Journal of Fungi最新文献

{"title":"Diversity and Distribution of Non-Reducing Polyketide Synthases (NR-PKSs) in Ascomycota (Fungi).","authors":"Pritam Chattopadhyay, Goutam Banerjee","doi":"10.3390/jof11090641","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jof11090641","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>(1) Background: This study highlights the diversity and distribution of non-reducing polyketide synthases (NR-PKSs) in Ascomycota and their role in producing bioactive aromatic polyketides. (2) Methods: A reference dataset of non-NR-PKSs was compiled from published literature and cross-examined using NaPDoS2 and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Ortholog (KEGG KO) databases. Signature domains were validated through Pfam and CDD, while phylogenetic classification was conducted by comparing the dataset with the NaPDoS2 reference tree. Cluster support was derived from KEGG KO and homology-based modeling. Additionally, NR-PKS clade distribution across KEGG genomes was analyzed, and co-expression patterns were examined using STRING. (3) Results: This study identified nine distinct clades of NR-PKSs, six of which are supported by unique KEGG Orthology (KO) numbers. These clades are as follows: clade 1: polyketide synthase A (PksA, K15316); clade 2: fusarubinsynthase 1 (Fsr1); clade 3: white A (WA, K15321); clade 4: polyketide synthase citrinin (PksCT); clade 5: zearalenone synthase 1 (Zea1, K15417); clade 6: orsellinic acid synthase A (OrsA, K15416); clade 7: aurofusarin polyketide synthase A (AptA, K15317); clade 8: monodictyphenone polyketide synthase G (MdpG, K15415); and clade 9: bikaverin polyketide synthase (Bik1). The present investigation also reports incongruency in the distribution of different NR-PKSs and fungi phylogeny within the phylum Ascomycota. (4) Conclusions: The distribution of NR-PKSs in Ascomycota defies phylogenetic boundaries, reflecting the impact of horizontal gene transfer, gene loss, and ecological adaptation.</p>","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470490/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145149429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Potential Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effect of Polysaccharide Isolated from Digüeñe <i>Cyttaria espinosae</i>.","authors":"Claudia Pérez, Fabián A Figueroa, Ignacio Tello, Roberto T Abdala-Díaz, Manuel Marí-Beffa, Viviana Salazar-Vidal, José Becerra, Javiera Gavilán, Jorge Fuentealba","doi":"10.3390/jof11090637","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jof11090637","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant global health challenge, further exacerbated by the anticipated increase in prevalence in the coming years. The accumulation of β-amyloid peptide plays a critical role in the onset of AD; however, emerging evidence suggests that soluble oligomers of β-amyloid may primarily drive the neuronal impairments associated with this condition. Additionally, neurodegenerative diseases like AD are linked to oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant capacity in the brain. Natural products, particularly polysaccharides extracted from mushrooms, have garnered interest due to their neuroprotective properties and the potential to enhance the value of natural sources in addressing human diseases. This study examines the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of polysaccharides derived from <i>Cyttaria espinosae</i> Lloyd (CePs), a relatively underexplored fungus native to Chile. Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), we characterized CePs. We assessed their antioxidant capacity using DPPH and ABTS assays, yielding maximum inhibition rates of 32.14% and 19.10%, respectively, at a concentration of 10 mg mL^-1. CePs showed no toxicity in zebrafish embryos and maintained high cell viability in PC-12 cells exposed to amyloid β peptide (Aβ). Our findings suggest that CePs exhibit significant antioxidant and neuroprotective properties against Aβ peptide toxicity while remaining non-toxic to zebrafish embryos. This underscores the potential of the polysaccharides from this mushroom to serve as functional foods that mitigate oxidative stress and warrant further investigation into their mechanisms in the context of the physiopathology of Alzheimer's disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470887/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145149584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First Report of <i>Colletotrichum kahawae</i> Causing Anthracnose on Buckwheat (<i>Fagopyrum tataricum</i>) in China and Biological Characterization of the Pathogen.","authors":"Xin Liu, Guang Wang, Daowang Sun, Jing Tan, Jiaxing Xie, Binxin Zhai, Chunyan Huang, Wenjie Lu, Lihua Wang","doi":"10.3390/jof11090633","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jof11090633","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Buckwheat (<i>Fagopyrum tataricum</i>) is native to Yunnan, China, and as a miscellaneous grain crop with high nutritional value, it has received increased attention from farmers and enterprises in recent years. In June 2024, we observed severe anthracnose in the buckwheat cultivation area in Malu Township and Jiache Township, Huize County, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China. In this study, six isolates (SM01-SM06) of anthracnose with similar morphology were obtained using the tissue isolation method, which was due to the fact that this disease is highly pathogenic to buckwheat. The strain SM02 was selected as a representative isolate for biological characterization and molecular phylogenetic analysis, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the <i>ACT</i>, <i>CHS</i>, and <i>ITS</i> genes to determine its taxonomic status. The selected SM02 isolate was further identified as <i>Colletotrichum kahawae</i>. Biological characterization showed that the representative strain SM02 exhibited optimal growth for in vitro cultivation under a photoperiod, temperature, pH, carbon source, and nitrogen source of 12L:12D, 25 °C, pH 7.0, glucose, and beef extract, respectively. Host range testing demonstrated that <i>C. kahawae</i> might infect important field crops, including maize, wheat, oats, and potatoes. In conclusion, <i>C. kahawae</i> causes buckwheat anthracnose in China, which might hinder the production of buckwheat. This study provides insight into anthracnose disease in buckwheat and provides a basis for further investigations to assess and implement effective disease management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470724/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145149401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Methods to Stimulate Sporulation and Freeze-Drying Strategies for the Conservation of <i>Diplodia mutila</i>, <i>Diplodia seriata</i>, <i>Lasiodiplodia theobromae,</i> and <i>Neofusicoccum arbuti</i> Isolated from Apple Trees with Canker and Dieback Symptoms.","authors":"Adrián Valdez-Tenezaca, Mauricio E Gutiérrez, Matías Guerra, Jean Franco Castro, Sergio A Covarrubias, Gonzalo A Díaz","doi":"10.3390/jof11090640","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jof11090640","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Four <i>Botryosphaeria</i> spp. isolated from apple with dieback symptoms, <i>Diplodia mutila</i>, <i>Diplodia seriata</i>, <i>Neofusicoccum arbuti,</i> and <i>Lasiodiplodia theobromae</i>, were subjected to different conditions to induce sporulation, then freeze-dried and stored in glass vials and ampoules at a temperature of 4 ° C using two protective media (skimmed milk powder in water at 20% and a mixture of skimmed milk powder at 20% plus 5% inositol). Viability was assessed after storage periods of 1, 90, 180, and 365 days. Low-nutrient growth conditions on 2% water agar supplemented with pine needles, incubated under UV light (λ = 350 nm) and at 24 ° C, effectively stimulated sporulation of all four <i>Botryosphaeriaceae</i> species. The survival rate of the isolates was similar. Overall viability showed slight but significant differences depending on the type of protective medium and storage container used for the freeze-dried cultures (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Among the tested media, the highest viability was maintained in vacuum-sealed glass ampoules using either a medium containing 20% skimmed milk powder with 5% inositol or 20% skimmed milk powder alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470272/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145149489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the Potential Risk Posed by Emerging <i>Yr5</i>-Virulent and Predominant Races of <i>Puccinia striiformis</i> f. sp. <i>tritici</i> on Bread Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) Varieties Grown in Türkiye.","authors":"Kadir Akan, Ahmet Cat, Medine Yurduseven, Yesim Sila Tekin, Mehmet Zahit Yeken, Mehmet Tekin","doi":"10.3390/jof11090635","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jof11090635","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, the reactions of 70 bread wheat varieties released in Türkiye to five prevalent <i>Pst</i> races, including the <i>Yr5</i>-virulent PSTr-27, were evaluated. Reaction tests of wheat varieties to all races revealed PSTr-27 as the most aggressive race, followed by PSTr-31, PSTr-28, PSTr-29, and PSTr-30. Notably, only seven varieties (Kıraç 66, İkizce 96, Dinç, Altındane, Ziyabey 98, Bayraktar 2000, and Shiro) exhibited moderately resistant reactions to PSTr-27, while the remaining varieties were susceptible. The presence of nine important resistance (<i>Yr</i>) genes in these varieties was also screened at the molecular level. <i>Yr5</i>, <i>Yr15</i>, and <i>Yr26</i> genes were not detected in any of the varieties and <i>Yr10</i> and <i>YrSP</i> genes were each detected in only one variety, while the other genes were detected in different ratios. Molecular screening showed that 19 varieties with no resistance genes used in this study displayed susceptible reactions; however, ten varieties that did not carry any resistance genes showed resistant reactions to one or more races, suggesting the presence of unknown or novel resistance sources. Furthermore, gene combinations, particularly <i>Yr10</i> + <i>Yr18</i>, significantly provided resistance to all <i>Pst</i> races studied. These findings highlight that continual monitoring of PSTr-27, and other <i>Pst</i> races is needed, since it can be a serious threat to wheat production in Türkiye and neighboring countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470476/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145149373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pulmonary <i>Verruconis</i> Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.","authors":"Lulu Xu, Lili Tao","doi":"10.3390/jof11090634","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jof11090634","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Verruconis</i> species are thermophilic, darkly pigmented fungi commonly found in hot environments. Despite their environmental ubiquity, fewer than fifty human infections have been reported, with <i>V. gallopava</i> responsible for most cases. While infections primarily occur in immunocompromised individuals, only six cases in immunocompetent patients have been documented. We describe a case of pulmonary <i>Verruconis</i> infection in a 75-year-old immunocompetent woman. Despite broad-spectrum antifungal treatments, including liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole, the patient's condition deteriorated. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) revealed hyphal forms, and fungal culture identified a <i>Verruconis</i> species. Antifungal susceptibility tests showed low minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for amphotericin B (1 μg/mL) and voriconazole (0.5 μg/mL). Clinical manifestations of <i>Verruconis</i> infection in immunocompetent pneumonia patients are non-specific. Structural lung disease was identified as the primary risk factor in such hosts. BAL fungal cultures and metagenomics are valuable tools in diagnosing rare fungal infections. Treatment regimens vary, with amphotericin B and triazoles being the most commonly used antifungal agents. Currently, there are no standardized guidelines for diagnosis or treatment. Further studies are needed to establish clinical protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12471020/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145149239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Comprehensive Overview of <i>Candida albicans</i> as the Leading Pathogen in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis.","authors":"Nika Srb, Jasminka Talapko, Tomislav Meštrović, Rajko Fureš, Mirjana Stupnišek, Andrea Milostić Srb, Ivana Škrlec","doi":"10.3390/jof11090632","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jof11090632","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Candida albicans</i> is the primary etiological agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a widespread fungal infection affecting millions of women worldwide. Although often self-limiting, VVC can become recurrent or severe, significantly impacting quality of life. The pathogenesis of <i>C. albicans</i> is driven by key virulence factors, including hyphal transformation, biofilm formation, and immune evasion, which all facilitate persistence and resistance to host defenses. Epidemiological data indicate that up to 75% of women experience at least one episode of VVC, with 5-10% developing recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. The condition typically presents with vaginal itching, burning, erythema, edema, and an abnormal discharge. Diagnosis relies on both clinical presentation and microbiological confirmation; however, misdiagnosis remains common due to symptom overlap with other vaginal infections and conditions in general. Azole antifungals remain the cornerstone of treatment; however, increasing resistance (particularly in non-albicans <i>Candida</i> species) poses substantial therapeutic challenges. Consequently, the emergence of antifungal-resistant strains underscores the need for novel treatment strategies, including probiotics and natural antifungal agents. Preventive measures-including maintaining vaginal microbiota balance, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic usage, and improving hygiene practices-play a pivotal role in reducing disease burden due to <i>C. albicans</i>. Given the rising incidence of VVC and the burden of recurrent cases, further research is essential to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. This comprehensive review highlights the evolving epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical challenges of <i>C. albicans</i>-associated VVC, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic strategies, alternative therapeutic approaches, and targeted preventive measures to reduce disease burden and enhance patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12471164/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145149384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shifting Paradigms in Antifungal Prophylaxis and Their Effects on Candidemia Outcomes in Hematological Malignancies: A 14-Year Experience from a Single Tertiary Center.","authors":"Fazıl Çağrı Hunutlu, Fahir Özkalemkaş, Beyza Ener, Dilay Demirayak, Büşra Çalışır, Hikmet Öztop, İbrahim Ethem Pınar, Vildan Gürsoy, Tuba Ersal, Tuba Güllü Koca, Emin Halis Akalın, Vildan Özkocaman","doi":"10.3390/jof11090630","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jof11090630","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Evolving antifungal prophylaxis approaches have reshaped candidemia patterns and outcomes in hematological malignancy (HM) patients. This study aimed to evaluate temporal changes in candidemia incidence, species distribution, and factors associated with mortality in relation to prophylaxis practices. Adult HM patients with candidemia between 2009 and 2023 were included. Clinical and microbiological data were analyzed, and candidemia rates were compared across different prophylaxis periods. Sixty-six patients were identified, with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) being the most common underlying malignancy (40.9%). Non-albicans <i>Candida</i> species predominated, especially <i>C. krusei</i> and <i>C. tropicalis</i>. In AML patients, candidemia incidence significantly decreased over time (β = -0.694, <i>p</i> = 0.004), with the lowest rates observed during the extended-release posaconazole tablet era (2016-2023). However, 30-day mortality remained high (53%) and unchanged across periods. Multivariate analysis identified <i>C. tropicalis</i> and total parenteral nutrition as independent risk factors for 30-day mortality (OR: 4.3 and 4.6, <i>p</i> < 0.05), while antifungal prophylaxis was protective (OR: 0.07, <i>p</i> = 0.017). In patients with AML, posaconazole prophylaxis, particularly in the extended-release tablet formulation, significantly reduced the incidence of candidemia. However, overall 30-day mortality rates remained high, with <i>C. tropicalis</i> being a major contributor. Thus, individualized prophylaxis and treatment strategies are crucial for improving outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12471038/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145149253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Antibiotic Therapy on the Upper Respiratory Tract and Gut Mycobiome in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.","authors":"Cristina Zubiria-Barrera, Malena Bos, Robert Neubert, Jenny Fiebig, Michael Lorenz, Michael Hartmann, Jochen G Mainz, Hortense Slevogt, Tilman E Klassert","doi":"10.3390/jof11090631","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jof11090631","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are frequently exposed to antibiotic treatments, which can alter the fungal communities (mycobiome) across their mucosal sites. This pilot study investigated the impact of antibiotic exposure on the mycobiome by analyzing fungal community dynamics in the upper respiratory- (nasal lavage) and gastrointestinal- (stool samples) tracts of 12 patients with CF following (a) long-term antibiotic treatment over a three-year period and (b) short-term antibiotic therapy during acute pulmonary exacerbations. Mycobiome profiles of the samples obtained from 38 healthy individuals were also analyzed and used for comparison purposes. The <i>ITS1</i> region of the fungal <i>rRNA</i> gene cluster was sequenced to characterize and quantify the fungal community composition in both cohorts. Compared to healthy controls, samples from the patients with CF who had undergone long-term antibiotic treatment revealed a significantly increased fungal biomass in both sino-nasal and stool samples. Moreover, diversity metrics revealed significant differences in nasal lavage samples, whereas the stool samples showed no significant variation. <i>Candida</i> spp. was significantly enriched in both nasal and stool samples from CF patients. Further analyses demonstrated a strong positive correlation between the relative abundance of <i>Candida</i> spp. and the cumulative antibiotic intake over the three-year period in sino-nasal samples, but not in stool samples. Acute antibiotic treatment during a pulmonary exacerbation episode also led to a marked increase in the abundance of <i>Candida</i> spp. in sino-nasal samples. These findings highlight the increased sensitivity of the sino-nasal mycobiome to both chronic and acute antibiotic exposure in CF patients, as characterized by a site-specific fungal overgrowth, particularly of <i>Candida</i> spp.</p>","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12471002/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145149425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transcription Factor MaHMG, the High-Mobility Group Protein, Is Implicated in Conidiation Pattern Shift and Stress Tolerance in <i>Metarhizium acridum</i>.","authors":"Rongrong Qiu, Jinyuan Zhou, Tingting Cao, Yuxian Xia, Guoxiong Peng","doi":"10.3390/jof11090628","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jof11090628","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Conidiation and stress tolerance are pivotal traits in entomopathogenic fungi, critically influencing their production costs and environmental tolerance. While the transcription factor high-mobility group protein (HMG), characterized by a conserved HMG-box domain, has been extensively studied for its role in sexual development, its functions in entomopathogenic fungi remain largely unexplored. This study employed gene knockout to investigate the role of MaHMG in <i>Metarhizium acridum</i>. The deletion of <i>MaHMG</i> delayed conidiation initiation and caused a highly significant 58% reduction in conidial yield versus that of the wild type (WT) after 15 days. Furthermore, the conidiation pattern on microcycle induction medium (SYA) shifted from microcycle to normal conidiation. The Δ<i>MaHMG</i> mutant exhibited decreased conidial germination rates and markedly reduced tolerance following UV-B irradiation and heat-shock treatments, alongside increased sensitivity to the cell wall perturbant calcofluor white (CFW). RNA-seq analysis during this conidiation shift identified 88 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with functional annotation implicating their predominant association with hyphal development, cell wall biogenesis, cell cycle progression, and conidiation. In conclusion, MaHMG functions as a critical positive regulator governing both conidiation and stress tolerance in <i>M. acridum</i>, underscoring its fundamental role in fungal biology and potential as a target for enhancing biocontrol agent performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":15878,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Fungi","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470670/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145149358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}