Journal of Fungi最新文献

{"title":"Exploring the Biocontrol Potential of Phanerochaete chrysosporium against Wheat Crown Rot","authors":"Lei Liu, Yaqiong Jin, Huijuan Lian, Qianxi Yin, Hailei Wang","doi":"10.3390/jof10090641","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090641","url":null,"abstract":"The worldwide occurrence of wheat crown rot, predominantly caused by the pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum, has a serious impact on wheat production. Numerous microorganisms have been employed as biocontrol agents, exhibiting effectiveness in addressing a wide array of plant pathogens through various pathways. The mycelium of the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium effectively inhibits the growth of F. pseudograminearum by tightly attaching to it and forming specialized penetrating structures. This process leads to the release of intracellular inclusions and the eventual disintegration of pathogen cells. Furthermore, volatile organic compounds and fermentation products produced by P. chrysosporium exhibit antifungal properties. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and modalities of action will facilitate the advancement and implementation of this biocontrol fungus. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the mycoparasitic behavior of P. chrysosporium, transcriptome analyses were conducted to examine the interactions between P. chrysosporium and F. pseudograminearum at 36, 48, and 84 h. During mycoparasitism, the up-regulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding fungal cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs), iron ion binding, and mycotoxins were mainly observed. Moreover, pot experiments revealed that P. chrysosporium not only promoted the growth and quality of wheat but also hindered the colonization of F. pseudograminearum in wheat seedlings. This led to a delay in the development of stem base rot, a reduction in disease severity and incidence, and the activation of the plant’s self-defense mechanisms. Our study provides important insights into the biocontrol mechanisms employed by P. chrysosporium against wheat crown rot caused by F. pseudograminearum.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142182993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plasma Inflammatory Proteome Profile in a Cohort of Patients with Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Kenya","authors":"Diletta Rosati, Isis Ricaño Ponce, Gloria S. Omosa-Manyonyi, Mariolina Bruno, Nelly W. Kamau, Martin Jaeger, Vinod Kumar, Mihai G. Netea, Andre J. A. M. van der Ven, Jaap ten Oever","doi":"10.3390/jof10090638","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090638","url":null,"abstract":"Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) affects up to 75% of women at least once during their lifetime, and up to 8% of women suffer from frequent recurrent episodes of VVC (RVVC). A lack of a protective host response underlies vaginal Candida infections, while a dysregulated hyperinflammatory response may drive RVVC. This study aimed to investigate the systemic inflammatory protein profile in women with RVVC in an African population, considering the potential influence of hormonal contraceptive use on systemic inflammation. Using multiplex Proximity Extension Assay technology, we measured 92 circulatory inflammatory proteins in plasma samples from 158 RVVC patients and 92 asymptomatic women (controls). Hormonal contraceptive use was not found to have a statistically significant correlation with a systemic inflammatory protein profile in either RVVC patients or the asymptomatic women. RVVC women had lower circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF-21) concentrations compared with healthy controls (adjusted p value = 0.028). Reduced concentrations of FGF-21 may be linked to the immune pathology observed in RVVC cases through IL-1β. This study may help to identify new biomarkers for the diagnosis and future development of novel immunomodulatory treatments for RVVC.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142183046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnosis of Human Endemic Mycoses Caused by Thermally Dimorphic Fungi: From Classical to Molecular Methods","authors":"Joaquina María García-Martín, Antonio Muro, Pedro Fernández-Soto","doi":"10.3390/jof10090637","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090637","url":null,"abstract":"Human endemic mycoses are potentially fatal diseases caused by a diverse group of fungi that can alter their morphology in response to an increase in temperature. These thermally dimorphic fungi affect both healthy and immunocompromised hosts, causing a substantial health and economic burden. Despite this, the diagnosis of endemic mycoses is still a formidable challenge for several reasons, including similar symptomatology, limited utility of classical diagnostic methods, inaccessibility to reliable molecular approaches in most endemic areas, and a lack of clinical suspicion out of these regions. This review summarizes essential knowledge on thermally dimorphic fungi and the life-threatening diseases they cause. The principle, advantages and limitations of the methods traditionally used for their diagnosis are also described, along with the application status and future directions for the development of alternative diagnostic strategies, which could help to reduce the disease burden in endemic areas.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142182995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Genomics of Fungi in Nectriaceae Reveals Their Environmental Adaptation and Conservation Strategies","authors":"Daniel Vasconcelos Rissi, Maham Ijaz, Christiane Baschien","doi":"10.3390/jof10090632","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090632","url":null,"abstract":"This study presents the first genome assembly of the freshwater saprobe fungus Neonectria lugdunensis and a comprehensive phylogenomics analysis of the Nectriaceae family, examining genomic traits according to fungal lifestyles. The Nectriaceae family, one of the largest in Hypocreales, includes fungi with significant ecological roles and economic importance as plant pathogens, endophytes, and saprobes. The phylogenomics analysis identified 2684 single-copy orthologs, providing a robust evolutionary framework for the Nectriaceae family. We analyzed the genomic characteristics of 17 Nectriaceae genomes, focusing on their carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), and adaptations to environmental temperatures. Our results highlight the adaptation mechanisms of N. lugdunensis, emphasizing its capabilities for plant litter degradation and enzyme activity in varying temperatures. The comparative genomics of different Nectriaceae lifestyles revealed significant differences in genome size, gene content, repetitive elements, and secondary metabolite production. Endophytes exhibited larger genomes, more effector proteins, and BGCs, while plant pathogens had higher thermo-adapted protein counts, suggesting greater resilience to global warming. In contrast, the freshwater saprobe shows less adaptation to warmer temperatures and is important for conservation goals. This study underscores the importance of understanding fungal genomic adaptations to predict ecosystem impacts and conservation targets in the face of climate change.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142182997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Mycelium Composite Boards Made from Lentinus sajor-caju with Various Ratios of Corn Husk and Sawdust","authors":"Praween Jinanukul, Jaturong Kumla, Worawoot Aiduang, Wandee Thamjaree, Rawiwan Oranratmanee, Umpiga Shummadtayar, Yuttana Tongtuam, Saisamorn Lumyong, Nakarin Suwannarach, Tanut Waroonkun","doi":"10.3390/jof10090634","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090634","url":null,"abstract":"Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) exhibit varied properties as alternative biodegradable materials that can be used in various industries such as construction, furniture, household goods, and packaging. However, these properties are primarily influenced by the type of substrate used. This study aims to investigate the properties of MBCs produced from Lentinus sajor-caju strain CMU-NK0427 using different ratios of sawdust to corn husk in the development of mycelium composite boards (MCBs) with thicknesses of 8, 16, and 24 mm. The results indicate that variations in the ratios of corn husk to sawdust and thickness affected the mechanical and physical properties of the obtained MCBs. Reducing the corn husk content in the substrate increased the modulus of elasticity, density, and thermal conductivity, while increasing the corn husk content increased the bending strength, shrinkage, water absorption, and volumetric swelling. Additionally, an increase in thickness with the same substrate ratio only indicated an increase in density and shrinkage. MCBs have sound absorption properties ranging from 61 to 94% at a frequency of 1000 Hz. According to the correlation results, a reduction in corn husk content in the substrate has a significant positive effect on the reduction in bending strength, shrinkage, and water absorption in MCBs. However, a decrease in corn husk content shows a strong negative correlation with the increase in the modulus of elasticity, density, and thermal conductivity. The thickness of MCBs with the same substrate ratio only shows a significant negative correlation with the modulus of elasticity and bending strength. Compared to commercial boards, the mechanical (bending strength) and physical (density, thermal conductivity, and sound absorption) properties of MCBs made from a 100% corn husk ratio are most similar to those of softboards and acoustic boards. The results of this study can provide valuable information for the production of MCBs and will serve as a guide to enhance strategies for further improving their properties for commercial manufacturing, as well as fulfilling the long-term goal of eco-friendly recycling of lignocellulosic substrates.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142183121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uncovering the Mechanisms: The Role of Biotrophic Fungi in Activating or Suppressing Plant Defense Responses","authors":"Michel Leiva-Mora, Yanelis Capdesuñer, Ariel Villalobos-Olivera, Roberto Moya-Jiménez, Luis Rodrigo Saa, Marcos Edel Martínez-Montero","doi":"10.3390/jof10090635","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090635","url":null,"abstract":"This paper discusses the mechanisms by which fungi manipulate plant physiology and suppress plant defense responses by producing effectors that can target various host proteins. Effector-triggered immunity and effector-triggered susceptibility are pivotal elements in the complex molecular dialogue underlying plant–pathogen interactions. Pathogen-produced effector molecules possess the ability to mimic pathogen-associated molecular patterns or hinder the binding of pattern recognition receptors. Effectors can directly target nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat receptors, or manipulate downstream signaling components to suppress plant defense. Interactions between these effectors and receptor-like kinases in host plants are critical in this process. Biotrophic fungi adeptly exploit the signaling networks of key plant hormones, including salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and ethylene, to establish a compatible interaction with their plant hosts. Overall, the paper highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between plant defense mechanisms and fungal effectors to develop effective strategies for plant disease management.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142183123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metabolomic Profiling and Biological Investigation of the Marine Sponge-Derived Fungus Aspergillus sp. SYPUF29 in Response to NO Condition","authors":"Jiao Xiao, Xiuping Lin, Yanqiu Yang, Yingshu Yu, Yinyin Li, Mengjie Xu, Yonghong Liu","doi":"10.3390/jof10090636","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090636","url":null,"abstract":"Marine-derived fungi are assuming an increasingly central role in the search for natural leading compounds with unique chemical structures and diverse pharmacological properties. However, some gene clusters are not expressed under laboratory conditions. In this study, we have found that a marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SYPUF29 would survive well by adding an exogenous nitric oxide donor (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) and nitric oxide synthetase inhibitor (L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester, L-NAME) in culture conditions. Moreover, using the LC-MS/MS, we initially assessed and characterized the difference in metabolites of Aspergillus sp. SYPUF29 with or without an additional source of nitrogen. We have found that the metabolic pathway of Arginine and proline metabolism pathways was highly enriched, which was conducive to the accumulation of alkaloids and nitrogen-containing compounds after adding an additional source of nitrogen in the cultivated condition. Additionally, the in vitro anti-neuroinflammatory study showed that the extracts after SNP and L-NAME were administrated can potently inhibit LPS-induced NO-releasing of BV2 cells with lower IC50 value than without nitric oxide. Further Western blotting assays have demonstrated that the mechanism of these extracts was associated with the TLR4 signaling pathway. Additionally, the chemical investigation was conducted and led to nine compounds (SF1–SF9) from AS1; and six of them belonged to alkaloids and nitrogen-containing compounds (SF1–SF6), of which SF1, SF2, and SF8 exhibited stronger activities than the positive control, and showed potential to develop the inhibitors of neuroinflammation.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142183122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiology of Onychomycosis in the United States Characterized Using Molecular Methods, 2015–2024","authors":"Aditya K. Gupta, Tong Wang, Shruthi Polla Ravi, Avantika Mann, Sara A. Lincoln, Hui-Chen Foreman, Wayne L. Bakotic","doi":"10.3390/jof10090633","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090633","url":null,"abstract":"Onychomycosis is a recalcitrant fungal infection of the nail unit that can lead to secondary infections and foot complications. Accurate pathogen identification by confirmatory testing is recommended to improve treatment outcomes. In this study, we reviewed the records of 710,541 patients whose nail specimens were sent to a single molecular diagnostic laboratory between 2015 and 2024. PCR testing revealed a more comprehensive spectrum of pathogens than previously reported, which was corroborated by the demonstration of fungal invasion on histopathology. Consistent with our current understanding, the T. rubrum complex (54.3%) are among the most common pathogens; however, a significant portion of mycology-confirmed diagnoses were caused by the T. mentagrophytes complex (6.5%), Aspergillus (7.0%) and Fusarium (4.5%). Females were significantly more likely to be infected with non-dermatophytes molds (NDMs; OR: 2.0), including Aspergillus (OR: 3.3) and Fusarium (OR: 2.0), and yeasts (OR: 1.5), including Candida albicans (OR: 2.0) and C. parapsilosis (OR 1.6), than males. The T. mentagrophytes complex became more prevalent with age, and conversely the T. rubrum complex became less prevalent with age. Patients aged ≥65 years also demonstrated a higher likelihood of contracting onychomycosis caused by NDMs (OR: 1.6), including Aspergillus (OR: 2.2), Acremonium (OR: 3.5), Scopulariopsis (OR: 2.9), Neoscytalidium (OR: 3.8), and yeasts (OR: 1.8), including C. albicans (OR: 1.9) and C. parapsilosis (OR: 1.7), than young adults. NDMs (e.g., Aspergillus and Fusarium) and yeasts were, overall, more likely to cause superficial onychomycosis and less likely to cause dystrophic onychomycosis than dermatophytes. With regards to subungual onychomycosis, Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis and Neoscytalidium had a similar likelihood as dermatophytes. The advent of molecular diagnostics enabling a timely and accurate pathogen identification can better inform healthcare providers of appropriate treatment selections and develop evidence-based recommendations.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142183038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Review and Current Perspectives on DNA Topoisomerase I and II Enzymes of Fungi as Study Models for the Development of New Antifungal Drugs","authors":"Dulce Andrade-Pavón, Omar Gómez-García, Lourdes Villa-Tanaca","doi":"10.3390/jof10090629","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090629","url":null,"abstract":"Fungal infections represent a growing public health problem, mainly stemming from two phenomena. Firstly, certain diseases (e.g., AIDS and COVID-19) have emerged that weaken the immune system, leaving patients susceptible to opportunistic pathogens. Secondly, an increasing number of pathogenic fungi are developing multi-drug resistance. Consequently, there is a need for new antifungal drugs with novel therapeutic targets, such as type I and II DNA topoisomerase enzymes of fungal organisms. This contribution summarizes the available information in the literature on the biology, topology, structural characteristics, and genes of topoisomerase (Topo) I and II enzymes in humans, two other mammals, and 29 fungi (including Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes). The evidence of these enzymes as alternative targets for antifungal therapy is presented, as is a broad spectrum of Topo I and II inhibitors. Research has revealed the genes responsible for encoding the Topo I and II enzymes of fungal organisms and the amino acid residues and nucleotide residues at the active sites of the enzymes that are involved in the binding mode of topoisomerase inhibitors. Such residues are highly conserved. According to molecular docking studies, antifungal Topo I and II inhibitors have good affinity for the active site of the respective enzymes. The evidence presented in the current review supports the proposal of the suitability of Topo I and II enzymes as molecular targets for new antifungal drugs, which may be used in the future in combined therapies for the treatment of infections caused by fungal organisms.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142183126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Genomic Sequence Resource of Diaporthe mahothocarpus GZU-Y2 Causing Leaf Spot Blight in Camellia oleifera","authors":"Xulong Shi, Yu Zhang, Jing Yang, Yunze Chen","doi":"10.3390/jof10090630","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090630","url":null,"abstract":"Diaporthe mahothocarpus GZU-Y2, a new pathogen responsible for leaf spot blight disease, leads to significant damage and economic losses in some Camellia oleifera plantations. The current study annotated the genome of the D. mahothocarpus isolate GZU-Y2 to advance our knowledge of the pathogen and facilitate improved disease management of leaf spot blight. The initial Pacbio-Illumina hybrid draft genome for GZU-Y2 resulted in a high-quality assembly with 62 contigs, characterized by an N50 length of 7.07 Mb. The complete genome of isolate GZU-Y2 was 58.97 Mbp, with a GC content of 50.65%. Importantly, the assembly exhibits remarkable integrity, with 97.93% of complete BUSCO validating genome completeness. The prediction results showed that a total of 15,918 protein-coding genes were annotated using multiple bioinformatics databases. The genome assembly and annotation resource reported here will be useful for the further study of fungal infection mechanisms and pathogen–host interaction.","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142183124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}