体。此外,蛹虫草产生的挥发性有机化合物和发酵产物具有抗真菌特性。对其作用机制和方式的全面了解将促进这种生物防治真菌的发展和应用。为了更深入地了解蛹虫草菌的寄生行为,研究人员进行了转录组分析,研究了蛹虫草菌与假单胞菌(F. pseudograminearum)在 36、48 和 84 小时内的相互作用。在寄生过程中,主要观察到编码真菌细胞壁降解酶(CWDEs)、铁离子结合和真菌毒素的差异表达基因(DEGs)的上调。此外,盆栽实验还发现,蛹虫草菌不仅能促进小麦的生长和品质,还能阻碍假丝酵母菌在小麦幼苗中的定殖。这导致了茎基腐病发展的延迟、病害严重程度和发病率的降低以及植物自我防御机制的启动。我们的研究为了解蛹虫草菌对由假根腐镰刀菌引起的小麦冠腐病的生物防治机制提供了重要的启示。
{"title":"Exploring the Biocontrol Potential of Phanerochaete chrysosporium against Wheat Crown Rot","authors":"Lei Liu, Yaqiong Jin, Huijuan Lian, Qianxi Yin, Hailei Wang","doi":"10.3390/jof10090641","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090641","url":null,"abstract":"The worldwide occurrence of wheat crown rot, predominantly caused by the pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum, has a serious impact on wheat production. Numerous microorganisms have been employed as biocontrol agents, exhibiting effectiveness in addressing a wide array of plant pathogens through various pathways. The mycelium of the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium effectively inhibits the growth of F. pseudograminearum by tightly attaching to it and forming specialized penetrating structures. This process leads to the release of intracellular inclusions and the eventual disintegration of pathogen cells. Furthermore, volatile organic compounds and fermentation products produced by P. chrysosporium exhibit antifungal properties. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and modalities of action will facilitate the advancement and implementation of this biocontrol fungus. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the mycoparasitic behavior of P. chrysosporium, transcriptome analyses were conducted to examine the interactions between P. chrysosporium and F. pseudograminearum at 36, 48, and 84 h. During mycoparasitism, the up-regulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding fungal cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs), iron ion binding, and mycotoxins were mainly observed. Moreover, pot experiments revealed that P. chrysosporium not only promoted the growth and quality of wheat but also hindered the colonization of F. pseudograminearum in wheat seedlings. This led to a delay in the development of stem base rot, a reduction in disease severity and incidence, and the activation of the plant’s self-defense mechanisms. Our study provides important insights into the biocontrol mechanisms employed by P. chrysosporium against wheat crown rot caused by F. pseudograminearum.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142182993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Diletta Rosati, Isis Ricaño Ponce, Gloria S. Omosa-Manyonyi, Mariolina Bruno, Nelly W. Kamau, Martin Jaeger, Vinod Kumar, Mihai G. Netea, Andre J. A. M. van der Ven, Jaap ten Oever
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) affects up to 75% of women at least once during their lifetime, and up to 8% of women suffer from frequent recurrent episodes of VVC (RVVC). A lack of a protective host response underlies vaginal Candida infections, while a dysregulated hyperinflammatory response may drive RVVC. This study aimed to investigate the systemic inflammatory protein profile in women with RVVC in an African population, considering the potential influence of hormonal contraceptive use on systemic inflammation. Using multiplex Proximity Extension Assay technology, we measured 92 circulatory inflammatory proteins in plasma samples from 158 RVVC patients and 92 asymptomatic women (controls). Hormonal contraceptive use was not found to have a statistically significant correlation with a systemic inflammatory protein profile in either RVVC patients or the asymptomatic women. RVVC women had lower circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF-21) concentrations compared with healthy controls (adjusted p value = 0.028). Reduced concentrations of FGF-21 may be linked to the immune pathology observed in RVVC cases through IL-1β. This study may help to identify new biomarkers for the diagnosis and future development of novel immunomodulatory treatments for RVVC.
{"title":"Plasma Inflammatory Proteome Profile in a Cohort of Patients with Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Kenya","authors":"Diletta Rosati, Isis Ricaño Ponce, Gloria S. Omosa-Manyonyi, Mariolina Bruno, Nelly W. Kamau, Martin Jaeger, Vinod Kumar, Mihai G. Netea, Andre J. A. M. van der Ven, Jaap ten Oever","doi":"10.3390/jof10090638","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090638","url":null,"abstract":"Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) affects up to 75% of women at least once during their lifetime, and up to 8% of women suffer from frequent recurrent episodes of VVC (RVVC). A lack of a protective host response underlies vaginal Candida infections, while a dysregulated hyperinflammatory response may drive RVVC. This study aimed to investigate the systemic inflammatory protein profile in women with RVVC in an African population, considering the potential influence of hormonal contraceptive use on systemic inflammation. Using multiplex Proximity Extension Assay technology, we measured 92 circulatory inflammatory proteins in plasma samples from 158 RVVC patients and 92 asymptomatic women (controls). Hormonal contraceptive use was not found to have a statistically significant correlation with a systemic inflammatory protein profile in either RVVC patients or the asymptomatic women. RVVC women had lower circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF-21) concentrations compared with healthy controls (adjusted p value = 0.028). Reduced concentrations of FGF-21 may be linked to the immune pathology observed in RVVC cases through IL-1β. This study may help to identify new biomarkers for the diagnosis and future development of novel immunomodulatory treatments for RVVC.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142183046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joaquina María García-Martín, Antonio Muro, Pedro Fernández-Soto
Human endemic mycoses are potentially fatal diseases caused by a diverse group of fungi that can alter their morphology in response to an increase in temperature. These thermally dimorphic fungi affect both healthy and immunocompromised hosts, causing a substantial health and economic burden. Despite this, the diagnosis of endemic mycoses is still a formidable challenge for several reasons, including similar symptomatology, limited utility of classical diagnostic methods, inaccessibility to reliable molecular approaches in most endemic areas, and a lack of clinical suspicion out of these regions. This review summarizes essential knowledge on thermally dimorphic fungi and the life-threatening diseases they cause. The principle, advantages and limitations of the methods traditionally used for their diagnosis are also described, along with the application status and future directions for the development of alternative diagnostic strategies, which could help to reduce the disease burden in endemic areas.
{"title":"Diagnosis of Human Endemic Mycoses Caused by Thermally Dimorphic Fungi: From Classical to Molecular Methods","authors":"Joaquina María García-Martín, Antonio Muro, Pedro Fernández-Soto","doi":"10.3390/jof10090637","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090637","url":null,"abstract":"Human endemic mycoses are potentially fatal diseases caused by a diverse group of fungi that can alter their morphology in response to an increase in temperature. These thermally dimorphic fungi affect both healthy and immunocompromised hosts, causing a substantial health and economic burden. Despite this, the diagnosis of endemic mycoses is still a formidable challenge for several reasons, including similar symptomatology, limited utility of classical diagnostic methods, inaccessibility to reliable molecular approaches in most endemic areas, and a lack of clinical suspicion out of these regions. This review summarizes essential knowledge on thermally dimorphic fungi and the life-threatening diseases they cause. The principle, advantages and limitations of the methods traditionally used for their diagnosis are also described, along with the application status and future directions for the development of alternative diagnostic strategies, which could help to reduce the disease burden in endemic areas.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142182995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniel Vasconcelos Rissi, Maham Ijaz, Christiane Baschien
This study presents the first genome assembly of the freshwater saprobe fungus Neonectria lugdunensis and a comprehensive phylogenomics analysis of the Nectriaceae family, examining genomic traits according to fungal lifestyles. The Nectriaceae family, one of the largest in Hypocreales, includes fungi with significant ecological roles and economic importance as plant pathogens, endophytes, and saprobes. The phylogenomics analysis identified 2684 single-copy orthologs, providing a robust evolutionary framework for the Nectriaceae family. We analyzed the genomic characteristics of 17 Nectriaceae genomes, focusing on their carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), and adaptations to environmental temperatures. Our results highlight the adaptation mechanisms of N. lugdunensis, emphasizing its capabilities for plant litter degradation and enzyme activity in varying temperatures. The comparative genomics of different Nectriaceae lifestyles revealed significant differences in genome size, gene content, repetitive elements, and secondary metabolite production. Endophytes exhibited larger genomes, more effector proteins, and BGCs, while plant pathogens had higher thermo-adapted protein counts, suggesting greater resilience to global warming. In contrast, the freshwater saprobe shows less adaptation to warmer temperatures and is important for conservation goals. This study underscores the importance of understanding fungal genomic adaptations to predict ecosystem impacts and conservation targets in the face of climate change.
{"title":"Comparative Genomics of Fungi in Nectriaceae Reveals Their Environmental Adaptation and Conservation Strategies","authors":"Daniel Vasconcelos Rissi, Maham Ijaz, Christiane Baschien","doi":"10.3390/jof10090632","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090632","url":null,"abstract":"This study presents the first genome assembly of the freshwater saprobe fungus Neonectria lugdunensis and a comprehensive phylogenomics analysis of the Nectriaceae family, examining genomic traits according to fungal lifestyles. The Nectriaceae family, one of the largest in Hypocreales, includes fungi with significant ecological roles and economic importance as plant pathogens, endophytes, and saprobes. The phylogenomics analysis identified 2684 single-copy orthologs, providing a robust evolutionary framework for the Nectriaceae family. We analyzed the genomic characteristics of 17 Nectriaceae genomes, focusing on their carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), and adaptations to environmental temperatures. Our results highlight the adaptation mechanisms of N. lugdunensis, emphasizing its capabilities for plant litter degradation and enzyme activity in varying temperatures. The comparative genomics of different Nectriaceae lifestyles revealed significant differences in genome size, gene content, repetitive elements, and secondary metabolite production. Endophytes exhibited larger genomes, more effector proteins, and BGCs, while plant pathogens had higher thermo-adapted protein counts, suggesting greater resilience to global warming. In contrast, the freshwater saprobe shows less adaptation to warmer temperatures and is important for conservation goals. This study underscores the importance of understanding fungal genomic adaptations to predict ecosystem impacts and conservation targets in the face of climate change.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142182997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) exhibit varied properties as alternative biodegradable materials that can be used in various industries such as construction, furniture, household goods, and packaging. However, these properties are primarily influenced by the type of substrate used. This study aims to investigate the properties of MBCs produced from Lentinus sajor-caju strain CMU-NK0427 using different ratios of sawdust to corn husk in the development of mycelium composite boards (MCBs) with thicknesses of 8, 16, and 24 mm. The results indicate that variations in the ratios of corn husk to sawdust and thickness affected the mechanical and physical properties of the obtained MCBs. Reducing the corn husk content in the substrate increased the modulus of elasticity, density, and thermal conductivity, while increasing the corn husk content increased the bending strength, shrinkage, water absorption, and volumetric swelling. Additionally, an increase in thickness with the same substrate ratio only indicated an increase in density and shrinkage. MCBs have sound absorption properties ranging from 61 to 94% at a frequency of 1000 Hz. According to the correlation results, a reduction in corn husk content in the substrate has a significant positive effect on the reduction in bending strength, shrinkage, and water absorption in MCBs. However, a decrease in corn husk content shows a strong negative correlation with the increase in the modulus of elasticity, density, and thermal conductivity. The thickness of MCBs with the same substrate ratio only shows a significant negative correlation with the modulus of elasticity and bending strength. Compared to commercial boards, the mechanical (bending strength) and physical (density, thermal conductivity, and sound absorption) properties of MCBs made from a 100% corn husk ratio are most similar to those of softboards and acoustic boards. The results of this study can provide valuable information for the production of MCBs and will serve as a guide to enhance strategies for further improving their properties for commercial manufacturing, as well as fulfilling the long-term goal of eco-friendly recycling of lignocellulosic substrates.
{"title":"Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Mycelium Composite Boards Made from Lentinus sajor-caju with Various Ratios of Corn Husk and Sawdust","authors":"Praween Jinanukul, Jaturong Kumla, Worawoot Aiduang, Wandee Thamjaree, Rawiwan Oranratmanee, Umpiga Shummadtayar, Yuttana Tongtuam, Saisamorn Lumyong, Nakarin Suwannarach, Tanut Waroonkun","doi":"10.3390/jof10090634","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090634","url":null,"abstract":"Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) exhibit varied properties as alternative biodegradable materials that can be used in various industries such as construction, furniture, household goods, and packaging. However, these properties are primarily influenced by the type of substrate used. This study aims to investigate the properties of MBCs produced from Lentinus sajor-caju strain CMU-NK0427 using different ratios of sawdust to corn husk in the development of mycelium composite boards (MCBs) with thicknesses of 8, 16, and 24 mm. The results indicate that variations in the ratios of corn husk to sawdust and thickness affected the mechanical and physical properties of the obtained MCBs. Reducing the corn husk content in the substrate increased the modulus of elasticity, density, and thermal conductivity, while increasing the corn husk content increased the bending strength, shrinkage, water absorption, and volumetric swelling. Additionally, an increase in thickness with the same substrate ratio only indicated an increase in density and shrinkage. MCBs have sound absorption properties ranging from 61 to 94% at a frequency of 1000 Hz. According to the correlation results, a reduction in corn husk content in the substrate has a significant positive effect on the reduction in bending strength, shrinkage, and water absorption in MCBs. However, a decrease in corn husk content shows a strong negative correlation with the increase in the modulus of elasticity, density, and thermal conductivity. The thickness of MCBs with the same substrate ratio only shows a significant negative correlation with the modulus of elasticity and bending strength. Compared to commercial boards, the mechanical (bending strength) and physical (density, thermal conductivity, and sound absorption) properties of MCBs made from a 100% corn husk ratio are most similar to those of softboards and acoustic boards. The results of this study can provide valuable information for the production of MCBs and will serve as a guide to enhance strategies for further improving their properties for commercial manufacturing, as well as fulfilling the long-term goal of eco-friendly recycling of lignocellulosic substrates.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142183121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michel Leiva-Mora, Yanelis Capdesuñer, Ariel Villalobos-Olivera, Roberto Moya-Jiménez, Luis Rodrigo Saa, Marcos Edel Martínez-Montero
This paper discusses the mechanisms by which fungi manipulate plant physiology and suppress plant defense responses by producing effectors that can target various host proteins. Effector-triggered immunity and effector-triggered susceptibility are pivotal elements in the complex molecular dialogue underlying plant–pathogen interactions. Pathogen-produced effector molecules possess the ability to mimic pathogen-associated molecular patterns or hinder the binding of pattern recognition receptors. Effectors can directly target nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat receptors, or manipulate downstream signaling components to suppress plant defense. Interactions between these effectors and receptor-like kinases in host plants are critical in this process. Biotrophic fungi adeptly exploit the signaling networks of key plant hormones, including salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and ethylene, to establish a compatible interaction with their plant hosts. Overall, the paper highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between plant defense mechanisms and fungal effectors to develop effective strategies for plant disease management.
{"title":"Uncovering the Mechanisms: The Role of Biotrophic Fungi in Activating or Suppressing Plant Defense Responses","authors":"Michel Leiva-Mora, Yanelis Capdesuñer, Ariel Villalobos-Olivera, Roberto Moya-Jiménez, Luis Rodrigo Saa, Marcos Edel Martínez-Montero","doi":"10.3390/jof10090635","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090635","url":null,"abstract":"This paper discusses the mechanisms by which fungi manipulate plant physiology and suppress plant defense responses by producing effectors that can target various host proteins. Effector-triggered immunity and effector-triggered susceptibility are pivotal elements in the complex molecular dialogue underlying plant–pathogen interactions. Pathogen-produced effector molecules possess the ability to mimic pathogen-associated molecular patterns or hinder the binding of pattern recognition receptors. Effectors can directly target nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat receptors, or manipulate downstream signaling components to suppress plant defense. Interactions between these effectors and receptor-like kinases in host plants are critical in this process. Biotrophic fungi adeptly exploit the signaling networks of key plant hormones, including salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and ethylene, to establish a compatible interaction with their plant hosts. Overall, the paper highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between plant defense mechanisms and fungal effectors to develop effective strategies for plant disease management.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142183123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}