Ima Fungus最新文献

Lasiodiplodia, a genus within the Botryosphaeriaceae family, comprises significant plant pathogens with a broad host range and global distribution, posing a substantial threat to agricultural production. Our recent study revealed the complexity of this genus by identifying numerous potential cryptic species within the seemingly generalist L.theobromae. To fully understand this species' complexity, higher-resolution genetic markers are required. Therefore, this study employed a comprehensive analysis of multiple transferable microsatellite markers to verify Lasiodiplodia species delimitation and examine the fine-scale genetic structure and diversity of Lasiodiplodia species, particularly L.theobromae. The study identified four distinct genetic groups within L.theobromae, each showing high genetic diversity. The phylogenetic relationships of these groups align with the evolutionary history of their host plants. This finding suggests that host-pathogen co-evolution is shaped by shared ancestral variation, limited gene flow, isolation and natural selection. These insights enhance our understanding of managing economically important Lasiodiplodia plant pathogens and highlight the significance of genetic diversity and host preferences in developing effective control measures.

The search for highly accurate chromosomal reference genomes has become a primary objective for the fungal research communities. Various genomic events, including insertions, deletions, inversions and movement of transposable elements, can modify the genomic architecture, resulting in chromosomal rearrangements. Long sequence reads enhance the accuracy and reliability of the assembly procedure, facilitating the study of these genomic characteristics. Here, we have utilised a combination of PacBio and Illumina sequencing technologies to generate hybrid assemblies of Penicilliumrubens strains 212 (PO212) and S27. These assemblies were then subjected to a comparative analysis in order to elucidate the chromosomal rearrangements that underpin the observed genomic differences, with a particular focus on their implications in the biocontrol phenotype against phytopathogenic fungi. This approach has enabled us to obtain the assembly of both PO212 and S27 genomes, with each organised into 13 scaffolds. The genomic organisation between these two isolates is highly conserved and the presence of transposable elements between the strains does not reveal major differences. Using the hybrid assemblies, we were able to detect, for the first time in the genus Penicillium, the presence of two nuclear mitochondrial DNA segments (Numts) in the genomes of the PO212 and S27 strains. The differences in biocontrol phenotype displayed by PO212 and S27 strains are independent of their genome organisation. These genomes provide new information for the existing database repositories.

Sporidiobolales is a fungal order of Basidiomycota within the subphylum Pucciniomycotina. This order encompasses significant yeasts, such as the oleaginous species Rhodotorulatoruloides and the opportunistic pathogen R.mucilaginosa. We present the sequencing and comparative analysis of 35 Sporidiobolales strains from 27 species, alongside a Leucosporidium strain (Leucosporidiales), and incorporating publicly available genomic data for related fungi. Based on the phylogenomics data, we found that the topologies obtained were relatively similar and in line with previous reports. A comparison between genomic makeup and previously described phenotypes revealed that the ability to utilize nitrate, raffinose, rhamnose, or sucrose clearly correlated with the existence of key enzymes involved in the corresponding metabolic pathways. However, similar associations could not be established for other carbon sources, such as maltose, galactose, or xylose. We further identified orthologs that are specifically present or absent in each taxon. These results and the genomic sequencing data will help in gaining a better understanding of these non-model yeast species.

Cordycepsblackwelliae is an entomopathogenic fungus with significant potential for research and development due to its ease of cultivation. However, the lack of omics-based studies has limited our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing its growth and fruiting body development. This study employed a multi-omics approach, integrating genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Utilising both Illumina and Nanopore sequencing technologies, we assembled a 31.06 Mb nuclear genome comprising 11 scaffolds, with telomere presence at one or both ends in eight scaffolds and annotated 8,138 identified genes (8,136 from genome prediction and two from local BLAST searches). Transcriptomic analysis identified 2,078 differentially expressed genes across three developmental stages: liquid culture mycelia, wheat culture mycelia and fruiting bodies. Amongst these, 745 genes were up-regulated in fruiting bodies, primarily associated with biosynthetic and catabolic pathways. Metabolomic analysis identified 1,161 metabolites, with 1,014 showing significant variations across developmental stages. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses uncovered 17 genes positively correlated with 34 metabolites, which are likely crucial regulators of fruiting body development. These findings provide new insights into the molecular networks underlying C.blackwelliae growth and fruiting body formation.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) form ubiquitous symbiotic relationships with plants through co-evolutionary processes, providing multiple benefits for plant growth, productivity, health, and stress mitigation. Mountain ecosystem multifunctionality is significantly influenced by mycorrhizal responses to climate change, highlighting the importance of understanding the complex interactions between these fungi and environmental variables. In this study, we investigated five vegetation zones across an altitudinal gradient (675-2157 m a.s.l.) in Wuyi Mountain, one of the most well-preserved mid-subtropical mountain ecosystems in eastern China. Using high-throughput sequencing, we examined the altitudinal distribution patterns, community assembly mechanisms, and network interactions of soil AMF and EMF. Our analyses demonstrated significant altitudinal variations in the composition and diversity of mycorrhizal fungal communities. AMF richness peaked in the subalpine dwarf forest at intermediate elevations, whereas EMF richness was highest in the low-altitude evergreen broad-leaved forest, showing a marked decrease in the alpine meadow ecosystem. β-diversity decomposition revealed that species turnover constituted the primary mechanism of community differentiation for both fungal types, explaining >56% of the observed variation. Stochastic processes dominated community assembly, with the relative importance of dispersal limitation and drift showing distinct altitudinal patterns. Network analysis indicated that AMF networks reached maximum complexity in evergreen broad-leaved forests, while EMF networks showed similar complexity levels in coniferous forests. Among the examined factors, soil properties emerged as the predominant driver of altitudinal variations in ecosystem multifunctionality, followed by AMF communities and climatic variables. These findings provide critical insights into the ecological functions and environmental adaptations of mycorrhizal fungi, advancing our understanding of their responses to environmental changes in mountain ecosystems and informing evidence-based conservation strategies.

Ophiocordycepssinensis is one of the best-known traditional Chinese medicines with distribution confined to the Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding regions. Harvesting the fungus contributes greatly to the livelihood of local communities. The quality and price varies amongst different production regions, usually resulting in an intentional mix-up of its production locality during trading processes, which leads to a demand of developing a reliable way that can trace the geographical origin of this fungus. In the present study, a DNA barcoding-based method applying two universal DNA barcodes for identifying fungal and insect, respectively i.e. the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI), was evaluated and used for geographical origin authentication of O.sinensis. A total of 24 ITS and 78 COI haplotypes were recognised from 215 individuals collected from 75 different geographic localities (county level). Ninety-nine haplotypes were defined using the combination of ITS and COI, discriminating the 75 investigated production counties into 99 distinct regions. A "core" production region was recognised which covers areas of Nagqu and Qamdo in Xizang, Yushu and Guoluo in Qinghai, Gannan (Maqu and Xiahe) in Gansu and certain regions in Nyingch (Bomi and Zayü) and Lhasa (Damxung) in Xizang and Garzê (Sêrxü) in Sichuan Province. Haplotype analyses using the combined barcodes of ITS and COI showed an excellent performance in the geographical origin authentication of O.sinensis and the definition of "core" and "non-core" production region.

To deepen our understanding of lichen adaptation and their potential to colonize extraterrestrial environments, we aimed to identify physiological/biochemical responses of selected lichen species in a metabolically active state to simulated Mars-like conditions in the dark including exposure to X-rays. Our study is the first to demonstrate that the metabolism of the fungal partner in lichen symbiosis was active while being in a Mars-like environment. Diploschistesmuscorum was able to activate defense mechanisms effectively. In contrast, increased oxidative stress and associated damage were not effectively balanced in C.aculeata, which does not support the melanin's radioprotective function in this species. The heavy crystalline deposit on D.muscorum thallus might offer protection enhancing lichen resistance to extreme conditions. We concluded that metabolically active D.muscorum can withstand the X-ray dose expected on the Mars surface over one year of strong solar activity. Consequently, X-rays associated with solar flares and SEPs reaching Mars should not affect the potential habitability of lichens on this planet.

Prior to physical contact, ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi can regulate plant root growth and ramification by emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, the underlying mechanisms of these VOC effects, as well as the key signaling molecules within the VOC blends, are largely unknown. Under sterile conditions, we studied the effects of the SuillusbovinusVOCs on the root growth of Pinusmassoniana or Arabidopsisthaliana before physical contact. Exogenously added auxin inhibitors and auxin-related mutants were used to explore the role of auxin in the promotion of plant root development by S.bovinusVOCs. S.bovinusVOCs stimulated host P.massoniana and non-host A.thaliana lateral root formation (LRF). Although these effects were independent of the host, they exhibited a symbiotic fungal-specific feature. Sesquiterpenes (SQTs) were the main S.bovinus VOC component that promoted LRF in plants. Two SQTs, α-humulene and β-cedrene, utilized different auxin pathways to promote plant root growth but did not affect the formation of an ECM symbiotic relationship between P.massoniana and S.bovinus. These findings enhance our understanding of the role played by SQTs in the signal recognition mechanism during the ECM presymbiotic stage and their role in promoting plant growth.

The genus Pseudogymnoascus includes several species frequently isolated from extreme environments worldwide, including cold environments such as Antarctica. This study describes three new species of Pseudogymnoascus-P.russus sp. nov., P.irelandiae sp. nov., and P.ramosus sp. nov.-isolated from Antarctic soils. These species represent the first Pseudogymnoascus taxa to be formally described from Antarctic soil samples, expanding our understanding of fungal biodiversity in this extreme environment. Microscopic descriptions of asexual structures from living cultures, along with measurements of cultural characteristics and growth on various media types at different temperatures, identify three distinct new species. In addition, phylogenetic analyses based on five gene regions (ITS, LSU, MCM7, RPB2, TEF1) and whole-genome proteomes place these new species within three distinct previously described clades: P.irelandiae in clade K, P.ramosus in clade Q, and P.russus in clade B. These results provide further evidence of the extensive undescribed diversity of Pseudogymnoascus in high-latitude soils. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on Antarctic mycology and the broader ecology of psychrophilic and psychrotolerant fungi.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is integral to sustainable agriculture and enhances plant resilience to abiotic and biotic stressors. Through their symbiotic association with plant roots, AM improves nutrient and water uptake, activates antioxidant defenses, and facilitates hormonal regulation, contributing to improved plant health and productivity. Plants release strigolactones, which trigger AM spore germination and hyphal branching, a process regulated by genes, such as D27, CCD7, CCD8, and MAX1. AM recognition by plants is mediated by receptor-like kinases (RLKs) and LysM domains, leading to the formation of arbuscules that optimize nutrient exchange. Hormonal regulation plays a pivotal role in this symbiosis; cytokinins enhance AM colonization, auxins support arbuscule formation, and brassinosteroids regulate root growth. Other hormones, such as salicylic acid, gibberellins, ethylene, jasmonic acid, and abscisic acid, also influence AM colonization and stress responses, further bolstering plant resilience. In addition to plant health, AM enhances soil health by improving microbial diversity, soil structure, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. This symbiosis supports soil pH regulation and pathogen suppression, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and improving soil fertility. To maximize AM 's potential of AM in agriculture, future research should focus on refining inoculation strategies, enhancing compatibility with different crops, and assessing the long-term ecological and economic benefits. Optimizing AM applications is critical for improving agricultural resilience, food security, and sustainable farming practices.