Fungal Genetics and Biology最新文献

{"title":"Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from diverse wildfowl exhibit distinct antifungal susceptibility profiles driven by genetic and non-genetic determinants","authors":"Oscar Romero ,&nbsp;Magalie Galarneau ,&nbsp;Samantha Pladwig ,&nbsp;Boyan Liu ,&nbsp;Sherri Cox ,&nbsp;Jennifer Geddes-McAlister","doi":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a fungal infection caused by <em>Aspergillus</em> species affecting humans and animals, including birds. Such infections have severe impacts on host health, with the efficacy of current treatment options dwindling against rising rates of antifungal resistance. This scenario represents a critical One Health challenge influenced by climate change at the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health. In this study, we isolated and identified four fungal isolates from infected wildfowl in Southern Ontario, Canada, as <em>Aspergillus fumigatus.</em> Antifungal susceptibility assays against amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole and terbinafine were performed following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines for filamentous fungi. All strains displayed similar sensitivity to amphotericin B and itraconazole, whereas differences were observed in the response to voriconazole and terbinafine. Next, we performed whole genome sequencing integrated with a comparative genomic analysis to define differences across isolates potentially influencing antifungal susceptibility. As expected, the isolates were phylogenetically similar but demonstrated distinct clustering with <em>A. fumigatus</em> isolate AfB6 mapping closely with the ATCC reference strain compared to the other isolates (i.e., AfB2, AfB8, and AfB7). Notably, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected across the strains with some correlation between SNPs in antifungal resistance-associated genes and susceptibility profiles; however, antifungal tolerance towards terbinafine was not directly correlated with genetic factors. These data suggest that <em>A. fumigatus</em> isolated from wildfowl with lethal infections from Southern Ontario, Canada, have varying levels of susceptibility to known antifungals and that drivers beyond the anticipated genetic factors influence antifungal response.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55135,"journal":{"name":"Fungal Genetics and Biology","volume":"180 ","pages":"Article 104016"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144290517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structural and regulatory dynamics of septum development in fungal hyphae","authors":"Olga A. Callejas-Negrete ,&nbsp;Alejandro Fajardo-Peralta ,&nbsp;Rosa R. Mouriño-Pérez","doi":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Filamentous fungi grow through hyphae, divided by septa with central pores that allow cytoplasmic flow, supporting coenocytic behavior. Septa provide structural rigidity, contain damage by plugging pores during injury, and aid in developmental processes like conidiation. Septum formation is tightly regulated, involving selection of the septation site, actomyosin ring assembly and cell wall deposition. Recent advances in microscopy and molecular studies have clarified many aspects of septation, however some mechanisms remain unclear. This review examines the roles, structure, and regulation of hyphal septa, emphasizing their dynamic functions in structural support, damage control, and differentiation. Septa are multilayered structures composed of chitin and β-1,3-glucan, with Woronin bodies (WB) acting as emergency plugs in ascomycetes. The actin cytoskeleton, septins, and microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) are crucial for septum formation, with actin and associated proteins driving the contractile actomyosin ring (CAR). Septins organize into higher-order structures, regulating septation and fungal development. Regulatory networks, including the septation initiation network (SIN), coordinate mitosis and septation, with Rho GTPases playing key role. Despite progress, questions remain about protein transport, septum regulation, and evolutionary adaptations. This review highlights the complexity of septation and the need for further research to fully understand this essential process in filamentous fungi.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55135,"journal":{"name":"Fungal Genetics and Biology","volume":"180 ","pages":"Article 104008"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144220973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transposition of a non-autonomous element into the Gβ gene of Schizophyllum commune causes the streak mutation","authors":"Antonio d'Errico ,&nbsp;Peter Jan Vonk ,&nbsp;Han A.B. Wösten,&nbsp;Luis G. Lugones","doi":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Streak</em> mutants of <em>Schizophyllum commune</em> are characterized by ropy, hyperbranching hyphae, suppressed aerial hyphae formation, and the production of pigments. Additionally, these mutants dikaryotize unilaterally, with the mutant fertilizing its compatible mating partner, but not accepting its nucleus. Here we show that a 512 bp non-autonomous transposable element had integrated in the G_β protein of a <em>streak</em> mutant of <em>S. commune</em>. This element has the same 50 bp inverted repeat as an autonomous element, dubbed <em>Bike</em> transposon. Its transposase has homologues in various Agaricomycetes. Introducing the G_β gene in the <em>streak</em> mutant restored the wild-type phenotype showing that the integration of the 512 bp element in the G_β gene is responsible for the <em>streak</em> phenotype.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55135,"journal":{"name":"Fungal Genetics and Biology","volume":"179 ","pages":"Article 104007"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144184905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of H3K9 methylation on gene mutation rates in yeast: Advancing epigenetic research with controlled experimental design","authors":"Ola Abdalla ,&nbsp;Cameron Walker","doi":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mutations drive genetic variation, fueling both oncogenesis and species evolution. The mutation rate varies across the genome, potentially influenced by chromatin organization through histone modifications and other factors. However, the precise relationship between chromatin structure and mutation rate remains poorly understood and needs further investigation. One such modification, the methylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me), is known to form heterochromatin and repress transcription in euchromatin, thereby maintaining genome stability essential for organism survival. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of H3K9 methylation, in isolation from other histone markers, on the mutation rate in fission yeast. Employing fluctuation assays and statistical analysis, our innovative methodology estimates the mutation rates of a single gene under two different conditions within a single experiment using an isogenic clone in Fission yeast. Our findings highlight a potential association between H3K9 methylation and the phenotypic mutation rate of the same gene, <em>ura4</em>^<em>+</em>. For prospective researchers, this study introduces a new experimental approach that offers unprecedented accuracy in gene analysis, with implications for both genetic research and epigenetic therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55135,"journal":{"name":"Fungal Genetics and Biology","volume":"180 ","pages":"Article 104003"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144181286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unravelling fungal pathogenesis: Advances in CRISPR-Cas9 for understanding virulence and adaptation","authors":"Ajay Nair ,&nbsp;Archana S. Rao ,&nbsp;M.A. Surabhi ,&nbsp;M. Gnanika ,&nbsp;Sunil S. More","doi":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fungi, with their billion-year evolutionary history, have adapted to diverse ecological niches, including pathogenic roles that threaten global health, agriculture, and ecosystems. Fungal pathogenicity is shaped by the dynamic evolution of genetic traits that enable fungi to infect hosts, evade immune defenses, and develop resistance to antifungal treatments. Despite their significant clinical and ecological impact, the evolutionary processes underlying fungal virulence and adaptation remain incompletely understood. This review emphasizes the transformative role of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in revealing these mechanisms. By allowing precise manipulation of fungal genomes, CRISPR technologies have provided key insights into virulence factors, stress response mechanisms, immune evasion, and antifungal resistance pathways. These advances demonstrate how fungi adapt to selective pressures, repurpose conserved genetic pathways, and exploit genomic plasticity to thrive in host environments. This review explores the intersection of CRISPR technology and fungal biology, shedding light on its implications for understanding fungal pathogenesis and the potential to develop innovative therapeutic strategies against fungal infections. The integration of CRISPR applications into mycology holds promise for furthering our understanding of fungal evolutionary trajectories and enhancing the development of novel therapeutic approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55135,"journal":{"name":"Fungal Genetics and Biology","volume":"179 ","pages":"Article 104006"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144138361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nearly telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of the L. edodes diploid genome","authors":"Kazutoshi Yoshitake ,&nbsp;Kenta Shirasawa ,&nbsp;Kenji K. Kojima ,&nbsp;Shuichi Asakawa ,&nbsp;Norio Tanaka ,&nbsp;Hiroyuki Kurokochi","doi":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Lentinula edodes</em> (shiitake mushroom) possesses substantial nutritional and medicinal value. Even though the genomes of several strains have been reported, some essential observations, including the exact chromosome number, still need validation. This study reports a near-telomere-to-telomere assembly of the complete diploid genome of L. <em>edodes</em> strain XR1, a commercially important Japanese strain. We employed the PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing technology combined with single-cell genotyping data and manual curation. The assembled diploid genome comprised 20 chromosomes (10 per haplotype), and significant inter-haplotype variation was observed. Additionally, we identified a novel Penelope-like retrotransposon—Coprina-1_LeEd—specifically localized to the telomeres. This study marks the first report of telomere elongation by the transposition of Coprina. Our findings provide a high-resolution genome resource for L. <em>edodes</em>, consequently elucidating its evolution, genomic structure, and breeding potential. Furthermore, this study establishes a foundation for further research on edible mushroom genetics and biotechnology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55135,"journal":{"name":"Fungal Genetics and Biology","volume":"179 ","pages":"Article 104005"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144144519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phenotypic analyses of ΔwcoA and ΔwcoB mutants in Fusarium fujikuroi reveal dark and light-dependent functions as a white-collar complex","authors":"Julia Marente ,&nbsp;Philipp Wiemann ,&nbsp;Adrián Perera-Bonaño ,&nbsp;Bettina Tudzynski ,&nbsp;M. Carmen Limón ,&nbsp;Javier Avalos","doi":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The <em>Fusarium fujikuroi</em> fungus<em>,</em> known as a biotechnological source of gibberellins, has a complex secondary metabolism that responds to various environmental signals, including the availability of light and nitrogen. White collar complex proteins, consisting of the flavoprotein WC1 and its partner WC2, are widespread in fungi where they play a central role in the regulation of numerous genes in response to light. <em>Fusarium</em> fungi possess one copy of each WC gene, named <em>wcoA</em> and <em>wcoB</em> in <em>F. fujikuroi</em>. Function of WcoA was previously investigated for the phenotypic effects of its mutation and the consequences on the transcriptome. In this work we have obtained deletion mutants of the <em>wcoA</em> and <em>wcoB</em> genes in IMI58289 genetic background and the expression of some light-regulated genes related to photobiology, development, and stress, as well as genes for key enzymes of secondary metabolism have been analyzed. The results show that several investigated genes require both WcoA and WcoB to be induced by light, and in some cases, also to be correctly expressed in darkness. The regulatory alterations observed in the <em>wcoA</em> or <em>wcoB</em> mutants are mostly coincidental, indicating the functioning of the encoded proteins as a complex. On the other hand, the diversity of effects on different genes of secondary metabolism, as well as the differences of these effects with those previously observed in another wild-type strain, indicate a high functional versatility of the predicted white-collar complex in the genus <em>Fusarium</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55135,"journal":{"name":"Fungal Genetics and Biology","volume":"179 ","pages":"Article 104004"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144120150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of a novel genetic locus conferring virulence in the wheat tan spot pathogen Pyrenophora tritici-repentis","authors":"Jingwei Guo ,&nbsp;Gongjun Shi ,&nbsp;Md. Mukul Islam ,&nbsp;Gayan Kariyawasam ,&nbsp;Paula Moolhuijzen ,&nbsp;Pao-Theen See ,&nbsp;Shaobin Zhong ,&nbsp;Reem Aboukhaddour ,&nbsp;Justin D. Faris ,&nbsp;Timothy Friesen ,&nbsp;Zhaohui Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ascomycete <em>Pyrenophora tritici-repentis</em> (Ptr) is the causal agent of tan spot, a common and economically important wheat disease worldwide. Three necrotrophic effectors (NEs), known as Ptr ToxA, Ptr ToxB, and Ptr ToxC, have been identified from the fungal pathogen as major virulence factors. The race 2 isolate 86-124 which produces Ptr ToxA is capable of causing disease on wheat lines that is insensitive to Ptr ToxA, suggesting the use of additional NEs during the infection. To identify new NE gene(s) from 86-124, we developed a biparental fungal population from a cross between this isolate and the race 5 isolate DW5 using genetically modified heterothallic strains. The fungal population was genotyped with SNP and SSR markers as well as the <em>ToxA</em> gene, the mating type genes, and six <em>ToxB</em> loci. Each progeny was phenotyped onto the hard red spring wheat line CDC-Osler, which is insensitive to both Ptr ToxA and Ptr ToxB, but is highly susceptible to 86-124. The constructed genetic map consisted of 11 linkage groups that corresponded to the 11 chromosomes (chr) of the Ptr reference genome. <em>ToxA</em> and mating type genes mapped to the expected positions. Five of the six <em>ToxB</em> copies were tightly linked, residing at the distal end of chr 11, while the sixth copy was localized to the distal end of chr 5. Composite interval mapping revealed a major QTL on the distal end of chr 2 conferring virulence toward CDC-Osler by 86-124. This locus was designated as <em>VirOsler1</em>. Genomic sequence alignment at the locus showed a region of approximately 900 kb at the end of chr 2 absent in DW5. The identification of <em>VirOsler1</em> locus provides clear evidence that the wheat tan spot pathogen uses additional virulence factors that interact with unidentified host factors for disease susceptibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55135,"journal":{"name":"Fungal Genetics and Biology","volume":"179 ","pages":"Article 104002"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144089419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Endocytosis in filamentous Fungi: Coordinating polarized hyphal growth and membrane recycling","authors":"Caleb Oliver Bedsole ,&nbsp;Joseph G. Vasselli ,&nbsp;Brian D. Shaw","doi":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Filamentous fungi rely on a finely tuned balance between exocytosis and endocytosis to maintain polarized growth. This review highlights the essential role of the subapical endocytic collar in recycling excess plasma membrane and key proteins, enabling sustained hyphal extension. It distinguishes between clathrin-mediated and AP-2–dependent clathrin-independent pathways, emphasizing their unique contributions to membrane homeostasis and cargo trafficking. The synthesis of quantitative imaging and genetic analyses provides a comprehensive framework for understanding vesicle dynamics, with implications for addressing fungal pathogenicity and industrial applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55135,"journal":{"name":"Fungal Genetics and Biology","volume":"179 ","pages":"Article 104000"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143942267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Colony differentiation of saprobic and pathogenic fungi in relation to carbon utilization","authors":"Ronald P. de Vries","doi":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fgb.2025.104001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbon utilization is crucial for the cellular functions of all fungi and is highly dependent on the prevalent carbon sources in the environment. In natural environments, plant biomass is a major carbon source for most saprobic and pathogenic filamentous fungi and its utilization requires a complex process involving extracellular enzymes, sugar transporters and metabolic pathways, governed by a network of transcriptional regulators.</div><div>Filamentous fungi form extensive colonies that encounter highly diverse environmental conditions and available carbon levels, which raises the question if, and to which extent, parts of the colony exposed to sufficient carbon source levels can support other parts that are under carbon limitation or starvation. While it is difficult to mimic the heterogenic natural conditions in a laboratory experiment, several studies into carbon translocation, and colony and hyphal differentiation have provided insights into this complex biological process. These studies are reviewed here and their insights are re-assessed and combined into a current state of the art of this field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55135,"journal":{"name":"Fungal Genetics and Biology","volume":"179 ","pages":"Article 104001"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143928257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}