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Extremophile Fungi: An Arising Novel Field in Perspective
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Extremophile Fungi: An Arising Novel Field in Perspective

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental and Ecological Interactions of Fungi".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 15038

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jorge L. Folch-Mallol

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Guest Editor
Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
Interests: plant–fungus interactions; bioremediation; lignocellulose degradation using extremophile fungi
Dr. Ramón Alberto Batista-García

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Ave. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62209, Mexico
Interests: fungal bioremediation; extremophilic fungi; xenobiotic transformation; omics approaches
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Extremophile organisms are those that can not only withstand harsh environmental situations, but also grow optimally in such conditions. Extremophile fungi have been underexplored, bacteria and Archaea being the most studied extremophile organisms. They have surprised the academic community due to their diversity and novel metabolic characteristics, and today, fungi are proving to be no exception. Each day, more novel species are described, and many uses for extremophile fungi are in sight.

We are pleased to invite you to participate in this Special Issue whose aim is to describe the diversity of extremophile fungal species, analyze their biochemical pathways and metabolism, and describe their contribution and interaction with the biogeochemical cycles and influence on other extremophile communities, as well as their ability to produce robust enzymes or proteins which might be useful for applications in several fields such as industry, agriculture, bioremediation, etc. There is still so much to explore in extremophile fungi, and this issue will thus publish a wide range of results dealing with these interesting microorganisms.

Prof. Dr. Jorge L. Folch-Mallol 
Dr. Ramón Alberto Batista-García
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • extremophile fungi
  • biodiversity in extreme sites
  • novel extreme metabolism
  • mechanisms to survive extreme conditions
  • extremophile communities and niches

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 6580 KiB  
Article
Aspergillus brasiliensis E_15.1: A Novel Thermophilic Endophyte from a Volcanic Crater Unveiled through Comprehensive Genome-Wide, Phenotypic Analysis, and Plant Growth-Promoting Trails
by Amanda Martirena-Ramírez, José Germán Serrano-Gamboa, Yordanis Pérez-Llano, Claribel Orquídea Zenteno-Alegría, Mario León Iza-Arteaga, María del Rayo Sánchez-Carbente, Ana María Fernández-Ocaña, Ramón Alberto Batista-García and Jorge Luis Folch-Mallol
J. Fungi 2024, 10(8), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10080517 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1104
Abstract
Thermophilic fungi have been seldom studied despite the fact that they can contribute to understanding ecological mechanisms of adaptation in diverse environments and have attractive toolboxes with a wide range of biotechnological applications. This work describes for the first time an endophytic and [...] Read more.
Thermophilic fungi have been seldom studied despite the fact that they can contribute to understanding ecological mechanisms of adaptation in diverse environments and have attractive toolboxes with a wide range of biotechnological applications. This work describes for the first time an endophytic and thermophilic strain of Aspergillus brasiliensis that was isolated in the crater of the active volcano “El Chichonal” in Mexico. This strain was capable of surviving in soil with a temperature of 60 °C and a pH of neutral acidity, which preluded a high thermostability and a potential in industrial application. The complete genome of A. brasiliensis E_15.1 was sequenced and assembled in 37 Mb of genomic DNA. We performed a comprehensive phylogenomic analysis for the precise taxonomic identification of this species as a novel strain of Aspergillus brasiliensis. Likewise, the predicted coding sequences were classified according to various functions including Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZymes), biosynthetic gene clusters of secondary metabolites (BGCs), and metabolic pathways associated with plant growth promotion. A. brasiliensis E_15.1 was found to degrade chitin, chitooligosaccharides, xylan, and cellulose. The genes to biosynthesize clavaric acid (a triterpene with antitumor activity) were found, thus probably having antitumor activity. In addition to the genomic analysis, a set of enzymatic assays confirmed the thermostability of extracellular xylanases and cellulases of A. brasiliensis E_15.1. The enzymatic repertoire of A. brasiliensis E_15.1 suggests that A. brasiliensis E_15.1 has a high potential for industrial application due to its thermostability and can promote plant growth at high temperatures. Finally, this strain constitutes an interesting source of terpenoids with pharmacological activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophile Fungi: An Arising Novel Field in Perspective)
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22 pages, 4441 KiB  
Article
Identification and Characterization of Dmct: A Cation Transporter in Yarrowia lipolytica Involved in Metal Tolerance
by Katia Jamileth González-Lozano, Elva Teresa Aréchiga-Carvajal, Zacarías Jiménez-Salas, Debany Marlen Valdez-Rodríguez, Claudia Geraldine León-Ramírez, José Ruiz-Herrera, Juan Manuel Adame-Rodríguez, Manuel López-Cabanillas-Lomelí and Eduardo Campos-Góngora
J. Fungi 2023, 9(6), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9060600 - 23 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2060
Abstract
Yarrowia lipolytica is a dimorphic fungus used as a model organism to investigate diverse biotechnological and biological processes, such as cell differentiation, heterologous protein production, and bioremediation strategies. However, little is known about the biological processes responsible for cation concentration homeostasis. Metals play [...] Read more.
Yarrowia lipolytica is a dimorphic fungus used as a model organism to investigate diverse biotechnological and biological processes, such as cell differentiation, heterologous protein production, and bioremediation strategies. However, little is known about the biological processes responsible for cation concentration homeostasis. Metals play pivotal roles in critical biochemical processes, and some are toxic at unbalanced intracellular concentrations. Membrane transport proteins control intracellular cation concentrations. Analysis of the Y. lipolytica genome revealed a characteristic functional domain of the cation efflux protein family, i.e., YALI0F19734g, which encodes YALI0F19734p (a putative Yl-Dmct protein), which is related to divalent metal cation tolerance. We report the in silico analysis of the putative Yl-Dmct protein’s characteristics and the phenotypic response to divalent cations (Ca2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, and Zn2+) in the presence of mutant strains, Δdmct and Rdmct, constructed by deletion and reinsertion of the DMCT gene, respectively. The absence of the Yl-Dmct protein induces cellular and growth rate changes, as well as dimorphism differences, when calcium, copper, iron, and zinc are added to the cultured medium. Interestingly, the parental and mutant strains were able to internalize the ions. Our results suggest that the protein encoded by the DMCT gene is involved in cell development and cation homeostasis in Y. lipolytica. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophile Fungi: An Arising Novel Field in Perspective)
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14 pages, 7996 KiB  
Article
Tolerance of Rare-Earth Elements in Extremophile Fungus Umbelopsis isabellina from Polar Loparite Ore Tailings in Northwestern Russia
by Oleg I. Shumilov, Elena A. Kasatkina, Irina Y. Kirtsideli and Dmitry V. Makarov
J. Fungi 2023, 9(5), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9050506 - 23 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1668
Abstract
In this study, extremophile fungal species isolated from pure loparite-containing sands and their tolerance/resistance to the lanthanides Ce and Nd were investigated. The loparite-containing sands were collected at the tailing dumps of an enterprise developing a unique polar deposit of niobium, tantalum and [...] Read more.
In this study, extremophile fungal species isolated from pure loparite-containing sands and their tolerance/resistance to the lanthanides Ce and Nd were investigated. The loparite-containing sands were collected at the tailing dumps of an enterprise developing a unique polar deposit of niobium, tantalum and rare-earth elements (REEs) of the cerium group: the Lovozersky Mining and Processing Plant (MPP), located in the center of the Kola Peninsula (northwestern Russia). From the 15 fungal species found at the site, one of the most dominant isolates was identified by molecular analysis as the zygomycete fungus Umbelopsis isabellina (GenBank accession no. OQ165236). Fungal tolerance/resistance was evaluated using different concentrations of CeCl3 and NdCl3. Umbelopsis isabellina exhibited a higher degree of tolerance/resistance to cerium and neodymium than did the other dominant isolates (Aspergillus niveoglaucus, Geomyces vinaceus and Penicillium simplicissimum). The fungus began to be inhibited only after being exposed to 100 mg L−1 of NdCl3. The toxic effects of Ce were not observed in fungus growth until it was subjected to 500 mg∙L−1 of CeCl3. Moreover, only U. isabellina started to grow after extreme treatment with 1000 mg∙L−1 of CeCl3 one month after inoculation. This work indicates, for the first time, the potential of Umbelopsis isabellina to remove REEs from the loparite ore tailings, making it a suitable candidate for the development of bioleaching methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophile Fungi: An Arising Novel Field in Perspective)
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24 pages, 4809 KiB  
Article
Improvement of Laccase Production by Thielavia terrestris Co3Bag1. Enhancing the Bio-Catalytic Performance of the Native Thermophilic TtLacA via Immobilization in Copper Alginate Gel Beads
by Marina Gutiérrez-Antón, Alejandro Santiago-Hernández, Johan Rodríguez-Mendoza, Claudia Cano-Ramírez, Ismael Bustos-Jaimes, Guillermo Aguilar-Osorio, Jorge E. Campos and María Eugenia Hidalgo-Lara
J. Fungi 2023, 9(3), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9030308 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2135
Abstract
A 32-fold increase in laccase activity production by the thermophilic biomass-degrading fungus T. terrestris Co3Bag1 was achieved when the microorganism was grown on a modified medium containing fructose, sodium nitrate, and copper. A 70 kDa laccase (TtLacA), produced under the above [...] Read more.
A 32-fold increase in laccase activity production by the thermophilic biomass-degrading fungus T. terrestris Co3Bag1 was achieved when the microorganism was grown on a modified medium containing fructose, sodium nitrate, and copper. A 70 kDa laccase (TtLacA), produced under the above conditions, was purified, immobilized in copper alginate gel beads, and characterized. TtLacA, both free and immobilized enzymes, exhibited optimal activity at pH 3.0, at a temperature of 65 and 70 °C, respectively, although both displayed 70% of activity from 40 to 70 °C. Free and immobilized enzymes retained at least 80% of relative activity in the pH range from 3 to 4.6. Immobilized TtLacA manifested a 2.3-fold higher thermal stability than the free form of the enzyme at 60 and 70 °C. Immobilized TtLacA retained 95% initial activity for six consecutive reuse cycles at 60 °C, and also retained 86% of initial activity after 12 days of storage at 4 °C. Based on the biochemical features, thermophilic TtLacA may be an efficient enzyme for dye decolorization and other industrial applications at high temperatures or acidic conditions. This work represents the first report about the immobilization and biochemical characterization of a thermophilic laccase from a member of the genus Thielavia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophile Fungi: An Arising Novel Field in Perspective)
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21 pages, 4818 KiB  
Article
TtCel7A: A Native Thermophilic Bifunctional Cellulose/Xylanase Exogluclanase from the Thermophilic Biomass-Degrading Fungus Thielavia terrestris Co3Bag1, and Its Application in Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Agroindustrial Derivatives
by Azucena López-López, Alejandro Santiago-Hernández, Maribel Cayetano-Cruz, Yolanda García-Huante, Jorge E. Campos, Ismael Bustos-Jaimes, Rodolfo Marsch-Moreno, Claudia Cano-Ramírez, Claudia G. Benitez-Cardoza and María Eugenia Hidalgo-Lara
J. Fungi 2023, 9(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9020152 - 23 Jan 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2572
Abstract
The biomass-degrading thermophilic ascomycete fungus Thielavia terrestris Co3Bag1 produces TtCel7A, a native bifunctional cellulase/xylanase GH7 family. The purified TtCel7A, with an estimated molecular weight of 71 kDa, was biochemically characterized. TtCel7A displayed an optimal pH of 5.5 for both activities and an optimal [...] Read more.
The biomass-degrading thermophilic ascomycete fungus Thielavia terrestris Co3Bag1 produces TtCel7A, a native bifunctional cellulase/xylanase GH7 family. The purified TtCel7A, with an estimated molecular weight of 71 kDa, was biochemically characterized. TtCel7A displayed an optimal pH of 5.5 for both activities and an optimal temperature of 60 and 50 °C for cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities, respectively. The half-lives determined for cellulase activity were 140, 106, and 41 min at 50, 60, and 70 °C, respectively, whereas the half-lives observed for xylanase activity were 24, 10, and 1.4 h at 50, 60, and 70 °C, respectively. The KM and Vmax values were 3.12 mg/mL and 50 U/mg for cellulase activity and 0.17 mg/mL and 42.75 U/mg for xylanase activity. Circular dichroism analysis suggests changes in the secondary structure of TtCel7A in the presence of CMC as the substrate, whereas no modifications were observed with beechwood xylan. TtCel7A displayed the excellent capability to hydrolyze CMC, beechwood xylan, and complex substrates such as oat bran, wheat bran, and sugarcane bagasse, with glucose and cellobiose being the main products released; also, slightly less endo cellulase and xylanase activities were observed. Thus, suggesting TtCel7A has an exo- and endomode of action. Based on the characteristics of the enzyme, it might be considered a good candidate for industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophile Fungi: An Arising Novel Field in Perspective)
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Review

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16 pages, 3159 KiB  
Review
Prospective Roles of Extremophilic Fungi in Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
by Imran Ali, Hina Qaiser, Roheena Abdullah, Afshan Kaleem, Mehwish Iqtedar, Irfana Iqbal and Xiaoming Chen
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060385 - 27 May 2024
Viewed by 1223
Abstract
Climate change and the resultant environmental deterioration signify one of the most challenging problems facing humankind in the 21st century. The origins of climate change are multifaceted and rooted in anthropogenic activities, resulting in increasing greenhouse gases in the environment and leading to [...] Read more.
Climate change and the resultant environmental deterioration signify one of the most challenging problems facing humankind in the 21st century. The origins of climate change are multifaceted and rooted in anthropogenic activities, resulting in increasing greenhouse gases in the environment and leading to global warming and weather drifts. Extremophilic fungi, characterized by their exceptional properties to survive extreme habitats, harbor great potential in mitigating climate change effects. This review provides insight into the potential applications of extremophilic fungi in climate change mitigation strategies. They are able to metabolize organic biomass and degrade carbon compounds, thereby safely sequestering carbon and extenuating its release into the environment as noxious greenhouse gases. Furthermore, they possess extremozymes, which break down recalcitrant organic species, including lignocellulosic biomass and hydrocarbons. Enzymatic machinery equips these extremophilic fungi to perform the bioremediation of polluted environments. Extremophilic fungi can also be exploited for various biological interventions, such as biofuels, bioplastics, and other bioprocessing applications. However, these fungi characterize a valued but underexplored resource in the arsenal of climate change mitigation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophile Fungi: An Arising Novel Field in Perspective)
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23 pages, 8423 KiB  
Review
Alkaliphilic/Alkali-Tolerant Fungi: Molecular, Biochemical, and Biotechnological Aspects
by Maikel Gilberto Fernández-López, Ramón Alberto Batista-García and Elva Teresa Aréchiga-Carvajal
J. Fungi 2023, 9(6), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9060652 - 9 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3406
Abstract
Biotechnologist interest in extremophile microorganisms has increased in recent years. Alkaliphilic and alkali-tolerant fungi that resist alkaline pH are among these. Alkaline environments, both terrestrial and aquatic, can be created by nature or by human activities. Aspergillus nidulans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are the [...] Read more.
Biotechnologist interest in extremophile microorganisms has increased in recent years. Alkaliphilic and alkali-tolerant fungi that resist alkaline pH are among these. Alkaline environments, both terrestrial and aquatic, can be created by nature or by human activities. Aspergillus nidulans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are the two eukaryotic organisms whose pH-dependent gene regulation has received the most study. In both biological models, the PacC transcription factor activates the Pal/Rim pathway through two successive proteolytic mechanisms. PacC is a repressor of acid-expressed genes and an activator of alkaline-expressed genes when it is in an active state. It appears, however, that these are not the only mechanisms associated with pH adaptations in alkali-tolerant fungi. These fungi produce enzymes that are resistant to harsh conditions, i.e., alkaline pH, and can be used in technological processes, such as in the textile, paper, detergent, food, pharmaceutical, and leather tanning industries, as well as in bioremediation of pollutants. Consequently, it is essential to understand how these fungi maintain intracellular homeostasis and the signaling pathways that activate the physiological mechanisms of alkali resistance in fungi. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophile Fungi: An Arising Novel Field in Perspective)
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