Ima Fungus最新文献

This study presents the first annotated genome of the Antarctic fungus Pseudogymnoascus australis UA-032-E, revealing significant biosynthetic potential with 44 predicted biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) identified through antiSMASH analysis. These BGCs include nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), type I polyketide synthases (PKS), and hybrid systems, indicating a diverse capacity for secondary metabolite production. BiG-SCAPE analysis grouped these clusters into 41 gene cluster families, with most being singletons, demonstrating low genetic redundancy and high structural diversity. To activate silent pathways, we employed elicitors (NPS and LPS) across multiple culture media, successfully inducing previously undetected metabolic activity. Using an integrated LC-QTOF-MS/MS approach combined with the GNPS and SIRIUS platforms, a total of 75 features were detected, including cyclodipeptides [cyclo-(Pro-Val), cyclo-(Leu-Leu)], maculosin, and betaine lipids such as DGTS 18:2-compounds linked to stress adaptation and biological activities in the literature. The YES medium supplemented with LPS elicitation yielded the highest metabolic diversity, suggesting this combination effectively stimulates specialized metabolism. Our findings demonstrate the value of combining genomic and metabolomic approaches to unlock the chemical potential of psychrophilic fungi. The genomic resource presented here provides a foundation for future functional studies and targeted bioprospecting of this Antarctic fungus for novel metabolites with potential biotechnological applications.

The genus Dactylaria has long been recognized as polyphyletic. In this study, phylogenetic analyses based on LSU sequences indicate that Dactylaria is widely distributed across six different classes within Pezizomycotina. Further analyses using combined LSU, ITS, and RPB2 sequence data revealed that Funiliomyces biseptatus, ten previously described "Dactylaria" species, and our newly isolated strains form a distinct lineage (SH-aLRT/UFB/BPP = 99.9/94/0.99) within Amphisphaeriales, sister to Nothodactylariaceae. Interfamily genetic differences provide additional evidence for recognizing this lineage as an independent family-level clade. Accordingly, a new family, Funiliomycetaceae fam. nov., is proposed to accommodate this lineage. The majority of species in this family are saprobes, endophytes, or epiphytes, occurring on a wide range of plant hosts across tropical to temperate regions. The sexual morph of Funiliomycetaceae is characterized by black, subglobose ascomata; cylindrical asci with an IKI-negative apical apparatus; and pale brown, torpedo-shaped, 2-septate ascospores bearing two hyaline mucilaginous appendages. The asexual morph is characterized by macronematous conidiophores and integrated, sympodial conidiogenous cells that exhibit remarkable diversity in denticle morphology, ranging from large cylindrical or geniculate forms to entirely absent, producing hyaline to pale smoky, septate conidia of variable dimensions. The diversity of Funiliomycetaceae is expanded here by the addition of one new species, Funiliomyces jiangxiensis sp. nov., and the transfer of ten previously described species to Funiliomyces as new combinations (F. acaciae comb. nov., F. bisepatus comb. nov., F. calliandrae comb. nov., F. fragilis comb. nov., F. hwasunensis comb. nov., F. mavisleverae comb. nov., F. monticola comb. nov., F. retrophylli comb. nov., F. sparsus comb. nov., and F. zapatensis comb. nov.). Information on asexual morphology, lifestyle, host associations, and distribution of Funiliomyces species is provided to facilitate species identification.

Members of the Botryosphaeriaceae are widespread fungal pathogens responsible for economically important diseases in woody plants. Despite the relevance of conidia production for understanding pathogen biology, infection processes, and disease epidemiology, sporulation in vitro remains unpredictable and inconsistent across species. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Vogel's Minimal Medium (VMM) for inducing pycnidial and conidial development, which has recently been shown to be effective for this purpose in Diplodia sapinea, in species of Diplodia (n = 3), Lasiodiplodia (n = 2), and Neofusicoccum (n = 26). For this purpose, we used 123 isolates recently collected in the Canary Islands (Spain), as well as 67 Neofusicoccum isolates from long-term storage. All isolates were identified through multilocus phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that D. africana, D. mutila, and D. seriata were able to produce pycnidia, although only D. seriata consistently released conidia. Lasiodiplodia brasiliensis and L. theobromae successfully formed pycnidia and released conidia, while 20 of the 26 tested Neofusicoccum species formed pycnidia, of which 15 released conidia. Significant variation was observed in the time required for pycnidial development and conidial release, as well as in the quantity of conidia produced, both among and within species. Reduced sucrose concentration in VMM delayed pycnidia formation and conidial release and reduced sporulation yields in Neofusicoccum species but increased sporulation in D. africana, D. seriata, L. brasiliensis, and L. theobromae. Long-term storage on Malt Yeast Agar medium at 4 °C negatively affected sporulation in some species, including N. luteum and N. stellenboschiana. Overall, VMM provides a standardised and reproducible medium for inducing sporulation in the Botryosphaeriaceae, although notable variation persists within and between species. These findings provide a methodological foundation for future studies on the biology, pathogenicity, molecular biology, and host-pathogen interactions of these fungi.

Hydnum species are called "hedgehogs" or "tooth fungi" because of their spinose hymenophores. Considering its edible and ectomycorrhizal nature, Hydnum has been found to possess high economic and ecological values. In the present study, a multi-gene (ITS-nLSU-tef1α) phylogenetic analysis and detailed morphological observations of the genus Hydnum were carried out. Based on the distinctive morphological characteristics and the phylogenetic evidence, two new species were described: H. flosculoides sp. nov. and H. robustum sp. nov. from China. Moreover, ITS is the most frequently used DNA region for identification of Hydnum species, but its effectiveness is uncertain. A total of 1,293 ITS sequences of Hydnum could be attributed to six subgenera and four clades with uncertain position (Clade Insulana and Incertae sedis 1, 2, 3), representing 84 morphologically and phylogenetically identified species, 14 putatively new phylospecies and 17 singletons. Furthermore, two new species were described and provided with illustrations. The morphological characters, phylogenetic delimitation, geographic distribution and habitat preferences of Hydnum were discussed, and the effectiveness of the ITS region was also evaluated to enhance rapid identification.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are key epigenetic regulators governing chromatin structure and gene expression, playing critical roles in growth, development, virulence, and multi-stress resistance of plant-pathogenic fungi. Despite their importance, the HDAC gene family (FoHDACs) in Fusarium oxysporum remains poorly characterized. Through genome-wide analysis, we identified 11 FoHDAC genes, phylogenetically classified into three subfamilies: Class I (2 genes), Class II (2 genes), and SIR2 (7 genes). Subcellular localization predicted 6 in the nucleus, 3 in the cytoplasm, and 2 in mitochondria, indicating functional diversity across organelles. Structural analyses revealed conserved domains/motifs specific to each subfamily. Genes showed asymmetric distribution across 6 chromosomes with no recent duplication events. Promoter analysis identified 22 putative cis-elements, including antioxidant (ARE, as-1) and stress response elements (STRE), linking FoHDACs to development and environmental responses. Functional annotation highlighted putative roles in transcriptional regulation, macromolecular catabolism, and heterochromatin assembly beyond core HDAC activity. Molecular docking showed binding affinities < -5 kcal/mol with significant differences across subfamilies. RT-qPCR revealed stage-specific expression: 8 genes peaked in dormant conidia, were suppressed during germination, and recovered during growth/sporulation; 2 showed continuous activation, and 1 was sporulation-specific. Abiotic stresses induced stimulus-dependent regulation, e.g., 33.67-fold repression of FoHST3 under salt stress and > 100-fold induction of FoHOS3 under cold stress. Collectively, our findings reveal that FoHDACs exhibit substantial functional diversity, forming a sophisticated regulatory network mediating fungal development and environmental adaptation.

Transitions between saprotrophic and biotrophic lifestyles represent pivotal evolutionary events in fungal ecology; however, the genomic and physiological mechanisms underlying such shifts remain poorly understood. The agaric genus Clitopilus (Basidiomycota, Entolomataceae) offers a valuable model system, with most species being soil saprotrophs. Clitopilus cf. baronii Consiglio & Setti exhibits genomic signatures suggesting incipient biotrophic capacity. Here, we investigated the genomic and eco-physiological properties of seven strains representing five Clitopilus species to identify traits associated with lifestyle transitions. ITS-based phylogeny combined with ecological metadata revealed potential facultative biotrophy in multiple taxa from the section Scyphoides. Physiological profiling showed that all strains utilized mannitol and sucrose poorly, preferred organic nitrogen compounds, and produced variable amounts of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in vitro in a strictly tryptophan-dependent manner. Enzymatic assays revealed substantial variations in the nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition capabilities among the strains. Comparative genomics of high-quality assemblies identified a pleuromutilin biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) across all strains, although synteny analysis revealed considerable structural variation and putative gene loss, indicating that genomic plasticity potentially affects antibiotic production. Principal component analysis of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) across 25 fungal genomes partitioned Clitopilus strains into two distinct groups: one resembling saprotrophic white-rot basidiomycetes, the other matching biotrophic ectomycorrhizal and endophytic taxa. This first comprehensive genomic analysis of Clitopilus revealed that nutritional specialization, phytohormone production, and CAZyme repertoire remodeling collectively signal an ongoing evolutionary transition from saprotrophy to plant-associated lifestyles in multiple lineages. These findings provide a rare genomic window into the early stages of symbiosis evolution, offering insights into how free-living fungi acquire the molecular toolkit for mutualistic partnerships.

Global increases in connectivity have greatly accelerated the frequency of biological invasions across most of Earth's ecosystems, including forests. Once invasive organisms become established in a naïve environment, they are difficult to eradicate or contain; thus, management strategies often focus on mitigating their impacts. As the use of chemical pesticides in forests is increasingly prohibited, biological control of pests and diseases has gained importance as an environmentally friendly alternative. Virus-mediated hypovirulence in the chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica is one of the few successful examples of biological control of an invasive forest pathogen. However, experiments testing the stability of this system in situ are still missing. In this study, we conducted a field experiment in chestnut stands with naturally established hypovirulence in Switzerland, Croatia, and North Macedonia to evaluate the effectiveness of CHV1-mediated biocontrol of chestnut blight under different vegetative compatibility (vc) type population structures. Our results demonstrate that CHV1 is highly effective as a biological control agent against C. parasitica. Artificially initiated bark cankers of various vc types were rapidly infected by resident CHV1 strains, which significantly reduced canker growth and sporulation, thereby increasing the survival chances of the infected chestnut sprouts. Under field conditions, vegetative incompatibility barriers proved to be far less restrictive for virus transmission than predicted in vitro. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that the immigration of new fungal genotypes into existing cankers is an inherent component of the epidemiology of C. parasitica, which significantly contributes to the spread of CHV1. These results are particularly favourable for ensuring the success of hypovirulence-mediated biocontrol of chestnut blight in Europe. However, our conclusions cannot be automatically translated to genetically distant vc types from outside Europe, whose accidental introduction should be further avoided.

Sclerotinia is a fungal genus of significant agricultural and scientific importance, as it includes multiple plant pathogens and provides an informative case study for mechanisms of host generalism. However, the taxonomy of this group remains unsettled, which hinders research on these pathogens. The last monographic treatment of Sclerotinia was published more than 40 years ago and was centered on the morphological data available at that time. Here, we examine that revision alongside other pivotal publications to trace the taxonomic history of Sclerotinia and to evaluate the morphological traits used to identify Sclerotinia species. We also briefly assess the composition of genera in the family Sclerotiniaceae, emphasising the need for a modern taxonomic investigation of the broader group. Thirteen new Sclerotinia species have been described since the last taxonomic revision, including Sclerotinia antarctica, S. asari, S. atrostipitata, S. cirsii-spinosissimi, S. ginseng, S. glacialis, S. himalayensis, S. nivalis, S. pseudoplatani, S. subarctica, S. tetraspora, S. trillii, and S. verrucispora. These species are evaluated here. Finally, several recommendations are made regarding how future taxonomic research on Sclerotinia should incorporate molecular data. We highlight potential obstacles and opportunities for this research, including the limitations of the internal transcribed spacer rDNA region (ITS) as a DNA barcode and the untapped potential of genomic data for the genus. By outlining the gaps that need to be addressed, this review charts a course toward a clearer understanding of taxonomic relationships among Sclerotinia species. This understanding will facilitate research into other aspects, such as pathogenicity and host generalism, and may ultimately contribute to improved management of the devastating diseases caused by these pathogens.

Lophodermium, the largest genus within the family Rhytismataceae, comprises diverse plant-associated endophytes and pathogens, including species responsible for serious diseases that cause substantial economic losses. Pine trees (Pinus spp.), among the most species-rich and widely distributed conifers worldwide, serve as hosts for many Lophodermium species. In the present study, ten new species of Lophodermium are identified and described from pine needles in China, based on an integrated approach combining morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses. The discovery of these new species significantly expands the known diversity of Lophodermium spp. and offers important insights into host specificity and geographic distribution. Furthermore, this work provides an essential scientific foundation for monitoring and managing Lophodermium-associated diseases in pine forests.

Panaeolus sensu lato is a group of hallucinogenic mushrooms commonly found on dung, in pasture areas, grasslands, and forests. Previous studies indicated that the Panaeolus s.l. clade (panaeo-clade) could be ranked as a family (Galeropsidaceae), pending further evidence. In this study, based on phylogenomic, multigene phylogenetic, molecular clock, and morphological analyses, the panaeo-clade is demonstrated to be a distinct family, separate from Bolbitiaceae. The taxonomic system of Galeropsidaceae is revised. The genera accepted in Galeropsidaceae are Panaeolus and Staktophyllus, whereas Crucispora and Panaeolopsis are synonymized under Panaeolus. Three subgenera are accepted in Panaeolus: subg. Bresadolomyces, subg. Panaeolina, and subg. Panaeolus. Subgenus Bresadolomyces is roughly equivalent to the traditional circumscription of subg. Copelandia but is extended to include species formerly placed in Crucispora. Subgenus Panaeolina comprises most species from China and Anellaria-like species. Subgenus Panaeolus mainly comprises the P. papilionaceus species complex and a western Asian clade represented by P. punjabensis. In this study, one new subgenus and eight new species are proposed. Species from China are documented with descriptions, photographs, and illustrations. Additionally, the psilocybin-producing traits of 14 species were tested using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Two species are confirmed to possess psilocybin-producing traits, namely the known species P. cinctulus and the new species P. subfoenisecii proposed in this study. The evolution of the coprophilous lifestyle and psilocybin-producing traits in Panaeolus is also discussed based on phylogenetic relationships and divergence times.