Ima Fungus最新文献

Species of Antarctomyces and Thelebolus (Thelebolaceae), primarily found in Antarctic environments, exhibit psychrophilic adaptations, yet their mitochondrial genomes have not been extensively studied. Furthermore, few studies have compared the mitochondrial genomes of psychrophilic, psychrotrophic, and mesophilic fungi. After successful sequencing and assembly, this study annotated the mitochondrial genomes of Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus CPCC 401038 and Thelebolus microsporus CPCC 401041. We also performed a comparative analysis with the previously characterized mitochondrial genomes of psychrotrophic and mesophilic fungi. The analysis revealed that nad4L was the most conserved gene across the mitochondrial genomes, characterized by its synonymous and non-synonymous substitution rates (Ks and Ka), genetic distance, and GC content and skew within the protein-coding genes (PCGs). Additionally, the mitochondrial genomes of psychrophilic and psychrotrophic fungi showed a higher proportion of protein-coding regions and a lower GC content compared to those of mesophilic fungi, underscoring the genetic basis of cold adaptation. Phylogenetic analyses based on these mitochondrial genes also confirmed the phylogenetic relationships of Thelebolaceae in the class Leotiomycetes. These findings advance our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary dynamics within the family Thelebolaceae, highlighting how different environmental temperatures influence fungal mitochondrial genomic structure and adaptation.

In nature, germination of orchid seeds and early plant development rely on a symbiotic association with orchid mycorrhizal (ORM) fungi. These fungi provide the host with the necessary nutrients and facilitate the transition from embryos to protocorms. Despite recent advances in omics technologies, our understanding of this symbiosis remains limited, particularly during the initial stages of the interaction. To address this gap, we employed transcriptomics and metabolomics to investigate the early responses occurring in the mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella sp. isolate SV6 when co-cultivated with orchid seeds of Serapias vomeracea. The integration of data from gene expression and metabolite profiling revealed the activation of some fungal signalling pathways before the establishment of the symbiosis. Prior to seed contact, an indole-related metabolite was produced by the fungus, and significant changes in the fungal lipid profile occurred throughout the symbiotic process. Additionally, the expression of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) was observed during the pre-symbiotic stage, as the fungus approached the seeds, along with changes in amino acid metabolism. Thus, the dual-omics approach employed in this study yielded novel insights into the symbiotic relationship between orchids and ORM fungi and suggest that the ORM fungus responds to the presence of the orchid seeds prior to contact.

Bats (Chiroptera), the second largest group of mammals, are known for their unique immune system and their ability to act as vectors for various zoonoses. Bats also act as important carriers of fungi, which include plant, animal, and human pathogens. Their roosting areas, foraging behaviors, and even migration routes make bats ideal vectors for fungi. We isolated 75 culturable fungal species from bats in Yunnan Province, China, with 36 species representing known pathogens of plants, animals, and humans, while 39 species are non-pathogenic fungi. Among these species, 77% (58 species) belonged to Ascomycota, 9% (seven species) belonged to Basidiomycota, and 13% (10 species) belonged to Mucoromycota. Even though several taxonomic studies on fungi associated with bats have been published, studies exploring the role of bats as fungal vectors are lacking. This study discusses the fungi host-specific traits and pathogenicity and the impact and ecological significance of bats as fungal vectors.

Objectives: Cryptococcosis remains a severe global health concern, underscoring the urgent need for rapid and reliable diagnostic solutions. Point-of-care tests (POCTs), such as the cryptococcal antigen semi-quantitative (CrAgSQ) lateral flow assay (LFA), offer promise in addressing this challenge. However, their subjective interpretation poses a limitation. Our objectives encompass the development and validation of a digital platform based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), assessing its semi-quantitative LFA interpretation performance, and exploring its potential to quantify CrAg concentrations directly from LFA images.

Methods: We tested 53 cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) concentrations spanning from 0 to 5000 ng/ml. A total of 318 CrAgSQ LFAs were inoculated and systematically photographed twice, employing two distinct smartphones, resulting in a dataset of 1272 images. We developed an AI algorithm designed for the automated interpretation of CrAgSQ LFAs. Concurrently, we explored the relationship between quantified test line intensities and CrAg concentrations.

Results: Our algorithm surpasses visual reading in sensitivity, and shows fewer discrepancies (p < 0.0001). The system exhibited capability of predicting CrAg concentrations exclusively based on a photograph of the LFA (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.85).

Conclusions: This technology's adaptability for various LFAs suggests broader applications. AI-driven interpretations have transformative potential, revolutionizing cryptococcosis diagnosis, offering standardized, reliable, and efficient POCT results.

A commentary is provided on the seven formally published proposals to modify the provisions of Chapter F of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICNafp) that will be dealt with by the Fungal Nomenclature Session (FNS) of the 12th International Mycological Congress (IMC12) in August 2024. The proposals deal with: fungi whose morph-names have the same epithet; the listing of synonyms under entries for protected names in the Code Appendices; the processes of protection and rejection; the use of DNA sequences as nomenclatural types; the use of genomes as nomenclatural types; and the designation of fungi known only from DNA sequences. Information is also provided on the composition and role of the Fungal Nomenclature Bureau, the operation of the FNS and the pre-Congress Guiding vote.

Seven proposals or sets of proposals to modify the provisions of Chapter F of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICNafp) have been received. These proposals are formally presented together here. The topics addressed relate to: fungi whose morph-names have the same epithet; the listing of synonyms under entries for protected names in the Code Appendices; the processes of protection and rejection; the use of DNA sequences as nomenclatural types; the use of genomes as nomenclatural types; and the designation of fungi known only from DNA sequences. In addition, a suggestion is included to update the mention of the World Directory of Culture Collections in Article 40.7 Note 4. A Synopsis of the formal proposals will be provided in early July 2024, and the mycological community will be invited to provide a guiding vote on the proposals with a closing date of 2 August 2024. Final decisions on the proposals will be made following debate at the Fungal Nomenclature Session of IMC12 in August 2024.

The genus Cortinarius (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) is one of the most species-rich fungal genera, with thousands of species reported. Cortinarius species are important ectomycorrhizal fungi and form associations with many vascular plants globally. Until recently Cortinarius was the single genus of the family Cortinariaceae, despite several attempts to provide a workable, lower-rank hierarchical structure based on subgenera and sections. The first phylogenomic study for this group elevated the old genus Cortinarius to family level and the family was split into ten genera, of which seven were described as new. Here, by careful re-examination of the recently published phylogenomic dataset, we detected extensive gene-tree/species-tree conflicts using both concatenation and multispecies coalescent approaches. Our analyses demonstrate that the Cortinarius phylogeny remains unresolved and the resulting phylogenomic hypotheses suffer from very short and unsupported branches in the backbone. We can confirm monophyly of only four out of ten suggested new genera, leaving uncertain the relationships between each other and the general branching order. Thorough exploration of the tree space demonstrated that the topology on which Cortinarius revised classification relies on does not represent the best phylogenetic hypothesis and should not be used as constrained topology to include additional species. For this reason, we argue that based on available evidence the genus Cortinarius should not (yet) be split. Moreover, considering that phylogenetic uncertainty translates to taxonomic uncertainty, we advise for careful evaluation of phylogenomic datasets before proposing radical taxonomic and nomenclatural changes.

Chrysomyxa rusts cause significant damage to spruce in both natural forests and plantations. Particularly, Three Chrysomyxa species, Chrysomyxa deformans, Chrysomyxa qilianensis, and Chrysomyxa rhododendri, listed as National Forest Dangerous Pests in China, have severely affected many economically and ecologically important spruce native species in China. Also, Chrysomyxa arctostaphyli, an important plant quarantine fungus, causes a damaging broom rust disease on spruce. Therefore, rapid, and efficient detection tools are urgently needed for proper rust disease detection and management. In this study, a sensitive, genus-specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the ITS-28S rRNA region was developed to detect the presence of Chrysomyxa in spruce needle and bud samples. After optimization and validation, the LAMP assay was found to be sensitive to detect as low as 5.2 fg/µL DNA, making it suitable for rapid on-site testing for rust infection. The assay was also specific to Chrysomyxa species, with no positive signals from other rust genus/species. The application of LAMP in the early detection of rust infections in spruce needles and buds was investigated, and spatial colonization profiles as well as the means of overwintering of Chrysomyxa woroninii in infected buds and branches were verified using the LAMP assay. This LAMP detection method will facilitate further studies on the characteristics of the life cycle and inoculation of other systemic rusts.