Microorganisms

Editorial

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 158 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for Special Issue: Fungal Biology and Interactions

by Roberto N. Silva and Renato Graciano de Paula

Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020282 - 29 Jan 2024

Viewed by 767

Abstract

As we conclude this Special Issue on fungal biology and interactions, it is only appropriate to reflect on the remarkable progress our scientific community has made in unraveling the mysteries of the fungal kingdom [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biology and Interactions)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

17 pages, 3277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses of Thitarodes xiaojinensis in Response to Ophiocordyceps sinensis Infection

by Miaomiao Li, Jihong Zhang, Qilian Qin, Huan Zhang, Xuan Li, Hongtuo Wang and Qian Meng

Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2361; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092361 - 21 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1054

Abstract

Ophiocordyceps sinensis exhibits more than 5 months of vegetative growth in Thitarodes xiaojinensis hemocoel. The peculiar development process of O. sinensis has been elucidated through morphological observation and omics technology; however, little information has been reported regarding the changes that occur in the [...] Read more.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis exhibits more than 5 months of vegetative growth in Thitarodes xiaojinensis hemocoel. The peculiar development process of O. sinensis has been elucidated through morphological observation and omics technology; however, little information has been reported regarding the changes that occur in the host T. xiaojinensis. The RNA sequencing data showed that when O. sinensis blastospores were in the proliferative stage, the greatest change in the infected larval fat body was the selectively upregulated immune recognition and antimicrobial peptide genes. When O. sinensis blastospores were in the stationary stage, the immune pathways of T. xiaojinensis reverted to normal levels, which coincides with the successful settlement of O. sinensis. Pathway enrichment analysis showed a higher expression of genes involved in energy metabolism pathway in this stage. Metabolomic analyses revealed a reduction of amino acids and lipids in hemolymph, but an upregulation of lipids in the fat body of the host larvae after O. sinensis infection. We present the first transcriptome integrated with the metabolome study of T. xiaojinensis infected by O. sinensis. It will improve our understanding of the interaction mechanisms between the host and entomopathogenic fungi, and facilitate future functional studies of genes and pathways involved in these interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biology and Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Cerato-Platanin EPL2 from Trichoderma reesei Is Not Directly Involved in Cellulase Formation but in Cell Wall Remodeling

by Alinne Costa Silva, Letícia Harumi Oshiquiri, Luiz Felipe de Morais Costa de Jesus, David Batista Maués and Roberto do Nascimento Silva

Microorganisms 2023, 11(8), 1965; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11081965 - 31 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1198

Abstract

Trichoderma reesei is a saprophytic fungus that produces large amounts of cellulases and is widely used for biotechnological applications. Cerato-platanins (CPs) are a family of proteins universally distributed among Dikarya fungi and have been implicated in various functions related to fungal physiology and [...] Read more.

Trichoderma reesei is a saprophytic fungus that produces large amounts of cellulases and is widely used for biotechnological applications. Cerato-platanins (CPs) are a family of proteins universally distributed among Dikarya fungi and have been implicated in various functions related to fungal physiology and interaction with the environment. In T. reesei, three CPs are encoded in the genome: Trire2_111449, Trire2_123955, and Trire2_82662. However, their function is not fully elucidated. In this study, we deleted the Trire2_123955 gene (named here as epl2) in the wild-type QM6aΔtmus53Δpyr4 (WT) strain and examined the behavior of the Δepl2 strain compared with WT grown for 72 h in 1% cellulose using RNA sequencing. Of the 9143 genes in the T. reesei genome, 760 were differentially expressed, including 260 only in WT, 214 only in Δepl2, and 286 in both. Genes involved in oxidative stress, oxidoreductase activity, antioxidant activity, and transport were upregulated in the Δepl2 mutant. Genes encoding cell wall synthesis were upregulated in the mutant strain during the late growth stage. The Δepl2 mutant accumulated chitin and glucan at higher levels than the parental strain and was more resistant to cell wall stressors. These results suggest a compensatory effect in cell wall remodeling due to the absence of EPL2 in T. reesei. This study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the role of the EPL2 protein in T. reesei and improve its application in biotechnological fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biology and Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactivity Screening and Chemical Characterization of Biocompound from Endophytic Neofusicoccum parvum and Buergenerula spartinae Isolated from Mangrove Ecosystem

by Rafael Dorighello Cadamuro, Isabela Maria Agustini da Silveira Bastos, Ana Claudia Oliveira de Freitas, Marilene da Silva Rosa, Geovanna de Oliveira Costa, Izabella Thaís da Silva, Diogo Robl, Patricia Hermes Stoco, Louis Pergaud Sandjo, Helen Treichel, Mário Steindel and Gislaine Fongaro

Microorganisms 2023, 11(6), 1599; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11061599 - 16 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1401

Abstract

The discovery of biomolecules has been the subject of extensive research for several years due to their potential to combat harmful pathogens that can lead to environmental contamination and infections in both humans and animals. This study aimed to identify the chemical profile [...] Read more.

The discovery of biomolecules has been the subject of extensive research for several years due to their potential to combat harmful pathogens that can lead to environmental contamination and infections in both humans and animals. This study aimed to identify the chemical profile of endophytic fungi, namely Neofusicoccum parvum and Buergenerula spartinae, which were isolated from Avecinnia schaueriana and Laguncularia racemosa. We identified several HPLC-MS compounds, including Ethylidene-3,39-biplumbagin, Pestauvicolactone A, Phenylalanine, 2-Isopropylmalic acid, Fusaproliferin, Sespendole, Ansellone, Calanone derivative, Terpestacin, and others. Solid-state fermentation was conducted for 14–21 days, and methanol and dichloromethane extraction were performed to obtain a crude extract. The results of our cytotoxicity assay revealed a CC₅₀ value > 500 μg/mL, while the virucide, Trypanosoma, leishmania, and yeast assay demonstrated no inhibition. Nevertheless, the bacteriostatic assay showed a 98% reduction in Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. Our findings suggest that these endophytic fungi species with distinct chemical profiles represent a promising niche for further exploring new biomolecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biology and Interactions)

19 pages, 4618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Application of Innovative Aspergillus terreus/ Sodium Alginate Composite Beads as Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Adsorbents for Alizarin Red S Dye: Isotherms and Kinetics Models

by Aya I. Tagyan, Manal M. Yasser, Ahmed M. Mousa, Dalal Hussien M. Alkhalifah, Wael N. Hozzein and Marym A. Marzouk

Microorganisms 2023, 11(5), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051135 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1608

Abstract

Fungi were used as one of the most common bioremediation methods. From this perspective, our study highlights the optimization of Alizarin Red S (ARS) dye adsorption performance for the sodium alginate (SA) by using the fungus Aspergillus terreus (A. terreus) to [...] Read more.

Fungi were used as one of the most common bioremediation methods. From this perspective, our study highlights the optimization of Alizarin Red S (ARS) dye adsorption performance for the sodium alginate (SA) by using the fungus Aspergillus terreus (A. terreus) to form a composite bead and the possibility of its reusability. This was accomplished by mixing SA with different ratios of biomass powder of A. terreus, including 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, to form composite beads of A. terreus/SA-0%, A. terreus/SA-10%, A. terreus/SA-20%, A. terreus/SA-30%, and A. terreus/SA-40%, respectively. The ARS adsorption characteristics of these composite mixtures were analyzed at various mass ratios, temperatures, pH values, and initial concentrations. Moreover, sophisticated techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were employed to detect the morphological and chemical properties of this composite, respectively. The experimental results revealed that A. terreus/SA-20% composite beads have the highest adsorption capacity of 188 mg/g. Its optimum adsorption conditions were achieved at 45

^{\circ}

C and pH 3. Moreover, the ARS adsorption was well explained by the Langmuir isotherm (q_m = 192.30 mg/g) and pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion kinetics. The SEM and FTIR findings corroborated the superior uptake of A. terreus/SA-20% composite beads. Lastly, the A. terreus/SA-20% composite beads can be employed as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to other common adsorbents for ARS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biology and Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drought and Competition Mediate Mycorrhizal Colonization, Growth Rate, and Nutrient Uptake in Three Artemisia Species

by David Eduardo Prado-Tarango, Ricardo Mata-Gonzalez and Matthew Hovland

Microorganisms 2023, 11(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11010050 - 23 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1155

Abstract

The genus Artemisia includes several keystone shrub species that dominate the North American sagebrush steppe. Their growth, survival, and establishment are negatively affected by exotic invasive grasses such as Taeniatherum caput-medusae. While the outcomes of symbiotic relationships between Artemisia spp. and arbuscular [...] Read more.

The genus Artemisia includes several keystone shrub species that dominate the North American sagebrush steppe. Their growth, survival, and establishment are negatively affected by exotic invasive grasses such as Taeniatherum caput-medusae. While the outcomes of symbiotic relationships between Artemisia spp. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ambiguous, the benefits of ameliorated nutrient and drought stress may be cryptic and better revealed under competition. We evaluated the effects of a commercial AMF inoculum on ameliorating biotic (competition with T. caput-medusae) and abiotic (drought) stress of Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Artemisia arbuscula, and Artemisia nova when grown in sterile and microbially active field soil. Stress amelioration was measured as an increase in biomass production and nutrient acquisition. Mycorrhizal colonization of roots was lower in Artemisia plants grown in competition, while T. caput-medusae colonization was higher in plants with greater moisture. Both types of stress negatively affected plant biomass. Commercial AMF inoculation did not increase biomass. Colonization from field soil increased average phosphorous concentration under drought for A. tridentata ssp. wyomingensis by 36% and A. nova by 125%. While commercial inoculum and live soil led to AMF colonization of T. caput-medusae, only the commercial inoculum increased average phosphorus uptake by 71%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biology and Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of High Temperature-Triggered Transcriptomics on the Physiological Adaptability of Cenococcum geophilum, an Ectomycorrhizal Fungus

by Tianyi Yan, Panpan Zhang, Wenbo Pang, Xiaohui Zhang, Chunlan Lian and Taoxiang Zhang

Microorganisms 2022, 10(10), 2039; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10102039 - 15 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1279

Abstract

High temperature stress caused by global warming presents a challenge to the healthy development of forestry. Cenococcum geophilum is a common ectomycorrhizal fungus (ECMF) in the forest system and has become an important fungus resource with application potential in forest vegetation restoration. In [...] Read more.

High temperature stress caused by global warming presents a challenge to the healthy development of forestry. Cenococcum geophilum is a common ectomycorrhizal fungus (ECMF) in the forest system and has become an important fungus resource with application potential in forest vegetation restoration. In this study, three sensitive isolates of C. geophilum (ChCg01, JaCg144 and JaCg202) and three tolerant isolates of C. geophilum (ACg07, ChCg28 and ChCg100) were used to analyze the physiological and molecular responses to high temperature. The results showed that high temperature had a significant negative effect on the growth of sensitive isolates while promoting the growth of tolerant isolates. The antioxidative enzymes activity of C. geophilum isolates increased under high temperature stress, and the SOD activity of tolerant isolates (A07Cg and ChCg100) was higher than that of sensitive isolates (ChCg01 and JaCg202) significantly. The tolerant isolates secreted more succinate, while the sensitive isolates secreted more oxalic acid under high temperature stress. Comparative transcriptomic analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of six C. geophilum isolates were significantly enriched in “antioxidant” GO entry in the molecular. In addition, the “ABC transporters” pathway and the “glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolic” were shared in the three tolerant isolates and the three sensitive isolates, respectively. These results were further verified by RT-qPCR analysis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that C. geophilum can affect the organic acid secretion and increase antioxidant enzyme activity in response to high temperature by upregulating related genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biology and Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Water Activity on Conidia Germination in Aspergillus flavus

by Sifan Jia, Chong Li, Kuntan Wu, Desheng Qi and Shuai Wang

Microorganisms 2022, 10(9), 1744; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10091744 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1773

Abstract

In this study, we explored the mechanism underlying Aspergillus flavus conidia germination inhibited by decreased water activity. The impact of low water activity was analyzed at 4 h, 8 h and 12 h. Additionally, we demonstrated that low water activity affected cell shape [...] Read more.

In this study, we explored the mechanism underlying Aspergillus flavus conidia germination inhibited by decreased water activity. The impact of low water activity was analyzed at 4 h, 8 h and 12 h. Additionally, we demonstrated that low water activity affected cell shape and decreased cell sizes. Transcriptomics found numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during the first 12 h of germination, with 654 DEGs observed among 4 h, 8 h and 12 h. In particular, more DEGs were detected at 8 h of germinating. Therefore, proteomics was performed at 8 h, and 209 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were speculated, with 94 up-regulated and 115 down-regulated. Combined analysis of KEGG of transcriptomics and proteomics demonstrated that the dominant pathways were nutrient metabolism and translation. We also found several DEGs and DEPs in the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway. Therefore, we concluded that low water activity inhibited conidia germination, causing unregular morphology. In addition, low water activity influenced expression of creA, TreB in carbohydrate metabolism, Clr4, RmtA in amino acid metabolism and RPL37, RPL3 in translation in Aspergillus flavus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biology and Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactives and Extracellular Enzymes Obtained from Fermented Macrofungi Cultivated in Cotton and Jatropha Seed Cakes

by Joice Raísa Barbosa Cunha, Daiana Wischral, Ruben Darío Romero Pelaez, Maria Aparecida de Jesus, Ceci Sales-Campos, Raquel Bombarda Campanha, Thais Demarchi Mendes, Simone Mendonça, Eustáquio Souza Dias and Félix Gonçalves de Siqueira

Microorganisms 2022, 10(8), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10081670 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1409

Abstract

This work focused on obtaining fermented oil cake (cotton or Jatropha) via macrofungi growth with potential characteristics for animal feed formulations, such as the presence of extracellular enzymes, bioactive (ergosterol and antioxidants), and detoxification of antinutritional compounds. The concentration of phorbol esters [...] Read more.

This work focused on obtaining fermented oil cake (cotton or Jatropha) via macrofungi growth with potential characteristics for animal feed formulations, such as the presence of extracellular enzymes, bioactive (ergosterol and antioxidants), and detoxification of antinutritional compounds. The concentration of phorbol esters was reduced by four macrofungi in Jatropha seed cake (JSC) to non-toxic levels. At least two macrofungi efficiently degraded free gossypol in cottonseed cake (CSC). Fermentation with Coriolopsis sp. INPA1646 and Tyromyces sp. INPA1696 resulted in increased ergosterol concentrations, antioxidant activity reduction, and high activity of laccases and proteases. Bromatological analysis indicated high crude protein concentrations, with partial solubilization by fungal proteases. Fermented products from Coriolopsis sp. and Tyromyces sp. in JSC or CSC can be considered important biological inputs for monogastric and polygastric animal feed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biology and Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Fungal Biology and Interactions

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

Editorial

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI