Frontiers in fungal biology最新文献

Spontaneously fermenting grape juices represent complex ecosystems resulting from the dynamic interaction between the unique characteristics of a grape varietal and its indigenous associated microbiota. The extent to which specific grape variety volatile compounds versus microbially derived ones shape wine identity remains incompletely understood. In this work, we explored this issue by characterizing the volatile compound profiles at early stages of fermentation of the highly aromatic Isabella (V. labrusca L.) grape juice, conducted by native microbial communities prepared from either Isabella (homologous fermentation) or Malbec (V. vinifera L., heterologous fermentation) grapes. Results revealed that microbial starters derived from V. labrusca L. and V. vinifera L. markedly influenced the volatile profiles of the resulting fermented Isabella grape juices. Joint analysis of volatile profiles from Malbec and Isabella juices fermented with the same set of Vitis-specific microbial communities showed that, despite the strong influence of the microbial consortia, the fermented juices retained traits consistent with their original grape varietal identity. Characterization and identification of cultivable yeast species in these homologous and heterologous fermentations of Isabella grape juice showed H. uvarum, H. opuntiae, and S. bacillaris as dominant species in Malbec and Isabella microbial ecosystems. Our results highlight the potential of this innovative experimental approach to examine the relative roles of microbial communities and grape varietals in shaping wine identity. Moreover, they show that different Vitis-specific microbiota can distinctly influence the volatile profiles of a fermenting grape juice without altering its varietal identity.

Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) are vital and versatile components of plant cellular systems. They are characterized by a conserved eight-cysteine motif and are increasingly recognized for their dual roles in direct defense and stress modulation. nsLTPs serve critical structural and signaling functions in plant immunity. In contrast, other lipid transfer proteins, which lack the conserved cysteine motif, are primarily localized at membrane contact sites, specialized inter-organelle junctions that act as central hubs for lipid trafficking and signaling. This review explores the diverse roles of nsLTPs from structural, functional, and evolutionary perspectives, and examines current classification methodologies for the plant nsLTP superfamily. Functionally, nsLTPs contribute to the formation of protective barriers by transporting cutin monomers and other lipids, while also possessing lipid-specific antimicrobial properties that disrupt pathogen membranes. They support redox balance by scavenging reactive oxygen species, thereby minimizing oxidative stress. Additionally, nsLTPs are involved in defense signaling by transporting lipid-derived molecules essential to systemic acquired resistance. Their structural adaptability enables binding to a wide range of lipid species, underpinning their involvement in cuticle integrity, immune responses, and abiotic stress tolerance. These attributes position nsLTPs as promising targets for engineering durable, broad-spectrum disease resistance in crops. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding their structure-function relationships, lipid transport mechanisms, and roles in defense signaling and pathogen resistance. Addressing these challenges through advanced molecular and genetic tools could unlock the potential of nsLTPs to enhance crop resilience and contribute significantly to global food security.

Fungal peritonitis represents a significant complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and can result in severe consequences. However, fungal peritonitis caused by Fusarium is relatively rare, and there is no standard treatment plan for reference. Consequently, clinical pharmacists participated in a drug therapy for a rare case of fungal peritonitis in PD caused by Fusarium through literature review and therapeutic drug monitoring. Finally, this case received oral voriconazole, and the plasma concentration was maintained above 2 μg/ml. Moreover, the patient achieved favorable outcomes.

Fungal pathogens continue to devastate global agriculture, causing significant crop losses, compromising food security, and posing emerging threats to public health. This paper critically examines the revolutionary role of nanotechnology-driven innovations in combating fungal diseases in crops, offering an integrative framework that bridges plant health, environmental sustainability, and human well-being. We synthesize recent advancements in agricultural nanomaterials, including silver, zinc oxide, and copper oxide nanoparticles, as well as green-synthesized nanoformulations. We examine their antifungal mechanisms, including membrane disruption, induction of oxidative stress, targeted delivery, and inhibition of spore germination. The review highlights how nanosensors can facilitate early detection of pathogens, while nano-enabled packaging and innovative delivery systems prevent post-harvest contamination and extend shelf life. Crucially, we underscore the public health benefits of reduced chemical pesticide use, lowered mycotoxin exposure, and the potential for mitigating antimicrobial resistance. The paper advances the discourse on environmentally responsible, high-precision disease control strategies in agriculture by linking nanotechnology to broader sustainability goals. Furthermore, we identify key challenges, including regulatory ambiguity, ecotoxicological concerns, and barriers to equitable adoption, especially among smallholder farmers in the Global South. This paper contributes a forward-looking agenda for integrating nanotechnology into holistic pest management systems through inclusive policies, interdisciplinary research, and stakeholder-driven implementation pathways. Overall, this review positions nanotechnology as a transformative tool in reengineering crop protection paradigms that align innovation with sustainability, resilience, and public health imperatives in the face of escalating global challenges.

Melanin is a dark macromolecule found in organisms ranging from animals to fungi and plants. In fungi, melanin is a secondary metabolite that is not essential per se for growth but does provide various benefits that facilitate adaptation to stressful conditions such as UV light, desiccation, oxygen radicals, and extreme temperatures. The biosynthetic pathways of most types of melanin are known and documented, but the regulation of those pathways is not well understood. In fungi, known pathways for melanin production include those directing the synthesis of 1,8-DHN melanin and L-DOPA melanin, as well as the tyrosine degradation pathway. Genetic studies have identified structural genes and enzymes that play a role in these different melanin biosynthesis pathways. Recent studies have focused on the roles of various transcription factors (TFs) and signaling circuits (e.g., cAMP/PKA and the HOG pathway) in regulating the expression of the biosynthetic pathways. The review will provide insights into what is known about these TFs and regulatory circuits in diverse fungi in an attempt to identify common themes.

Chili pepper exports from Ghana are subject to stringent chemical residue regulations in key export destinations. Consequently, microbial biopesticides are urgently needed to complement current nonchemical control options for key pests of chili pepper, particularly the phytosanitary insect, False Codling Moth (FCM). Thus, the search for native entomopathogenic fungi in Ghanaian farms was initiated in 2023. Seven Metarhizium isolates (UGSUHCI, UGJKCS9, UGJKCS10, UGAFMF8, UGAFM F12, UGNAKC1 and UGKAP1), obtained from agricultural soils in Ghana, showed high virulence against the soil-dwelling stages of FCM under laboratory conditions. To facilitate the selection of these virulent isolates for development into a mycoinsecticide for FCM, the UV sensitivity and virulence following UV exposure were investigated for all seven isolates in this study. All isolates exhibited extreme susceptibility to UV radiation in comparison to similar research. Exposure to simulated full-spectrum solar radiation at 0.6 W/m² for 30 min reduced relative conidial germination by 28-40% 48 h following exposure, while 60 min exposure killed all isolates. High insect mortalities were recorded for four isolates, regardless of UV radiation. The findings suggest that an effective UV-protectant formulation could be required for success in the field against fruit and foliar pests of chili pepper, including those of FCM.

The organization of functionally related gene families oftentimes exhibits a non-random genomic distribution as gene clusters that are prevalent throughout divergent eukaryotic organisms. The molecular and cellular functions of the gene families where clustering has been identified vary, and include those involved in basic metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and large gene families (e.g. ribosomal proteins). Many of these gene families exhibit transcriptional coregulation, however the roles that clustering plays and the mechanism(s) underlying co-expression are currently understudied. A comprehensive characterization of these relationships would allow for a greater understanding of the implications of genetic editing and engineering to minimize undesired consequences. Here we report the impact of gene clustering and genomic positioning on the expression of large, coregulated gene families in a haploid strain of the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Computational analysis identifies a significant and complex role for chromatin remodeling as a mechanism underlying cluster transcription. Functional dissection of the 'vitamin metabolic process', 'ribosome biogenesis', and 'ribosomal protein' gene families, characterized the roles for SNF2, JHD2, HIR2, EAF3, and yKU70 dependent chromatin remodeling during steady state transcription as well as the transcriptional response to glucose replenishment. Finally, mining and analysis of transcription profiles reveals significant transcriptional differences between the clustered and unclustered subsets within coregulated families under specific stressors.

Thelephora palmata is a well-known species morphologically characterized by coralloid and leathery basidiomata with numerous fuscous purple to blackish-brown branches. It was once considered to exhibit a wide ecological range and distribution area. However, comprehensive phylogenetic analysis based on four loci (ITS, nrLSU, rpb2, and nrSSU) revealed that T. palmata sensu lato represents a species complex consisting of at least 12 cryptic taxa, with a biogeographic distribution pattern bounded by geographic regions: Asia, Eurasia, Europe, and North America. In this study, we proposed eight new taxa based on available specimens. Of these, seven new species and one forma from China were described here based on phylogenetic analyses, morphological examinations, and environmental niche comparisons, viz., T. apiculata, T. cornu-damae, T. densa, T. esculenta, T. fuscidula, T. sinopalmata, T. truncicola, and T. truncicola f. pallescens.

Fruiting bodies of mushroom-forming fungi (Agaricomycetes) are complex multicellular structures whose formation is regulated by a developmental program that dynamically responds to environmental changes, such as light intensity. However, the genetic architecture and regulation of this developmental program are poorly known. Here, we characterize a novel Pumilio family gene, ort2, which influences fruiting body development, particularly the formation of dark stipes, a light-dependent alternative developmental trajectory. Phylogenetic analysis of this RNA-binding protein family in fungi revealed a distinct subfamily structure, with high conservation of each subfamily within Agaricomycetes. Reverse genetics experiments in the model species Coprinopsis cinerea revealed that ort2 disruptants produced fruiting bodies, but were deficient in dark stipe formation, whereas the overexpression mutants produced significantly more dark stipes. The gene was named after Orthrus, the two-headed dog of classical mythology, based on rare but reproducible branching fruiting body phenotypes observed upon overexpression. Our findings reveal fruiting-related functions for ort2, a novel conserved RNA-binding protein, and may serve as a novel entry point for understanding the molecular basis of dark stipe development.