Journal of Fungi

9 pages, 6150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Fungal and Bacterial Co-Infections in Mortality Cases among Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in Taipei, Taiwan

by De-En Lu, Shih-Han Hung, Ying-Shih Su and Wen-Sen Lee

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010091 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3626

Abstract

Fungal or bacterial co-infections in patients with H1N1 influenza have already been reported in many studies. However, information on the risk factors, complications, and prognosis of mortality cases with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are limited. We aimed to assess 36 mortality cases of [...] Read more.

Fungal or bacterial co-infections in patients with H1N1 influenza have already been reported in many studies. However, information on the risk factors, complications, and prognosis of mortality cases with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are limited. We aimed to assess 36 mortality cases of 178 hospitalized patients among 339 patients confirmed to have had SARS-CoV-2 infections in a medical center in the Wenshan District of Taipei, Taiwan, between January 2020 and September 2021. Of these 36 mortality cases, 20 (60%) were men, 28 (77.7%) were aged >65 years, and the median age was 76 (54–99) years. Comorbidities such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease were more likely to be found in the group with length of stay (LOS) > 7 d. In addition, the laboratory data indicating elevated creatinine-phosphate-kinase (CPK) (p < 0.001) and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) (p = 0.05), and low albumin (p < 0.01) levels were significantly related to poor prognosis and mortality. The respiratory pathogens of early co-infections (LOS < 7 d) in the rapid progression to death group (n = 7 patients) were two bacteria (22.2%) and seven Candida species (77.8.7%). In contrast, pathogens of late co-infections (LOS > 7 d) (n = 27 patients) were 20 bacterial (54.1%), 16 Candida (43.2%), and only 1 Aspergillus (2.7%) species. In conclusion, the risk factors related to COVID-19 mortality in the Wenshan District of Taipei, Taiwan, were old age, comorbidities, and abnormal biomarkers such as low albumin level and elevated CPK and LDH levels. Bacterial co-infections are more common with Gram-negative pathogens. However, fungal co-infections are relatively more common with Candida spp. than Aspergillus in mortality cases of COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Treatment of Fungus and Virus Interaction)

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15 pages, 2188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ca²⁺ Signalling Differentially Regulates Germ-Tube Formation and Cell Fusion in Fusarium oxysporum

by Smija M. Kurian, Alexander Lichius and Nick D. Read

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010090 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3571

Abstract

Fusarium oxysporum is an important plant pathogen and an emerging opportunistic human pathogen. Germination of conidial spores and their fusion via conidial anastomosis tubes (CATs) are significant events during colony establishment in culture and on host plants and, hence, very likely on human [...] Read more.

Fusarium oxysporum is an important plant pathogen and an emerging opportunistic human pathogen. Germination of conidial spores and their fusion via conidial anastomosis tubes (CATs) are significant events during colony establishment in culture and on host plants and, hence, very likely on human epithelia. CAT fusion exhibited by conidial germlings of Fusarium species has been postulated to facilitate mitotic recombination, leading to heterokaryon formation and strains with varied genotypes and potentially increased virulence. Ca²⁺ signalling is key to many of the important physiological processes in filamentous fungi. Here, we tested pharmacological agents with defined modes of action in modulation of the mammalian Ca²⁺ signalling machinery for their effect on germination and CAT-mediated cell fusion in F. oxysporum. We found various drug-specific and dose-dependent effects. Inhibition of calcineurin by FK506 or cyclosporin A, as well as chelation of extracellular Ca²⁺ by BAPTA, exclusively inhibit CAT induction but not germ-tube formation. On the other hand, inhibition of Ca2+ channels by verapamil, calmodulin inhibition by calmidazolium, and inhibition of mitochondrial calcium uniporters by RU360 inhibited both CAT induction and germ-tube formation. Thapsigargin, an inhibitor of mammalian sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA), partially inhibited CAT induction but had no effect on germ-tube formation. These results provide initial evidence for morphologically defining roles of Ca²⁺-signalling components in the early developmental stages of F. oxysporum colony establishment—most notably, the indication that calcium ions act as self-signalling molecules in this process. Our findings contribute an important first step towards the identification of Ca²⁺ inhibitors with fungas-specific effects that could be exploited for the treatment of infected plants and humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Pathogenic Fusarium Species)

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16 pages, 3064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anemochore Seeds Harbor Distinct Fungal and Bacterial Abundance, Composition, and Functional Profiles

by Dong Liu, Jie Cai, Huajie He, Shimei Yang, Caspar C. C. Chater and Fuqiang Yu

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010089 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3523

Abstract

Many plants adapted to harsh environments have evolved low seed mass (‘light seeds’) with specific dispersal strategies, primarily either by wind (anemochory) or water (hydrochory). However, the role of their seed microbiota in their survival, and their seed microbial abundance and structure, remain [...] Read more.

Many plants adapted to harsh environments have evolved low seed mass (‘light seeds’) with specific dispersal strategies, primarily either by wind (anemochory) or water (hydrochory). However, the role of their seed microbiota in their survival, and their seed microbial abundance and structure, remain insufficiently studied. Herein, we studied the light seed microbiome of eight anemochores and two hydrochores (as controls) collected from four provinces in China, using qPCR and metagenomic sequencing targeting both bacteria and fungi. Substantial variations were found for seed endophytic fungi (9.9 × 10¹⁰~7.3 × 10² gene copy numbers per seed) and bacteria (1.7 × 10¹⁰~8.0 × 10⁶). Seed microbial diversity and structure were mainly driven by the plant genotype (species), with weak influences from their host plant classification level or dispersal mode. Seed microbial composition differences were clear at the microbial phylum level, with dominant proportions (~75%) for Proteobacteria and Ascomycota. The light seeds studied harbored unique microbial signatures, sharing only two Halomonas amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and two fungal ASVs affiliated to Alternaria and Cladosporium. A genome-level functional profile analysis revealed that seed bacterial microbiota were enriched in amino acid, nucleoside, and nucleotide biosynthesis, while in fungal communities the generation of precursor metabolites and respiration were more highly represented. Together, these novel insights provide a deeper understanding of highly diversified plant-specific light seed microbiota and ecological strategies for plants in harsh environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Fungal Diversity)

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25 pages, 4995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Assessment of the Secretome Responsible for Host Adaptation of the Legume Root Pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches

by Andrei Kiselev, Hélène San Clemente, Laurent Camborde, Bernard Dumas and Elodie Gaulin

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010088 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3950

Abstract

The soil-borne oomycete pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches causes devastating root rot diseases in legumes such as pea and alfalfa. The different pathotypes of A. euteiches have been shown to exhibit differential quantitative virulence, but the molecular basis of host adaptation has not yet been [...] Read more.

The soil-borne oomycete pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches causes devastating root rot diseases in legumes such as pea and alfalfa. The different pathotypes of A. euteiches have been shown to exhibit differential quantitative virulence, but the molecular basis of host adaptation has not yet been clarified. Here, we re-sequenced a pea field reference strain of A. euteiches ATCC201684 with PacBio long-reads and took advantage of the technology to generate the mitochondrial genome. We identified that the secretome of A. euteiches is characterized by a large portfolio of secreted proteases and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). We performed Illumina sequencing of four strains of A. euteiches with contrasted specificity to pea or alfalfa and found in different geographical areas. Comparative analysis showed that the core secretome is largely represented by CAZymes and proteases. The specific secretome is mainly composed of a large set of small, secreted proteins (SSP) without any predicted functional domain, suggesting that the legume preference of the pathogen is probably associated with unknown functions. This study forms the basis for further investigations into the mechanisms of interaction of A. euteiches with legumes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungi: What Have We Learned from Omics?)

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29 pages, 7099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Endophytic Colletotrichum Species from Aquatic Plants in Southwest China

by Hua Zheng, Zefen Yu, Xinwei Jiang, Linlin Fang and Min Qiao

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010087 - 16 Jan 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4780

Abstract

Colletotrichum species are plant pathogens, saprobes, and endophytes in many economically important hosts. Many studies have investigated the diversity and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum species in common ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables. However, Colletotrichum species occurring in aquatic plants are not well known. During the [...] Read more.

Colletotrichum species are plant pathogens, saprobes, and endophytes in many economically important hosts. Many studies have investigated the diversity and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum species in common ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables. However, Colletotrichum species occurring in aquatic plants are not well known. During the investigation of the diversity of endophytic fungi in aquatic plants in southwest China, 66 Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from aquatic plants there, and 26 of them were selected for sequencing and analyses of actin (ACT), chitin synthase (CHS-1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and β-tubulin (TUB2) genomic regions. Based on morphological characterization and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, 13 Colletotrichum species were recognized, namely, C. baiyuense sp. nov., C. casaense sp. nov., C. demersi sp. nov., C. dianense sp. nov., C. fructicola, C. garzense sp. nov., C. jiangxiense, C. karstii, C. philoxeroidis sp. nov., C. spicati sp. nov., C. tengchongense sp. nov., C. vulgaris sp. nov., C. wuxuhaiense sp. nov. Two species complexes, the C. boninense species complex and C. gloeosporioides species complex, were found to be associated with aquatic plants. Pathogenicity tests revealed a broad diversity in pathogenicity and aggressiveness among the eight new Colletotrichum species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biodiversity and Ecology 2.0)

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9 pages, 508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

T2Candida Assay in the Diagnosis of Intraabdominal Candidiasis: A Prospective Multicenter Study

by Anders Krifors, Måns Ullberg, Markus Castegren, Johan Petersson, Ernesto Sparrelid, Helena Hammarström, Jan Sjölin, Volkan Özenci and Ola Blennow

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010086 - 16 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2746

Abstract

The T2Candida magnetic resonance assay is a direct-from-blood pathogen detection assay that delivers a result within 3–5 h, targeting the most clinically relevant Candida species. Between February 2019 and March 2021, the study included consecutive patients aged >18 years admitted to an intensive [...] Read more.

The T2Candida magnetic resonance assay is a direct-from-blood pathogen detection assay that delivers a result within 3–5 h, targeting the most clinically relevant Candida species. Between February 2019 and March 2021, the study included consecutive patients aged >18 years admitted to an intensive care unit or surgical high-dependency unit due to gastrointestinal surgery or necrotizing pancreatitis and from whom diagnostic blood cultures were obtained. Blood samples were tested in parallel with T2Candida and 1,3-β-D-glucan. Of 134 evaluable patients, 13 (10%) were classified as having proven intraabdominal candidiasis (IAC) according to the EORTC/MSG criteria. Two of the thirteen patients (15%) had concurrent candidemia. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, respectively, were 46%, 97%, 61%, and 94% for T2Candida and 85%, 83%, 36%, and 98% for 1,3-β-D-glucan. All positive T2Candida results were consistent with the culture results at the species level, except for one case of dual infection. The performance of T2Candida was comparable with that of 1,3-β-D-glucan for candidemic IAC but had a lower sensitivity for non-candidemic IAC (36% vs. 82%). In conclusion, T2Candida may be a valuable complement to 1,3-β-D-glucan in the clinical management of high-risk surgical patients because of its rapid results and ease of use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Trends in Medical Mycology)

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18 pages, 3729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Soil Chemical Properties on the Growth Promotion Ability of Trichoderma ghanense, T. tomentosum and Their Complex on Rye in Different Land-Use Systems

by Danguolė Bridžiuvienė, Vita Raudonienė, Jurgita Švedienė, Algimantas Paškevičius, Ieva Baužienė, Gintautas Vaitonis, Alvyra Šlepetienė, Jonas Šlepetys and Audrius Kačergius

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010085 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3538

Abstract

Microbial-based biostimulants that increase plant performance and ensure sustainable restoration of degraded soils are of great importance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the growth promotion ability of indigenous Trichoderma ghanense, T. tomentosum and their complex on early rye [...] Read more.

Microbial-based biostimulants that increase plant performance and ensure sustainable restoration of degraded soils are of great importance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the growth promotion ability of indigenous Trichoderma ghanense, T. tomentosum and their complex on early rye seedlings in sustained grassland and arable soil. The impact of soil chemical properties on the ability of selected Trichoderma strains and their complex to promote plant growth was determined by the evaluation of the rye (Secale cereale L.) early seedling growth—measuring the length of shoots and roots as well as their dry weight. Trichoderma species were tested for their ability to produce extracellular degradative enzymes on solid media. Furthermore, the soil properties and CM-cellulase activity of soil were estimated. The indigenous Trichoderma strains possess the capacity to produce enzymes such as peroxidase, laccase, tyrosinase, and endoglucanase. The results indicated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in plant growth and the improvement of some soil chemical properties (total N, mobile humic and fulvic acids, exchangeable K₂O, soil CM-cellulase activity) in inoculated soils when compared to the control. The growth of the roots of rye seedlings in sustained grassland was enhanced when T. tomentosum was applied (p = 0.005). There was an increase in total weight and shoot weight of rye seedlings when T. ghanense was used in the arable soil (p = 0.014 and p = 0.024). The expected beneficial effect of Trichoderma spp. complex on rye growth promotion was not observed in any tested soil. The results could find application in the development of new and efficient biostimulants, since not only do physiological characteristics of fungi play an important role but also the quality of the soil has an impact. Full article

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17 pages, 2147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strategies for Efficient Expression of Heterologous Monosaccharide Transporters in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

by Marilia M. Knychala, Angela A. dos Santos, Leonardo G. Kretzer, Fernanda Gelsleichter, Maria José Leandro, César Fonseca and Boris U. Stambuk

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010084 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3002

Abstract

In previous work, we developed a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain (DLG-K1) lacking the main monosaccharide transporters (hxt-null) and displaying high xylose reductase, xylitol dehydrogenase and xylulokinase activities. This strain proved to be a useful chassis strain to study new glucose/xylose transporters, as [...] Read more.

In previous work, we developed a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain (DLG-K1) lacking the main monosaccharide transporters (hxt-null) and displaying high xylose reductase, xylitol dehydrogenase and xylulokinase activities. This strain proved to be a useful chassis strain to study new glucose/xylose transporters, as SsXUT1 from Scheffersomyces stipitis. Proteins with high amino acid sequence similarity (78–80%) to SsXUT1 were identified from Spathaspora passalidarum and Spathaspora arborariae genomes. The characterization of these putative transporter genes (SpXUT1 and SaXUT1, respectively) was performed in the same chassis strain. Surprisingly, the cloned genes could not restore the ability to grow in several monosaccharides tested (including glucose and xylose), but after being grown in maltose, the uptake of ¹⁴C-glucose and ¹⁴C-xylose was detected. While SsXUT1 lacks lysine residues with high ubiquitinylation potential in its N-terminal domain and displays only one in its C-terminal domain, both SpXUT1 and SaXUT1 transporters have several such residues in their C-terminal domains. A truncated version of SpXUT1 gene, deprived of the respective 3′-end, was cloned in DLG-K1 and allowed growth and fermentation in glucose or xylose. In another approach, two arrestins known to be involved in the ubiquitinylation and endocytosis of sugar transporters (ROD1 and ROG3) were knocked out, but only the rog3 mutant allowed a significant improvement of growth and fermentation in glucose when either of the XUT permeases were expressed. Therefore, for the efficient heterologous expression of monosaccharide (e.g., glucose/xylose) transporters in S. cerevisiae, we propose either the removal of lysines involved in ubiquitinylation and endocytosis or the use of chassis strains hampered in the specific mechanism of membrane protein turnover. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungi Nutrient Transportation)

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17 pages, 4613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cryptic Species Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationship in the Rust Genus Chrysomyxa from China

by Rui Wang, Clement K. M. Tsui and Chongjuan You

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010083 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2711

Abstract

Chrysomyxa rusts are fungal pathogens widely distributed in the Northern hemisphere, causing spruce needle and cone rust diseases, and they are responsible for significant economic losses in China. Taxonomic delimitation and precise species identification are difficult within this genus because some characters often [...] Read more.

Chrysomyxa rusts are fungal pathogens widely distributed in the Northern hemisphere, causing spruce needle and cone rust diseases, and they are responsible for significant economic losses in China. Taxonomic delimitation and precise species identification are difficult within this genus because some characters often overlap in several species. Adequate species delimitation, enhanced by the use of DNA-based methodologies, will help to establish well-supported species boundaries and enable the identification of cryptic species. Here, we explore the cryptic species diversity in the rust genus Chrysomyxa from China. Species delimitation analyses are conducted using a distance-based method (ABGD) and three tree-based methods (GMYC, bPTP, and mPTP) based on combined LSU and ITS sequences of over 60 specimens. Although there is some incongruence among species delimitation methods, two new species and three putative cryptic species are identified. The key to 20 Chrysomyxa species distributed in China is presented. These results suggest that a significant level of undiscovered cryptic diversity is likely to be found in Chrysomyxa from China. Future studies should consider multiple analytical methods when dealing with multi-locus datasets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biodiversity and Ecology 2.0)

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16 pages, 2971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Assessment of Organic and Residual Fractions of Nematicidal Culture Filtrates from Thirteen Tropical Trichoderma Strains and Metabolic Profiles of Most-Active

by Felicia Amalia Moo-Koh, Jairo Cristóbal-Alejo, María Fé Andrés, Jesús Martín, Fernando Reyes, Jose María Tun-Suárez and Marcela Gamboa-Angulo

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010082 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4597

Abstract

The nematicidal properties of Trichoderma species have potential for developing safer biocontrol agents. In the present study, 13 native Trichoderma strains from T. citrinoviride, T. ghanense (2 strains), T. harzianum (4), T. koningiopsis, T. simmonsii, and T. virens (4) [...] Read more.

The nematicidal properties of Trichoderma species have potential for developing safer biocontrol agents. In the present study, 13 native Trichoderma strains from T. citrinoviride, T. ghanense (2 strains), T. harzianum (4), T. koningiopsis, T. simmonsii, and T. virens (4) with nematicidal activity were selected and cultured in potato dextrose broth to obtain a culture filtrate (CF) for each. Each CF was partitioned with ethyl acetate to obtain organic (EA) and residual filtrate (RF) fractions, which were then tested on second-stage juveniles (J2s) of the nematodes Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita in a microdilution assay. The most lethal strains were T. harzianum Th43-14, T. koningiopsis Th41-11, T. ghanense Th02-04, and T. virens Th32-09, which caused 51–100% mortality (%M) of J2s of both nematodes, mainly due to their RF fractions. Liquid chromatography–diode array detector-electrospray-high resolution mass spectrometry analysis of the most-active fractions revealed sesquiterpene and polyketide-like metabolites produced by the four active strains. These native Trichoderma strains have a high potential to develop safer natural products for the biocontrol of Meloidogyne species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungi in Agriculture and Biotechnology)

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6 pages, 689 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Clinical Case of COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA), Illustrating the Challenges in Diagnosis (Despite Overwhelming Mycological Evidence)

by P. Lewis White, Jan Springer, Matt P. Wise, Hermann Einsele, Claudia Löffler, Michelle Seif, Sabrina Prommersberger, Matthijs Backx and Jürgen Löffler

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010081 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2356

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in large numbers of patients requiring critical care management. With the established association between severe respiratory virus infection and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (7.6% for COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA)), the pandemic places a significant number of patients at potential [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in large numbers of patients requiring critical care management. With the established association between severe respiratory virus infection and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (7.6% for COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA)), the pandemic places a significant number of patients at potential risk from secondary invasive fungal disease. We described a case of CAPA with substantial supporting mycological evidence, highlighting the need to employ strategic diagnostic algorithms and weighted definitions to improve the accuracy in diagnosing CAPA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Respiratory Fungal Infections)

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17 pages, 2732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing Penicillium digitatum Management Strategies on Post-Harvest Citrus Fruits with Metabolic Components and Colonization of Bacillus subtilis L1-21

by Yongmei Li, Mengyuan Xia, Pengbo He, Qiaoming Yang, Yixin Wu, Pengfei He, Ayesha Ahmed, Xiangsong Li, Yuehu Wang, Shahzad Munir and Yueqiu He

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010080 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6468

Abstract

Citrus is among the most important plants in the fruit industry severely infected with pathogens. Citrus green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum is one of the most devastating diseases during post-harvest stages of citrus fruit. In this study, a potential endophyte Bacillus subtilis [...] Read more.

Citrus is among the most important plants in the fruit industry severely infected with pathogens. Citrus green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum is one of the most devastating diseases during post-harvest stages of citrus fruit. In this study, a potential endophyte Bacillus subtilis L1-21, isolated from healthy citrus plants, was assessed for its biocontrol activity against the pathogen P. digitatum. Based on an in vitro crosstalk assay, we suggested that B. subtilis L1-21 inhibits the pathogen with an inhibition zone of 3.51 ± 0.08 cm. Biocontrol efficacy was highest for the fermented culture filtrate of B. subtilis L1-21. Additionally, using GC-MS analysis, 13 compounds were detected in the extract of this endophyte. The culture filtrate in Landy medium could enlarge and deform pathogen spores and prevent them from developing into normal mycelium. Accordingly, the Landy culture filtrate of B. subtilis L1-21 was stable in the temperature range of 4–90 °C and pH of 3–11. Further, MALDI-TOF-MS for B. subtilis L1-21 detected surfactin, fengycin, bacillaene and bacilysin as potential antifungal compounds. GFP-tagged B. subtilis L1-21 easily colonized in citrus fruit peel and pulp, suggesting its role in eliminating the fungal pathogen. Altogether, it is highly expected that the production of antifungal compounds, and the colonization potential of B. subtilis L1-21 are required against the post-harvest P. digitatum pathogen on citrus fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Fungal Diversity)

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23 pages, 11646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strategies Shaping the Transcription of Carbohydrate-Active Enzyme Genes in Aspergillus nidulans

by Barnabás Cs. Gila, Károly Antal, Zsuzsanna Birkó, Judit Sz. Keserű, István Pócsi and Tamás Emri

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010079 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2481

Abstract

Understanding the coordinated regulation of the hundreds of carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) genes occurring in the genomes of fungi has great practical importance. We recorded genome-wide transcriptional changes of Aspergillus nidulans cultivated on glucose, lactose, or arabinogalactan, as well as under carbon-starved conditions. We [...] Read more.

Understanding the coordinated regulation of the hundreds of carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) genes occurring in the genomes of fungi has great practical importance. We recorded genome-wide transcriptional changes of Aspergillus nidulans cultivated on glucose, lactose, or arabinogalactan, as well as under carbon-starved conditions. We determined both carbon-stress-specific changes (weak or no carbon source vs. glucose) and carbon-source-specific changes (one type of culture vs. all other cultures). Many CAZyme genes showed carbon-stress-specific and/or carbon-source-specific upregulation on arabinogalactan (138 and 62 genes, respectively). Besides galactosidase and arabinan-degrading enzyme genes, enrichment of cellulolytic, pectinolytic, mannan, and xylan-degrading enzyme genes was observed. Fewer upregulated genes, 81 and 107 carbon stress specific, and 6 and 16 carbon source specific, were found on lactose and in carbon-starved cultures, respectively. They were enriched only in galactosidase and xylosidase genes on lactose and rhamnogalacturonanase genes in both cultures. Some CAZyme genes (29 genes) showed carbon-source-specific upregulation on glucose, and they were enriched in β-1,4-glucanase genes. The behavioral ecological background of these characteristics was evaluated to comprehensively organize our knowledge on CAZyme production, which can lead to developing new strategies to produce enzymes for plant cell wall saccharification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Cell Biology, Metabolism and Physiology)

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19 pages, 2929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells Lacking the Zinc Vacuolar Transporter Zrt3 Display Improved Ethanol Productivity in Lignocellulosic Hydrolysates

by Joana Terra-Matos, Marta Oliveira Teixeira, Cátia Santos-Pereira, Henrique Noronha, Lucília Domingues, Carmen Sieiro, Hernâni Gerós, Susana Rodrigues Chaves, Maria João Sousa and Manuela Côrte-Real

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010078 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3016

Abstract

Yeast-based bioethanol production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates (LH) is an attractive and sustainable alternative for biofuel production. However, the presence of acetic acid (AA) in LH is still a major problem. Indeed, above certain concentrations, AA inhibits yeast fermentation and triggers a regulated cell [...] Read more.

Yeast-based bioethanol production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates (LH) is an attractive and sustainable alternative for biofuel production. However, the presence of acetic acid (AA) in LH is still a major problem. Indeed, above certain concentrations, AA inhibits yeast fermentation and triggers a regulated cell death (RCD) process mediated by the mitochondria and vacuole. Understanding the mechanisms involved in AA-induced RCD (AA-RCD) may thus help select robust fermentative yeast strains, providing novel insights to improve lignocellulosic ethanol (LE) production. Herein, we hypothesized that zinc vacuolar transporters are involved in vacuole-mediated AA-RCD, since zinc enhances ethanol production and zinc-dependent catalase and superoxide dismutase protect from AA-RCD. In this work, zinc limitation sensitized wild-type cells to AA-RCD, while zinc supplementation resulted in a small protective effect. Cells lacking the vacuolar zinc transporter Zrt3 were highly resistant to AA-RCD, exhibiting reduced vacuolar dysfunction. Moreover, zrt3Δ cells displayed higher ethanol productivity than their wild-type counterparts, both when cultivated in rich medium with AA (0.29 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹ versus 0.11 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹) and in an LH (0.73 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹ versus 0.55 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹). Overall, the deletion of ZRT3 emerges as a promising strategy to increase strain robustness in LE industrial production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Yeast Biorefineries)

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16 pages, 3991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The CfMK1 Gene Regulates Reproduction, Appressorium Formation, and Pathogenesis in a Pear Anthracnose-Causing Fungus

by Chaohui Li, Weibo Sun, Shulin Cao, Rongxian Hou, Xiaogang Li, Liang Ming, Jialiang Kan, Yancun Zhao and Fengquan Liu

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010077 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2392

Abstract

Colletotrichum fructicola, the causal agent of pear anthracnose, causes significant annual economic losses. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are highly conserved signal transduction pathways that play a crucial role in mediating cellular responses to environmental and host signals in plant pathogenic fungi. [...] Read more.

Colletotrichum fructicola, the causal agent of pear anthracnose, causes significant annual economic losses. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are highly conserved signal transduction pathways that play a crucial role in mediating cellular responses to environmental and host signals in plant pathogenic fungi. In this study, we identified an ortholog of the FUS3/KSS1-related MAPK gene, CfMK1, and characterized its function in C. fructicola. The Cfmk1 deletion mutants exhibited poorly developed aerial hyphae, autolysis, no conidial mass or perithecia on solid plates. However, the conidiation of the Cfmk1 mutant in PDB liquid medium was normal compared with that of the wild type (WT). Conidia of the Cfmk1 mutant exhibited a reduced germination rate on glass slides or plant surfaces. The Cfmk1 deletion mutants were unable to form appressoria and lost the capacity to penetrate plant epidermal cells. The ability of the Cfmk1 mutants to infect pear leaves and fruit was severely reduced. Moreover, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of the WT and Cfmk1 mutant was performed, and the results revealed 1886 upregulated and 1554 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the mutant. The DEGs were significantly enriched in cell wall and pathogenesis terms, which was consistent with the defects of the Cfmk1 mutant in cell wall integrity and plant infection. Overall, our data demonstrate that CfMK1 plays critical roles in the regulation of aerial hyphal growth, asexual and sexual reproduction, autolysis, appressorium formation, and pathogenicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)

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21 pages, 8975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reassessment of Dyfrolomyces and Four New Species of Melomastia from Olive (Olea europaea) in Sichuan Province, China

by Wen-Li Li, Sajeewa S. N. Maharachchikumbura, Ratchadawan Cheewangkoon and Jian-Kui Liu

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010076 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2272

Abstract

Pleurotremataceae species are saprobes on decaying wood in terrestrial, mangrove, and freshwater habitats. The generic boundary of the family has traditionally been based on morphology. All genera of Pleurotremataceae have a high degree of morphological overlap, of which the generic circumscription of Melomastia [...] Read more.

Pleurotremataceae species are saprobes on decaying wood in terrestrial, mangrove, and freshwater habitats. The generic boundary of the family has traditionally been based on morphology. All genera of Pleurotremataceae have a high degree of morphological overlap, of which the generic circumscription of Melomastia and Dyfrolomyces has not been well resolved. Thus, the delimitation of genera has always been challenging. Melomastia traditionally differs from Dyfrolomyces in having 2-septate, oblong, with obtuse-ends ascospores. These main characteristics have been used to distinguish Melomastia from Dyfrolomyces for a long time. However, the above characteristics sometimes overlap among Dyfrolomyces and Melomastia species. Based on the morphology and multigene phylogeny with newly obtained data, we synonymized Dyfrolomyces under Melomastia following up-to-date results. Four novel species (i.e., Melomastia fusispora, M. oleae, M. sichuanensis and M. winteri) collected from the dead branches of Olea europaea L. in Chengdu Olive Base, Sichuan Province in China are introduced based on detailed morphological characterization and phylogenetic analyses of sequences based on nuclear ribosomal (LSU and SSU) and protein-coding gene (tef1-α). The 11 new combinations proposed are Melomastia aquatica (=Dyfrolomyces aquaticus), M. chromolaenae (=D. chromolaenae), M. distoseptata (=D. distoseptatus), M. mangrovei (=D. mangrovei), M. marinospora (=D. marinosporus), M. neothailandica (=D. neothailandicus), M. phetchaburiensis (=D. phetchaburiensis), M. sinensis (=D. sinensis), M. thailandica (=D. thailandica), M. thamplaensis (=D. thamplaensis) and M. tiomanensis (=D. tiomanensis). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biodiversity and Ecology 2.0)

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23 pages, 1133 KiB

Open AccessReview

In Vitro Systems for Toxicity Evaluation of Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds on Humans: Current Status and Trends

by Kustrim Cerimi, Udo Jäckel, Vera Meyer, Ugarit Daher, Jessica Reinert and Stefanie Klar

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010075 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5485

Abstract

Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOC) are metabolic products and by-products of bacteria and fungi. They play an important role in the biosphere: They are responsible for inter- and intra-species communication and can positively or negatively affect growth in plants. But they can also [...] Read more.

Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOC) are metabolic products and by-products of bacteria and fungi. They play an important role in the biosphere: They are responsible for inter- and intra-species communication and can positively or negatively affect growth in plants. But they can also cause discomfort and disease symptoms in humans. Although a link between mVOCs and respiratory health symptoms in humans has been demonstrated by numerous studies, standardized test systems for evaluating the toxicity of mVOCs are currently not available. Also, mVOCs are not considered systematically at regulatory level. We therefore performed a literature survey of existing in vitro exposure systems and lung models in order to summarize the state-of-the-art and discuss their suitability for understanding the potential toxic effects of mVOCs on human health. We present a review of submerged cultivation, air-liquid-interface (ALI), spheroids and organoids as well as multi-organ approaches and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of mVOC fingerprinting. However, given the most recent developments in the field, we expect that there will soon be adequate models of the human respiratory tract and its response to mVOCs. Full article

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16 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-World Use of Isavuconazole as Primary Therapy for Invasive Fungal Infections in High-Risk Patients with Hematologic Malignancy or Stem Cell Transplant

by Hiba Dagher, Ray Hachem, Anne-Marie Chaftari, Ying Jiang, Shahnoor Ali, Rita Deeba, Shivan Shah and Issam Raad

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010074 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3947

Abstract

(1) Introduction: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) and stem cell transplants (SCT). Isavuconazole was approved by FDA as a primary therapy for Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) and Mucormycosis. The aim [...] Read more.

(1) Introduction: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) and stem cell transplants (SCT). Isavuconazole was approved by FDA as a primary therapy for Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) and Mucormycosis. The aim of this study is to look at the real-world use of Isavuconazole in patients with HM and evaluate their clinical outcomes and safety. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of HM patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center who had definite, probable or possible mold infections between 1 April 2016 and 31 January 2020 and were treated with Isavuconazole for a period of at least 7 days. Clinical and radiological findings were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks of follow up. (3) Results: We included 200 HM patients with IFIs that were classified as definite (11), probable (63) and possible (126). Aspergillus spp was the most commonly isolated pathogen. The majority of patients (59%) received prophylaxis with anti-mold therapy and Isavuconazole was used as a primary therapy in 43% of patients, and as salvage therapy in 58%. The switch to Isavuconazole was driven by the failure of the primary therapy in 66% of the cases and by adverse effects in 29%. Isavuconazole was used as monotherapy in 30% of the cases and in combination in 70%. Adverse events possibly related to Isavuconazole were reported in eight patients (4%) leading to drug discontinuation. Moreover, a favorable response with Isavuconazole was observed in 40% at 6 weeks and in 60% at 12 weeks. There was no significant difference between isavuconazole monotherapy and combination therapy (p = 0.16 at 6 weeks and p = 0.06 at 12 weeks). Finally, there was no significant difference in outcome when Isavuconazole was used after failure of other anti-mold prophylaxis or treatment versus when used de novo as an anti-mold therapy (p = 0.68 at 6 weeks and p = 0.25 at 12 weeks). (4) Conclusions: Whether used as first-line therapy or after the failure of other azole and non-azole prophylaxis or therapies, isavuconazole seems to have a promising clinical response and a good safety profile as an antifungal therapy in high-risk cancer patients with hematologic malignancies. Moreover, combination therapy did not improve the outcome compared to Isavuconazole therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Infectious Diseases)

10 pages, 539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigations upon the Improvement of Dermatophyte Identification Using an Online Mass Spectrometry Application

by Arnaud Jabet, Anne-Cécile Normand, Alicia Moreno-Sabater, Jacques Guillot, Veronica Risco-Castillo, Sophie Brun, Magalie Demar, Romain Blaizot, Cécile Nabet, Ann Packeu and Renaud Piarroux

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010073 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2142

Abstract

Online MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry applications, such as MSI-2, have been shown to help identify dermatophytes, but recurrent errors are still observed between phylogenetically close species. The objective of this study was to assess different approaches to reduce the occurrence of such errors by [...] Read more.

Online MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry applications, such as MSI-2, have been shown to help identify dermatophytes, but recurrent errors are still observed between phylogenetically close species. The objective of this study was to assess different approaches to reduce the occurrence of such errors by adding new reference spectra to the MSI-2 application. Nine libraries were set up, comprising an increasing number of spectra obtained from reference strains that were submitted to various culture durations on two distinct culture media: Sabouraud gentamicin chloramphenicol medium and IDFP Conidia medium. The final library included spectra from 111 strains of 20 species obtained from cultures on both media collected every three days after the appearance of the colony. The performance of each library was then analyzed using a cross-validation approach. The spectra acquisitions were carried out using a Microflex Bruker spectrometer. Diversifying the references and adding spectra from various culture media and culture durations improved identification performance. The percentage of correct identification at the species level rose from 63.4 to 91.7% when combining all approaches. Nevertheless, residual confusion between close species, such as Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton soudanense, remained. To distinguish between these species, mass spectrometry identification should take into account basic morphological and/or clinico-epidemiological features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Dermatophytes)

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13 pages, 5467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Putative D-Arabinono-1,4-lactone Oxidase, MoAlo1, Is Required for Fungal Growth, Conidiogenesis, and Pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae

by Ming-Hua Wu, Lu-Yao Huang, Li-Xiao Sun, Hui Qian, Yun-Yun Wei, Shuang Liang, Xue-Ming Zhu, Lin Li, Jian-Ping Lu, Fu-Cheng Lin and Xiao-Hong Liu

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010072 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2545

Abstract

Magnaporthe oryzae is the causal agent of rice blast outbreaks. L-ascorbic acid (ASC) is a famous antioxidant found in nature. However, while ASC is rare or absent in fungi, a five-carbon analog, D-erythroascorbic acid (EASC), seems to appear to be a substitute for [...] Read more.

Magnaporthe oryzae is the causal agent of rice blast outbreaks. L-ascorbic acid (ASC) is a famous antioxidant found in nature. However, while ASC is rare or absent in fungi, a five-carbon analog, D-erythroascorbic acid (EASC), seems to appear to be a substitute for ASC. Although the antioxidant function of ASC has been widely described, the specific properties and physiological functions of EASC remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified a D-arabinono-1,4-lactone oxidase (ALO) domain-containing protein, MoAlo1, and found that MoAlo1 was localized to mitochondria. Disruption of MoALO1 (ΔMoalo1) exhibited defects in vegetative growth as well as conidiogenesis. The ΔMoalo1 mutant was found to be more sensitive to exogenous H₂O₂. Additionally, the pathogenicity of conidia in the ΔMoalo1 null mutant was reduced deeply in rice, and defective penetration of appressorium-like structures (ALS) formed by the hyphal tips was also observed in the ΔMoalo1 null mutant. When exogenous EASC was added to the conidial suspension, the defective pathogenicity of the ΔMoalo1 mutant was restored. Collectively, MoAlo1 is essential for growth, conidiogenesis, and pathogenicity in M. oryzae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Filamentous Fungal Pathogens and Hosts)

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24 pages, 6549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thiolation of Myco-Synthesized Fe₃O₄-NPs: A Novel Promising Tool for Penicillium expansium Laccase Immobilization to Decolorize Textile Dyes and as an Application for Anticancer Agent

by Hamed M. El-Shora, Aiah M. Khateb, Doaa B. Darwish and Reyad M. El-Sharkawy

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010071 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2292

Abstract

Environmental pollution due to the continuous uncontrolled discharge of toxic dyes into the water bodies provides insight into the need to eliminate pollutants prior to discharge is significantly needed. Recently, the combination of conventional chemotherapeutic agents and nanoparticles has attracted considerable attention. Herein, [...] Read more.

Environmental pollution due to the continuous uncontrolled discharge of toxic dyes into the water bodies provides insight into the need to eliminate pollutants prior to discharge is significantly needed. Recently, the combination of conventional chemotherapeutic agents and nanoparticles has attracted considerable attention. Herein, the magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-NPs) were synthesized using metabolites of Aspergillus niger. Further, the surfaces of Fe₃O₄-NPs were functionalized using 3-mercaptoproionic acid as confirmed by XRD, TEM, and SEM analyses. A purified P. expansum laccase was immobilized onto Fe₃O₄/3-MPA-SH and then the developed immobilized laccase (Fe₃O₄/3-MPA-S-S-laccase) was applied to achieve redox-mediated degradation of different dyes. The Fe₃O₄/3-MPA-S-S-laccase exhibited notably improved stability toward pH, temperature, organic solvents, and storage periods. The Fe₃O₄/3-MPA-S-S-laccase exhibited appropriate operational stability while retaining 84.34% of its initial activity after 10 cycles. The catalytic affinity (K_cat/K_m) of the immobilized biocatalyst was increased above 10-fold. The experimental data showed remarkable improvement in the dyes’ decolorization using the immobilized biocatalyst in the presence of a redox mediator in seven successive cycles. Thus, the prepared novel nanocomposite-laccase can be applied as an alternative promising strategy for bioremediation of textile wastewater. The cytotoxic level of carboplatin and Fe₃O₄-NPs singly or in combination on various cell lines was concentration-dependent. Full article

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7 pages, 5103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Treatment of Human Sporotrichosis Caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis

by Vanice Rodrigues Poester, Rossana Patricia Basso, David A. Stevens, Lívia Silveira Munhoz, Vanessa Brito de Souza Rabello, Rodrigo Almeida-Paes, Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira, Mariza Zanchi, Jéssica Louise Benelli and Melissa Orzechowski Xavier

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010070 - 10 Jan 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3432

Abstract

We describe the successful treatment of a series of 30 zoonotic sporotrichosis cases from southern Brazil. Sporothrix brasiliensis was the species genotypically identified in all 25 confirmed cases. Five other cases were classified as probable, without laboratory confirmation, but with clinical and epidemiological [...] Read more.

We describe the successful treatment of a series of 30 zoonotic sporotrichosis cases from southern Brazil. Sporothrix brasiliensis was the species genotypically identified in all 25 confirmed cases. Five other cases were classified as probable, without laboratory confirmation, but with clinical and epidemiological data of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis. Two isolates were sequenced by translation elongation factor-1 alpha (EF1α) loci in order to compare their sequences, and both of them showed distinct genotypes from S. brasiliensis strains from other Brazilian states. Itraconazole (ITZ) or potassium iodide (KI) were the first choice treatment in 28 and 2 cases, respectively. Microdilution assay showed a wild-type profile of S. brasiliensis isolates to ITZ. However, a lack of clinical response occurred in 42% of cases, especially those treated with ITZ 100 mg/day, and treatment needed modifications, by either increased doses or antifungal combinations. Clinical cure required a mean of 187 days of treatment, which was dependent on the clinical form of the disease and age of patients. Therapy, including dosages and durations, for cutaneous forms of sporotrichosis requires re-evaluation, since cases caused by S. brasiliensis may influence treatment efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sporothrix and Sporotrichosis 2.0)

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20 pages, 4411 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Characterisation of Candida parapsilosis CYP51 as a Drug Target Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as Host

by Yasmeen N. Ruma, Mikhail V. Keniya, Joel D. A. Tyndall and Brian C. Monk

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010069 - 10 Jan 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3077

Abstract

The fungal cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) is required for the biosynthesis of fungal-specific ergosterol and is the target of azole antifungal drugs. Despite proven success as a clinical target for azole antifungals, there is an urgent need to develop next-generation antifungals that [...] Read more.

The fungal cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) is required for the biosynthesis of fungal-specific ergosterol and is the target of azole antifungal drugs. Despite proven success as a clinical target for azole antifungals, there is an urgent need to develop next-generation antifungals that target CYP51 to overcome the resistance of pathogenic fungi to existing azole drugs, toxic adverse reactions and drug interactions due to human drug-metabolizing CYPs. Candida parapsilosis is a readily transmitted opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes candidiasis in health care environments. In this study, we have characterised wild type C. parapsilosis CYP51 and its clinically significant, resistance-causing point mutation Y132F by expressing these enzymes in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae host system. In some cases, the enzymes were co-expressed with their cognate NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). Constitutive expression of CpCYP51 Y132F conferred a 10- to 12-fold resistance to fluconazole and voriconazole, reduced to ~6-fold resistance for the tetrazoles VT-1161 and VT-1129, but did not confer resistance to the long-tailed triazoles. Susceptibilities were unchanged in the case of CpCPR co-expression. Type II binding spectra showed tight triazole and tetrazole binding by affinity-purified recombinant CpCYP51. We report the X-ray crystal structure of ScCYP51 in complex with VT-1129 obtained at a resolution of 2.1 Å. Structural analysis of azole—enzyme interactions and functional studies of recombinant CYP51 from C. parapsilosis have improved understanding of their susceptibility to azole drugs and will help advance structure-directed antifungal discovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Manipulation of Fungal Model Organisms)

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17 pages, 3462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Evaluation of Metarhizium spp. (Metsch.) Sorokin Isolates for Their Temperature Tolerance

by Viswakethu Velavan, Rajendran Dhanapal, Govindaraju Ramkumar, Sengodan Karthi, Sengottayan Senthil-Nathan, Osmund A. Ndomba and Eliningaya J. Kweka

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010068 - 10 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3324

Abstract

A field survey was done in teak (Tectona grandis F.) forests in South India to explore the entomopathogenic effect of Metarhizium anisopliae (Ascomycota: Sordariomycetes) against teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae). About 300 soils and infected insect samples were collected during the [...] Read more.

A field survey was done in teak (Tectona grandis F.) forests in South India to explore the entomopathogenic effect of Metarhizium anisopliae (Ascomycota: Sordariomycetes) against teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae). About 300 soils and infected insect samples were collected during the survey and thirty-six fungal isolates were isolated from soil and insect samples and characterized. The fungi were cultured on PDAY with dodine and antibiotics. Generally, the EPF culture was incubated at 27 °C in darkness for 15 days. Virulence of the Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) ability to germinate under cold and heat temperatures was assessed in a culture impregnated with conidia. In the experiment, it was found that for the first time Metarhizium quizhouense, Metarhizium robertsii, and Metarhizium majus species caused significantly higher mortality to hosts. These isolates of M. anisopliae, M. robertsii, M. majus, and M. quizhouense were all considered to be effective virulent and environmentally adaptive. The Metarhizium isolates were recommended as effective bio-control agents through the field investigation of teak defoliator Hyblaea puera from South India forest. This study paves the way to utilize the indigenous isolates of EPF for the control of teak defoliator and to combat the pests thatare resistant to insecticide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Pathogen as Potent Toxin for Pest and Disease Control)

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26 pages, 3094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Silico Predictions of Ecological Plasticity Mediated by Protein Family Expansions in Early-Diverging Fungi

by Małgorzata Orłowska and Anna Muszewska

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010067 - 9 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3129

Abstract

Early-diverging fungi (EDF) are ubiquitous and versatile. Their diversity is reflected in their genome sizes and complexity. For instance, multiple protein families have been reported to expand or disappear either in particular genomes or even whole lineages. The most commonly mentioned are CAZymes [...] Read more.

Early-diverging fungi (EDF) are ubiquitous and versatile. Their diversity is reflected in their genome sizes and complexity. For instance, multiple protein families have been reported to expand or disappear either in particular genomes or even whole lineages. The most commonly mentioned are CAZymes (carbohydrate-active enzymes), peptidases and transporters that serve multiple biological roles connected to, e.g., metabolism and nutrients intake. In order to study the link between ecology and its genomic underpinnings in a more comprehensive manner, we carried out a systematic in silico survey of protein family expansions and losses among EDF with diverse lifestyles. We found that 86 protein families are represented differently according to EDF ecological features (assessed by median count differences). Among these there are 19 families of proteases, 43 CAZymes and 24 transporters. Some of these protein families have been recognized before as serine and metallopeptidases, cellulases and other nutrition-related enzymes. Other clearly pronounced differences refer to cell wall remodelling and glycosylation. We hypothesize that these protein families altogether define the preliminary fungal adaptasome. However, our findings need experimental validation. Many of the protein families have never been characterized in fungi and are discussed in the light of fungal ecology for the first time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Enzymes 2021)

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27 pages, 5279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Characterization of Parengyodontium torokii sp. nov., a Biofilm-Forming Fungus Isolated from Mars 2020 Assembly Facility

by Ceth W. Parker, Marcus de Melo Teixeira, Nitin K. Singh, Huzefa A. Raja, Kristof B. Cank, Giada Spigolon, Nicholas H. Oberlies, Bridget M. Barker, Jason E. Stajich, Christopher E. Mason and Kasthuri Venkateswaran

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010066 - 9 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5026

Abstract

A fungal strain (FJII-L10-SW-P1) was isolated from the Mars 2020 spacecraft assembly facility and exhibited biofilm formation on spacecraft-qualified Teflon surfaces. The reconstruction of a six-loci gene tree (ITS, LSU, SSU, RPB1 and RPB2, and TEF1) using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) [...] Read more.

A fungal strain (FJII-L10-SW-P1) was isolated from the Mars 2020 spacecraft assembly facility and exhibited biofilm formation on spacecraft-qualified Teflon surfaces. The reconstruction of a six-loci gene tree (ITS, LSU, SSU, RPB1 and RPB2, and TEF1) using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) analyses of the strain FJII-L10-SW-P1 supported a close relationship to other known Parengyodontium album subclade 3 isolates while being phylogenetically distinct from subclade 1 strains. The zig-zag rachides morphology of the conidiogenous cells and spindle-shaped conidia were the distinct morphological characteristics of the P. album subclade 3 strains. The MLST data and morphological analysis supported the conclusion that the P. album subclade 3 strains could be classified as a new species of the genus Parengyodontium and placed in the family Cordycipitaceae. The name Parengyodontium torokii sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate the strain, with FJII-L10-SW-P1 as the holotype. The genome of the FJII-L10-SW-P1 strain was sequenced, annotated, and the secondary metabolite clusters were identified. Genes predicted to be responsible for biofilm formation and adhesion to surfaces were identified. Homology-based assignment of gene ontologies to the predicted proteome of P. torokii revealed the presence of gene clusters responsible for synthesizing several metabolic compounds, including a cytochalasin that was also verified using traditional metabolomic analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Classification of Environmental Fungi)

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14 pages, 3199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local Environmental Conditions Promote High Turnover Diversity of Benthic Deep-Sea Fungi in the Ross Sea (Antarctica)

by Giulio Barone, Cinzia Corinaldesi, Eugenio Rastelli, Michael Tangherlini, Stefano Varrella, Roberto Danovaro and Antonio Dell’Anno

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010065 - 8 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2519

Abstract

Fungi are a ubiquitous component of marine systems, but their quantitative relevance, biodiversity and ecological role in benthic deep-sea ecosystems remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated fungal abundance, diversity and assemblage composition in two benthic deep-sea sites of the Ross Sea [...] Read more.

Fungi are a ubiquitous component of marine systems, but their quantitative relevance, biodiversity and ecological role in benthic deep-sea ecosystems remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated fungal abundance, diversity and assemblage composition in two benthic deep-sea sites of the Ross Sea (Southern Ocean, Antarctica), characterized by different environmental conditions (i.e., temperature, salinity, trophic availability). Our results indicate that fungal abundance (estimated as the number of 18S rDNA copies g⁻¹) varied by almost one order of magnitude between the two benthic sites, consistently with changes in sediment characteristics and trophic availability. The highest fungal richness (in terms of Amplicon Sequence Variants−ASVs) was encountered in the sediments characterized by the highest organic matter content, indicating potential control of trophic availability on fungal diversity. The composition of fungal assemblages was highly diverse between sites and within each site (similarity less than 10%), suggesting that differences in environmental and ecological characteristics occurring even at a small spatial scale can promote high turnover diversity. Overall, this study provides new insights on the factors influencing the abundance and diversity of benthic deep-sea fungi inhabiting the Ross Sea, and also paves the way for a better understanding of the potential responses of benthic deep-sea fungi inhabiting Antarctic ecosystems in light of current and future climate changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Fungus)

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12 pages, 978 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnosing Fungal Keratitis and Simultaneously Identifying Fusarium and Aspergillus Keratitis with a Dot Hybridization Array

by Ming-Tse Kuo, Shiuh-Liang Hsu, Huey-Ling You, Shu-Fang Kuo, Po-Chiung Fang, Hun-Ju Yu, Alexander Chen, Chia-Yi Tseng, Yu-Hsuan Lai and Jiunn-Liang Chen

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010064 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1960

Abstract

Fungal keratitis (FK) is one of the most common microbial keratitis, which often leads to poor prognosis as a result of delayed diagnosis. Several studies implied that early differentiation of the two major FK, Fusarium and Aspergillus keratitis, could be helpful in selecting [...] Read more.

Fungal keratitis (FK) is one of the most common microbial keratitis, which often leads to poor prognosis as a result of delayed diagnosis. Several studies implied that early differentiation of the two major FK, Fusarium and Aspergillus keratitis, could be helpful in selecting effective anti-fungal regimens. Therefore, a novel dot hybridization array (DHA) was developed to diagnose FK and differentiate Fusarium and Aspergillus keratitis in this study. One hundred forty-six corneal scrapes obtained from one hundred forty-six subjects impressed with clinically suspected FK were used to evaluate the performance of the DHA. Among these patients, 107 (73.3%) patients had actual FK confirmed by culture and DNA sequencing. We found that the DHA had 93.5% sensitivity and 97.4% specificity in diagnosing FK. In addition, this array had 93.2% sensitivity and 93.8% specificity in diagnosing Fusarium keratitis, as well as 83.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity in diagnosing Aspergillus keratitis. Furthermore, it had 83.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity in identifying Fusarium solani keratitis. Thus, this newly developed DHA will be beneficial to earlier diagnosis, more precise treatment, and improve prognosis of FK, by minimizing medical refractory events and surgical needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Tissue Diagnosis of Fungal Infections)

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18 pages, 4243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Trichoderma asperellum 6S-2 on Apple Tree Growth and Replanted Soil Microbial Environment

by Haiyan Wang, Rong Zhang, Yunfei Mao, Weitao Jiang, Xuesen Chen, Xiang Shen, Chengmiao Yin and Zhiquan Mao

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010063 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3878

Abstract

Trichoderma asperellum strain 6S-2 with biocontrol effects and potential growth-promoting properties was made into a fungal fertilizer for the prevention of apple replant disease (ARD). 6S-2 fertilizer not only promoted the growth of Malus hupehensis Rehd seedlings in greenhouse and pot experiments, but [...] Read more.

Trichoderma asperellum strain 6S-2 with biocontrol effects and potential growth-promoting properties was made into a fungal fertilizer for the prevention of apple replant disease (ARD). 6S-2 fertilizer not only promoted the growth of Malus hupehensis Rehd seedlings in greenhouse and pot experiments, but also increased the branch elongation growth of young apple trees. The soil microbial community structure changed significantly after the application of 6S-2 fertilizer: the relative abundance of Trichoderma increased significantly, the relative abundance of Fusarium (especially the gene copy numbers of four Fusarium species) and Cryptococcus decreased, and the relative abundance of Bacillus and Streptomyces increased. The bacteria/fungi and soil enzyme activities increased significantly after the application of 6S-2 fertilizer. The relative contents of alkenes, ethyl ethers, and citrullines increased in root exudates of M. hupehensis Rehd treated with 6S-2 fertilizer and were positively correlated with the abundance of Trichoderma. The relative contents of aldehydes, nitriles, and naphthalenes decreased, and they were positively correlated with the relative abundance of Fusarium. In addition, levels of ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), organic matter (SOM), and pH in rhizosphere soil were also significantly related to changes in the microbial community structure. In summary, the application of 6S-2 fertilizer was effective in alleviating some aspects of ARD by promoting plant growth and optimizing the soil microbial community structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Biology in Fungal Research)

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18 pages, 1781 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Sorbicillinoids from Fungi and Their Bioactivities (Covering 2016–2021)

by Xuwen Hou, Xuping Zhang, Mengyao Xue, Zhitong Zhao, Huizhen Zhang, Dan Xu, Daowan Lai and Ligang Zhou

J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010062 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3262

Abstract

Sorbicillinoids are a family of hexaketide metabolites with a characteristic sorbyl side chain residue. Sixty-nine sorbicillinoids from fungi, newly identified from 2016 to 2021, are summarized in this review, including their structures and bioactivities. They are classified into monomeric, dimeric, trimeric, and hybrid [...] Read more.

Sorbicillinoids are a family of hexaketide metabolites with a characteristic sorbyl side chain residue. Sixty-nine sorbicillinoids from fungi, newly identified from 2016 to 2021, are summarized in this review, including their structures and bioactivities. They are classified into monomeric, dimeric, trimeric, and hybrid sorbicillinoids according to their basic structural features, with the main groups comprising both monomeric and dimeric sorbicillinoids. Some of the identified sorbicillinoids have special structures such as ustilobisorbicillinol A, and sorbicillasins A and B. The majority of sorbicillinoids have been reported from fungi genera such as Acremonium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, and Ustilaginoidea, with some sorbicillinoids exhibiting cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, phytotoxic, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. In recent years, marine-derived, extremophilic, plant endophytic, and phytopathogenic fungi have emerged as important resources for diverse sorbicillinoids with unique skeletons. The recently revealed biological activities of sorbicillinoids discovered before 2016 are also described in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites from Fungi—in Honour of Prof. Dr. Ji-Kai Liu's 60th Birthday)

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