Mycology最新文献

Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus (Agaricaceae) exhibit global distribution, with notable abundance and diversity in tropical and subtropical regions and play as decomposers in the ecosystem. However, a recent survey of macrofungi in the urban area of Beijing resulted in the discovery of a rich diversity of these fungi. In this study, 88 Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus specimens have been collected from Beijing. The following morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and nrLSU sequence data, complemented by a four-gene dataset (ITS, nrLSU, rpb2, and tef1-α) identified them into 22 species, including eight new species in Leucoagaricus: La. bulbosus, La. centrobrunneolus, La. cinereibisporus, La. luteocanus, La. subcandidus, La. subnivalis, La. testaceumbonatus, and La. xantholepis, and two new species of Leucocoprinus: Lc. beijingensis and Lc. digitatocystis. Detailed descriptions of all proposed new species are provided. Additionally, three new combinations in Leucocoprinus were proposed, and four Leucocoprinus names were reinstated. This research expands the understanding of Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus species diversity, especially the distribution in temperate regions. The rich species diversity of those mushrooms also indicated urban habitats specially urban green land, despite being heavily influenced by human activity, may serve as unexpected hotspots of biodiversity because they can provide a favourable ecological environment.

Dermatophytes are a taxonomic group of keratinophilic fungi that engender cutaneous infections across human and animal populations. The zoophilic species Microsporum canis, which exhibits a widespread distribution, predominantly affects domesticated felines and canines and has recently been associated with an increased risk of human adaptation. This study conducted a comparative genome analysis, validating the adaptive expression of 12 relevant genes through neutrality tests and selection pressure analyses, with a particular focus on the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the transition from zoophilic to anthropophilic Microsporum. The results demonstrated a high degree of consistency in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes among the three Microsporum species, while significant differences were observed in protein domains. Notably, the anthropophilic species M. audouinii and M. ferrugineum exhibited more gene duplication events and expansions in domains such as MFS and Zn2Cys6 transcription factors. Among the 138 identified genes, specific protease subfamilies (e.g. S08A, M77, S53) and CAZy subfamilies (e.g. GH18, AA1, AA3) showed strong ecological correlations with either zoophilic or anthropophilic lifestyles. The key functions of these genes from these subfamilies focus on modulating sporulation, endoproteases, lipolysis, pH regulatory adaptability, chitinase, and conidial pigment biosynthesis. Microenvironmental factors such as pH, lipid concentration, and osmolarity significantly influenced the expression of these key genes. Anthropophilic strains demonstrated higher tolerance to acidic pH and enhanced keratinase activity in lipid-rich environments, with M. ferrugineum exhibiting the strongest osmotic tolerance. These findings highlight the inherent evolutionary dynamics and adaptive mechanisms of dermatophytes, providing valuable insights into the pathogenicity of Microsporum.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2354273.].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2342519.].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2342521.].

Thaxterogaster is the second largest genus within the family Cortinariaceae, comprising nearly two hundred species worldwide. However, the diversity of the genus in China remains largely unknown. Based on morphological evidence and phylogenetic inference of a five-locus dataset, one hundred twelve species belonging to seven subgenera and 23 sections of Thaxterogaster were analysed. We here describe 15 of those present in China, including 8 species new to science, namely T. crassimultiformis, T. lavendulaceus, T. flavocapitatus, T. pallidopurpurascens, T. atricapitatus, T. cupreus, T. sordidus, T. alboparvus, and 1 species new to China, viz. T. indopurpurascens. Two new combinations, Thaxterogaster subgenus Vibratiles and Thaxterogaster tenuipes, are further introduced. Taxonomic descriptions and a key to the species of Thaxterogaster in Western China are provided.

Geoglossomycetes is a class within the phylum Ascomycota that accommodates a single order and a single family, comprising nine genera. Geoglossomycetes is traditionally referred to as "earth tongues". The class is characterised by tongue-shaped to clavate, stipitate, black ascomata covered with or without black setae, a swollen ascigerous portion, a cylindric stipe, filiform, septate paraphyses, cylindrical-clavate, 4-8-spored asci, and filiform or falciform, multi-septate, dark brown to hyaline ascospores. In this study, we examined 34 samples from four genera in China. Based on ecological comparisons, morphological studies, and phylogenetic analyses inferred from the combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the large subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), we introduce ten new species of Geoglossomycetes, and identify four known species. In addition, we summarise the sexual morph characters of all species within the two largest genera, Geoglossum and Trichoglossum.

The dynamic interplay between pathogens and host immune system determines the outcome of fungal infections. This study investigates the role of Ubp5 in modulating host defenses during Cryptococcus neoformans H99 infections. Ubp5 deletion significantly reduces both pulmonary invasion and extrapulmonary dissemination, resulting in prolonged survival and decreased fungal burdens in mice. Attenuated virulence is closely associated with enhanced host immune responses, rather than diminished pathogen fitness alone. Histopathological and leukocyte analyses revealed a shift towards protective adaptive immune responses in ubp5Δ-infected lungs, characterized by lymphocyte-dominated inflammatory infiltration and an increased Th1/Th17 cytokine response. Under host-associated conditions, ubp5Δ mutants exhibited morphological changes, including distorted shapes and cell wall heterogeneity, alongside defects in key virulence factors such as the polysaccharide capsule and melanin. These changes likely promote exposure of immunostimulatory cell wall components, enhancing host immunity. Additionally, Ubp5 deletion resulted in a significant reduction in intracellular ribosomal particles in C. neoformans, which likely impairs protein synthesis, contributing to reduced growth and pathogenic fitness in vivo. These findings underscore the pivotal role of Ubp5 in maintaining cryptococcal virulence and suggest that targeting Ubp5 could enhance host immunity against cryptococcosis by promoting protective immune responses and limiting fungal dissemination.

Different species of fungi usually share many common pathways but they also have some unique metabolic pathways (e.g. those for specialised metabolites). It is not clear how gene expression patterns significantly contribute to the creation of diverse volatile compounds. Based on the research of most VOCs, the functions of different fungal volatile compounds are mainly as follows: inhibitory or synergistic effects on other microorganisms, promoting growth in plants or inducing a defensive response in crops, and participating in the material cycle or affecting the interactions between organisms in the ecosystem. Approximately three hundred VOCs have been identified from fungi. According to their chemical properties, the major categories of fungal VOCs are terpenoids, aromatic compounds, alcohols, alkanes, esters, aldehydes, ketones, and heterocyclic compounds. The eight-carbon alcohol (1-octen-3-ol) is one of the most characteristic fungal VOC. This abundantly produced VOC results from the breakdown of linoleic acid and causes a distinctive mushroom-like odour. Consequently, its presence has been utilised as a signal of fungal growth. It is also produced by certain plants and functions as a semiochemical for numerous arthropods. The use of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) as a model for testing the toxicity of fungal VOCs showed that some VOCs delayed metamorphosis and/or caused fly death at certain concentrations. When Drosophila was cultivated in an atmosphere shared with VOC mixtures released from growing cultures of several medically important fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus, toxicity was observed. Additionally, we propose that components of the genetic immune system of D. melanogaster are engaged in the toxicity of fungal VOCs mainly via the elicitation of the Toll pathway. The presence of 1-octen-3-ol, for example, was associated with higher levels of toxicity in the fruit fly bioassay. In this review, we summarise (1) the diversity and functions of different fungal VOCs, (2) the biosynthesis and bioactive characteristics of 1-octen-3-ol, and (3) the use of D. melanogaster as a genetic model to assess the health impacts of fungal VOCs.

This study presents the taxonomy and phylogeny of the family Incrustoporiaceae, based on comprehensive phylogenetic analyses utilising multi-gene data, including the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) and the large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), for the accepted genera within Incrustoporiaceae. Additionally, a separate phylogenetic analysis focusing on the Skeletocutis nivea complex was performed using ITS sequences. A total of 20 new species within the genus Skeletocutis are described, namely Skeletocutis crystallina, S. cunninghamiae, S. cylindrica, S. ellipsoidea, S. flavipora, S. latemarginata, S. liangdongii, S. monocotyledona, S. montanus, S. neoalbomarginata, S. oceanica, S. ochraceocarpa, S. quercicola, S. sinica, S. sinoalbomarginata, S. sinochrysella, S. subamorpha, S. subdiluta, S. subkrawtzewii, and S. sublilacina. Detailed illustrated descriptions, voucher specimens, hosts, distribution, diagnoses, and remarks are provided for these 20 new species. Additionally, two new combinations are proposed: S. minutula and Tyromyces subodorus. Notably, our discoveries of S. oceanica and S. subdiluta in Australia underscore the significance of expanding research on Skeletocutis diversity in the Southern Hemisphere, where reports are scarce. Phylogenetic analyses also clarified the taxonomic positions of Skeletocutis and Tyromyces within the Incrustoporiaceae family, showing that Tyromyces is nested within the polyphyletic Skeletocutis clade. The morphological distinctions between Skeletocutis and Tyromyces, as well as between Skeletocutis and Sidera, are also discussed.