Journal Description
Journal of Fungi
Journal of Fungi
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of mycology published monthly online by MDPI. The Medical Mycological Society of the Americas (MMSA) and the Spanish Phytopathological Society (SEF) are affiliated with the Journal of Fungi, and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, CAPlus / SciFinder, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Mycology) / CiteScore - Q1 (Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
4.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
5.2 (2022)
Latest Articles
Contrasting Performance of Two Winter Wheat Varieties Susceptible to Leaf Rust under Diverse Pathogen Pressure, Fungicide Application, and Cultivation Practices
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060401 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), and crude protein of soft white winter wheat–club variety (Barbee) and soft white winter wheat common variety (Zvezdana) susceptible to leaf rust and powdery mildew under different cultivation practices. Results revealed divergence
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This study investigated the relationship between yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), and crude protein of soft white winter wheat–club variety (Barbee) and soft white winter wheat common variety (Zvezdana) susceptible to leaf rust and powdery mildew under different cultivation practices. Results revealed divergence in associations between yield, TKW, and crude protein loss of winter wheat varieties susceptible to obligate pathogens. Under the same level of leaf rust infection, N-input limited yield loss of the two varieties but not to the same extent. TKW loss was affected only by variety×cultivation practice and was significantly correlated with yield loss (r = −0.727, p = 0.011) and crude protein loss (r = −0.600, p = 0.05) only in club winter wheat. We suspected that Ninput affects the difference in the relationship between yield and TKW loss among varieties. Crude protein and yield loss had a low association (R2 = 18%, p = 0.05). Finally, this study indicated that more attention should be paid to the determination of pathogen pressure that triggers yield loss. It also pointed out that yield, TKW, and crude protein response to fungicides could differ in susceptible varieties. The contribution of fungicide to yield enhancement was highly associated with the specific reaction of the variety to pathogen infection rather than solely the disease level itself.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)
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Histoplasmosis in Non-HIV Infected Patients: Another Neglected Infection in French Guiana
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Houari Aissaoui, Morgane Bourne-Watrin, Benoit Lemarie, Genevieve Guillot, Alolia Aboikoni, Piseth Chhorn, Dana Gaudard, Ghazi Hadj-Amara, Ricardo Manasse, Mahamado Ouedraogo, Charles Salloum, Magalie Demar, Loïc Epelboin, Hatem Kallel, Antoine Adenis, Mathieu Nacher, Kinan Drak Alsibai and Dominique Louvel
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060400 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Only a few studies on histoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients have been reported in French Guiana. Therefore, we conducted a detailed clinical description of hospitalized patients suffering with histoplasmosis among non-HIV patients. (2) Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective study conducted at
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(1) Background: Only a few studies on histoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients have been reported in French Guiana. Therefore, we conducted a detailed clinical description of hospitalized patients suffering with histoplasmosis among non-HIV patients. (2) Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective study conducted at Cayenne Hospital Center between 2008 and 2022. (3) Results: Our cohort was composed of 31 (91%) adults (>18 years of age) and 3 (9%) children, with a sex ratio, M:F, of 1:2. The median age was higher among the women than among the men (70 versus 54 years). The collection of respiratory samples constituted the majority of the performed examinations (38%). Fever (>37 °C) was found in 56% of patients. Surprisingly, the histoplasmosis was disseminated in 82% of patients with an overall case fatality rate of 14.7%. However, immunosuppressive conditions were found in 52% (16/31) of the adult patients, including lymphoid hemopathies, diabetes and immunosuppressive drugs. Conclusions: This disease, though rare and usually considered a mostly benign disease in non-HIV patients, presented a relatively high mortality rate in our cohort. Thus, histoplasmosis should be suspected, screened and investigated as a first line of defense in highly endemic areas, even in immunocompetent and non-HIV patients, especially those with fever or chronic respiratory symptoms.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Histoplasma and Histoplasmosis, 4th Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Onychomycosis in Foot and Toe Malformations
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Eckart Haneke
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060399 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Introduction: It has long been accepted that trauma is one of the most important and frequent predisposing factors for onychomycoses. However, the role of direct trauma in the pathogenesis of fungal nail infections has only recently been elucidated in a series of
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Introduction: It has long been accepted that trauma is one of the most important and frequent predisposing factors for onychomycoses. However, the role of direct trauma in the pathogenesis of fungal nail infections has only recently been elucidated in a series of 32 cases of post-traumatic single-digit onychomycosis. The importance of repeated trauma due to foot and toe abnormalities was rarely investigated. Aimof the study: This is a multicenter single-author observational study over a period of 6 years performed at specialized nail clinics in three countries. All patient photographs taken by the author during this period were screened for toenail alterations, and all toe onychomycosis cases were checked for whether they contained enough information to evaluate potential foot and toe abnormalities. Particular attention was paid to the presence of hallux valgus, hallux valgus interphalangeus, hallux erectus, inward rotation of the big toe, and outward rotation of the little toe, as well as splay foot. Only cases with unequivocal proof of fungal nail infection by either histopathology, mycologic culture, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were accepted. Results: Of 1653 cases, 185 were onychomycoses, proven by mycologic culture, PCR, or histopathology. Of these, 179 involved at least one big toenail, and 6 affected one or more lesser toenails. Three patients consulted us for another toenail disease, and onychomycosis was diagnosed as a second disease. Eight patients had a pronounced tinea pedum. Relatively few patients had a normal big toe position (n = 9). Most of the cases had a mild to marked hallux valgus (HV) (105) and a hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVI) (143), while hallux erectus was observed in 43 patients, and the combination of HV and HVI was observed 83 times. Discussion: The very high percentage of foot and toe deformations was surprising. It may be hypothesized that this is not only a pathogenetically important factor but may also play an important role in the localization of the fungal infection, as no marked hallux deviation was noted in onychomycoses that affected the lesser toes only. As the management of onychomycoses is a complex procedure involving the exact diagnosis with a determination of the pathogenic fungus, the nail growth rate, the type of onychomycosis, its duration, and predisposing factors, anomalies of the toe position may be important. Among the most commonly mentioned predisposing factors are peripheral circulatory insufficiency, venous stasis, peripheral neuropathy, immune deficiency, and iatrogenic immunosuppression, whereas foot problems are not given enough attention. Unfortunately, many of these predisposing and aggravating factors are difficult to treat or correct. Generally, when explaining the treatment of onychomycoses to patients, the importance of these orthopedic alterations is not or only insufficiently discussed. In view of the problems encountered with the treatment of toenail mycoses, this attitude should be changed in order to make the patient understand why there is such a low cure rate despite excellent minimal inhibitory drug concentrations in the laboratory.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hot Topics in Superficial Fungal Infections)
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Open AccessArticle
Genome Analysis of Pseudomonas viciae G166 Conferring Antifungal Activity in Grapevine
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Xiaoshu Jing, Ling Su, Xiangtian Yin, Yingchun Chen, Xueqiang Guan, Dongyue Yang and Yuxia Sun
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060398 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is one of the major economic fruit crops but suffers many diseases, causing damage to the quality of grapes. Strain G166 was isolated from the rhizosphere of grapevine and was found to exhibited broad-spectrum antagonistic activities against fungal
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Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is one of the major economic fruit crops but suffers many diseases, causing damage to the quality of grapes. Strain G166 was isolated from the rhizosphere of grapevine and was found to exhibited broad-spectrum antagonistic activities against fungal pathogens on grapes in vitro, such as Coniella diplodiella, Botrytis cinerea, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that G166 contained a 6613582 bp circular chromosome with 5749 predicted coding DNA sequences and an average GC content of 60.57%. TYGS analysis revealed that G166 belongs to Pseudomonas viciae. Phenotype analysis indicated that P. viciae G166 remarkably reduced the severity of grape white rot disease in the grapevine. After inoculation with C. diplodiella, more H2O2 and MDA accumulated in the leaves and resulted in decreases in the Pn and chlorophyll content. Conversely, G166-treated grapevine displayed less oxidative damage with lower H2O2 levels and MDA contents under the pathogen treatments. Subsequently, G166-treated grapevine could sustain a normal Pn and chlorophyll content. Moreover, the application of P. viciae G166 inhibited the growth of mycelia on detached leaves and berries, while more disease symptoms occurred in non-bacterized leaves and berries. Therefore, P. viciae G166 served as a powerful bioagent against grape white rot disease. Using antiSMASH prediction and genome comparisons, a relationship between non-ribosomal peptide synthase clusters and antifungal activity was found in the genome of P. viciae G166. Taken together, P. viciae G166 shows promising antifungal potential to improve fruit quality and yield in ecological agriculture.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocontrol of Grapevine Diseases, 2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
In Vitro Activitiy of Rezafungin in Comparison with Anidulafungin and Caspofungin against Invasive Fungal Isolates (2017 to 2022) in China
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Simin Yang, Feifei Wan, Min Zhang, Huiping Lin, Liang Hu, Ziyi Zhou, Dongjiang Wang, Aiping Zhou, Lijun Ni, Jian Guo and Wenjuan Wu
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060397 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The efficacy of different echinocandins is assessed by evaluating the in vitro activity of a novel antifungal, rezafungin, against invasive fungal isolates in comparison with anidulafungin and caspofungin. Using the broth microdilution (BMD) method, the susceptibility of 1000 clinical Candida isolates (including 400
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The efficacy of different echinocandins is assessed by evaluating the in vitro activity of a novel antifungal, rezafungin, against invasive fungal isolates in comparison with anidulafungin and caspofungin. Using the broth microdilution (BMD) method, the susceptibility of 1000 clinical Candida isolates (including 400 C. albicans, 200 C. glabrata, 200 C. parapsilosis, 150 C. tropicalis and 50 C. krusei) and 150 Aspergillus isolates (100 A. fumigatus and 50 A. flavus) from the Eastern China Invasive Fungi Infection Group (ECIFIG) was tested for the antifungals including anidulafungin, rezafungin, caspofungin and fluconazole. The echinocandins showed strong activity against C. albicans that was maintained against fluconazole-resistant isolates. The GM MIC (geometric mean minimum inhibitory concentration) value of rezafungin was found to be comparable to that of anidulafungin or caspofungin against the five tested common Candida species. C. tropicalis exhibited higher resistance rates (about 8.67–40.67% in different antifungals) than the other four Candida species. Through the sequencing of FKS genes, we searched for mutations in echinocandin-resistant C. tropicalis isolates and found that all displayed alterations in FKS1 S654P. The determined MEC (minimal effective concentration) values against A. fumigatus and A. flavus for rezafungin (0.116 μg/mL, 0.110 μg/mL) are comparable to those of caspofungin (0.122 μg/mL, 0.142 μg/mL) but higher than for anidulafungin (0.064 μg/mL, 0.059 μg/mL). Thus, the in vitro activity of rezafungin appears comparable to anidulafungin and caspofungin against most common Candida and Aspergillus species. Rezafungin showed higher susceptibility rates against C. glabrata. Rezafungin indicates its potent activity for potential clinical application.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antifungal Drugs)
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Open AccessReview
The Biosynthesis, Structure Diversity and Bioactivity of Sterigmatocystins and Aflatoxins: A Review
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Wenxing Li, Zhaoxia Chen, Xize Li, Xinrui Li, Yang Hui and Wenhao Chen
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060396 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Sterigmatocystins and aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins mainly isolated from fungi of the genera Aspergillus. Since the discovery of sterigmatocystins in 1954 and aflatoxins in 1961, many scholars have conducted a series of studies on their structural identification, synthesis and biological
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Sterigmatocystins and aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins mainly isolated from fungi of the genera Aspergillus. Since the discovery of sterigmatocystins in 1954 and aflatoxins in 1961, many scholars have conducted a series of studies on their structural identification, synthesis and biological activities. Studies have shown that sterigmatocystins and aflatoxins have a wide range of biological activities such as antitumour, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiplasmodial, etc. The sterigmatocystins and aflatoxins had been shown to be hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic in animals. This review attempts to give a comprehensive summary of progress on the chemical structural features, synthesis, and bioactivity of sterigmatocystins and aflatoxins reported from 1954 to April 2024. A total of 72 sterigmatocystins and 20 aflatoxins are presented in this review. This paper reviews the chemical diversity and potential activity and toxicity of sterigmatocystins and aflatoxins, enhances the understanding of sterigmatocystins and aflatoxins that adversely affect humans and animals, and provides ideas for their prevention, research and development.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fungal Secondary Metabolism, 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessReview
The Need and Opportunity to Update the Inventory of Plant Pathogenic Fungi and Oomycetes in Mexico
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Juan Manuel Tovar-Pedraza, Alma Rosa Solano-Báez, Santos Gerardo Leyva-Mir, Bertha Tlapal-Bolaños, Moisés Camacho-Tapia, Elizabeth García-León, Victoria Ayala-Escobar, Cristian Nava-Díaz, Andrés Quezada-Salinas, Víctor Santiago-Santiago, Hugo Beltrán-Peña, Maria Alondra Hernandez-Hernandez, Karla Jenifer Juárez-Cruz and Guillermo Márquez-Licona
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060395 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Mexico generates specific phytosanitary regulations for each product and origin to prevent the entry of quarantine pests and/or delay their spread within the national territory, including fungi and oomycetes. Phytosanitary regulations are established based on available information on the presence or absence of
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Mexico generates specific phytosanitary regulations for each product and origin to prevent the entry of quarantine pests and/or delay their spread within the national territory, including fungi and oomycetes. Phytosanitary regulations are established based on available information on the presence or absence of these pathogens in the country; however, the compilation and precise analysis of reports is a challenging task due to many publications lacking scientific rigor in determining the presence of a taxon of phytosanitary interest in the country. This review evaluated various studies reporting the presence of plant pathogenic fungi and oomycetes in Mexico and concluded that some lists of diseases and phytopathogenic organisms lack technical-scientific basis. Thus, it highlights the need and presents an excellent opportunity to establish a National Collection of Fungal Cultures and a National Herbarium for obligate parasites, as well as to generate a National Database of Phytopathogenic Fungi and Oomycetes present in Mexico, supported by the combination of morphological, molecular, epidemiological, pathogenicity, symptom, and micrograph data. If realized, this would have a direct impact on many future applications related to various topics, including quarantines, risk analysis, biodiversity studies, and monitoring of fungicide resistance, among others.
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(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Evolution, Biodiversity and Systematics)
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Open AccessReview
Therapeutic Potential of Fungal Polysaccharides in Gut Microbiota Regulation: Implications for Diabetes, Neurodegeneration, and Oncology
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Alexandru Stefan Barcan, Rares Andrei Barcan and Emanuel Vamanu
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060394 - 31 May 2024
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This review evaluates the therapeutic effects of polysaccharides derived from mushroom species that have medicinal and edible properties. The fungal polysaccharides were recently studied, focusing on their modulation of the gut microbiota and their impact on various diseases. The study covers both clinical
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This review evaluates the therapeutic effects of polysaccharides derived from mushroom species that have medicinal and edible properties. The fungal polysaccharides were recently studied, focusing on their modulation of the gut microbiota and their impact on various diseases. The study covers both clinical and preclinical studies, detailing the results and highlighting the significant influence of these polysaccharides on gut microbiota modulation. It discusses the potential health benefits derived from incorporating these polysaccharides into the diet for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the interaction between fungal polysaccharides and the gut microbiota, underscoring their role in modulating the gut microbial community. It presents a systematic analysis of the findings, demonstrating the substantial impact of fungal polysaccharides on gut microbiota composition and function, which may contribute to their therapeutic effects in various chronic conditions. We conclude that the modulation of the gut microbiota by these polysaccharides may play a crucial role in mediating their therapeutic effects, offering a promising avenue for further research and potential applications in disease prevention and treatment.
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Open AccessArticle
Genome-Wide Identification of SNARE Family Genes and Functional Characterization of an R-SNARE Gene BbSEC22 in a Fungal Insect Pathogen Beauveria bassiana
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Fang Li, Juefeng Zhang, Haiying Zhong, Kaili Yu and Jianming Chen
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060393 - 31 May 2024
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Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are central components of the machinery mediating cell membrane fusion and intracellular vesicular trafficking in eukaryotic cells, and have been well-documented to play critical roles in growth, development, and pathogenesis in the filamentous fungal plant pathogens.
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Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are central components of the machinery mediating cell membrane fusion and intracellular vesicular trafficking in eukaryotic cells, and have been well-documented to play critical roles in growth, development, and pathogenesis in the filamentous fungal plant pathogens. However, little is known about the contributions of SNAREs to the physiology and biocontrol potential in entomopathogenic filamentous fungi. Here, a genome-wide analysis of SNARE genes was performed taking advantage of the available whole genome sequence of Beauveria bassiana, a classical entomopathogenic fungus. Based on the compared genomic method, 22 genes encoding putative SNAREs were identified from the whole genome of B. bassiana, and were classified into four groups (7 Qa-, 4 Qb-, 6 Qc-, and 5 R-SNAREs) according to the conserved structural features of their encoding proteins. An R-SNARE encoding gene BbSEC22 was further functionally characterized by gene disruption and complementation. The BbSEC22 null mutant showed a fluffy appearance in mycelial growth and an obvious lag in conidial germination. The null mutant also exhibited significantly increased sensitivity to oxidative stress and cell wall perturbing agents and reduced the yield of conidia production by 43.1% compared with the wild-type strain. Moreover, disruption of BbSEC22 caused a significant decrease in conidial virulence to Spodoptera litura larvae. Overall, our results provide an overview of vesicle trafficking in B. bassiana and revealed that BbSec22 was a multifunctional protein associated with mycelial growth, sporulation, conidial germination, stress tolerance, and insecticidal virulence.
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Open AccessArticle
Comparative Genomics of the First Resistant Candida auris Strain Isolated in Mexico: Phylogenomic and Pan-Genomic Analysis and Mutations Associated with Antifungal Resistance
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Arturo Casimiro-Ramos, Celia Bautista-Crescencio, Alvaro Vidal-Montiel, Gloria M. González, Juan Alfredo Hernández-García, César Hernández-Rodríguez and Lourdes Villa-Tanaca
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060392 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant and opportunistic pathogenic yeast. Whole-genome sequencing analysis has defined five major clades, each from a distinct geographic region. The current study aimed to examine the genome of the C. auris 20–1498 strain, which is the first isolate
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Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant and opportunistic pathogenic yeast. Whole-genome sequencing analysis has defined five major clades, each from a distinct geographic region. The current study aimed to examine the genome of the C. auris 20–1498 strain, which is the first isolate of this fungus identified in Mexico. Based on whole-genome sequencing, the draft genome was found to contain 70 contigs. It had a total genome size of 12.86 Mbp, an N50 value of 1.6 Mbp, and an average guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 45.5%. Genome annotation revealed a total of 5432 genes encoding 5515 proteins. According to the genomic analysis, the C. auris 20–1498 strain belongs to clade IV (containing strains endemic to South America). Of the two genes (ERG11 and FKS1) associated with drug resistance in C. auris, a mutation was detected in K143R, a gene located in a mutation hotspot of ERG11 (lanosterol 14-α-demethylase), an antifungal drug target. The focus on whole-genome sequencing and the identification of mutations linked to the drug resistance of fungi could lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and new antifungal compounds.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidrug-Resistant Fungi)
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Mitochondrial Protease Oct1p Regulates Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Influences Pathogenicity through Affecting Hyphal Growth and Biofilm Formation Activities in Candida albicans
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Xiaoxiao Zhu, Feng Jin, Guangyuan Yang, Tian Zhuang, Cangcang Zhang, Hanjing Zhou, Xiaojia Niu, Hongchen Wang and Daqiang Wu
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060391 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Mitochondria, as the core metabolic organelles, play a crucial role in aerobic respiration/biosynthesis in fungi. Numerous studies have demonstrated a close relationship between mitochondria and Candida albicans virulence and drug resistance. Here, we report an octapeptide-aminopeptidase located in the mitochondrial matrix named Oct1p.
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Mitochondria, as the core metabolic organelles, play a crucial role in aerobic respiration/biosynthesis in fungi. Numerous studies have demonstrated a close relationship between mitochondria and Candida albicans virulence and drug resistance. Here, we report an octapeptide-aminopeptidase located in the mitochondrial matrix named Oct1p. Its homolog in the model fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the key proteins in maintaining mitochondrial respiration and protein stability. In this study, we utilized evolutionary tree analysis, gene knockout experiments, mitochondrial function detection, and other methods to demonstrate the impact of Oct1p on the mitochondrial function of C. albicans. Furthermore, through transcriptome analysis, real-time quantitative PCR, and morphological observation, we discovered that the absence of Oct1p results in functional abnormalities in C. albicans, affecting hyphal growth, cell adhesion, and biofilm formation. Finally, the in vivo results of the infection of Galleria mellonella larvae and vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice indicate that the loss of Oct1p led to the decreased virulence of C. albicans. In conclusion, this study provides a solid theoretical foundation for treating Candida diseases, developing new targeted drugs, and serves as a valuable reference for investigating the connection between mitochondria and virulence in other pathogenic fungi.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into the Immunity to Human Fungal Infections)
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Open AccessArticle
Control of Fusarium Head Blight of Wheat with Bacillus velezensis E2 and Potential Mechanisms of Action
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Jianing Ma, Chen Gao, Meiwei Lin, Zhenzhong Sun, Yuhao Zhao, Xin Li, Tianyuan Zhao, Xingang Xu and Weihong Sun
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060390 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Wheat plants are impacted by Fusarium head blight (FHB) infection, which poses a huge threat to wheat growth, development, storage and food safety. In this study, a fungal strain was isolated from diseased wheat plants and identified as Fusarium asiaticum F1, known to
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Wheat plants are impacted by Fusarium head blight (FHB) infection, which poses a huge threat to wheat growth, development, storage and food safety. In this study, a fungal strain was isolated from diseased wheat plants and identified as Fusarium asiaticum F1, known to be a member of the Fusarium graminearum species complex, agents causally responsible for FHB. In order to control this disease, new alternatives need to be developed for the use of antagonistic bacteria. Bacillus velezensis E2 (B. velezensis E2), isolated from a previous investigation in our laboratory, showed a notable inhibitory effect on F. asiaticum F1 growth and deoxynivalenol (DON) synthesis in grains. The spore germination of F. asiaticum F1 was significantly reduced and the spores showed vesicular structures when treated with B. velezensis E2. Observations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the hyphae of F. asiaticum F1 were shrunken and broken when treated with B. velezensis E2. The RNA-seq results of F1 hyphae treated with B. velezensis E2 showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were involved in multiple metabolic pathways such as toxin synthesis, autophagy process and glycan synthesis, especially the genes associated with DON synthesis, were significantly downregulated. In summary, those results showed that B. velezensis E2 could inhibit F. asiaticum F1 growth and reduce the gene expression of DON synthesis caused by F1. This study provides new insights and antagonistic mechanisms for the biological control of FHB during wheat growth, development and storage.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Metabolism in Filamentous Fungi: 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Community Diversity of Fungi Carried by Four Common Woodpeckers in Heilongjiang Province, China
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Wenhui Shi, Iram Maqsood, Keying Liu, Meichen Yu, Yuhui Si and Ke Rong
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060389 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Woodpeckers exhibit selectivity when choosing tree cavities for nest development in forest ecosystems, and fungi play a significant and important role in this ecological process. Therefore, there is a complex and intricate relationship between the various behaviors of woodpeckers and the occurrence of
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Woodpeckers exhibit selectivity when choosing tree cavities for nest development in forest ecosystems, and fungi play a significant and important role in this ecological process. Therefore, there is a complex and intricate relationship between the various behaviors of woodpeckers and the occurrence of fungal species. Research into the complex bond between fungi and woodpeckers was undertaken to provide more information about this remarkable ecological relationship. Through the process of line transect sampling, woodpecker traces were searched for, and mist nets were set up to capture them. A total of 21 woodpeckers belonging to four species were captured. High-throughput sequencing of the ITS region was performed on fungal-conserved samples to enable an in-depth analysis of the fungal communities linked to the woodpeckers’ nests. Members of Ascomycota were the most abundant in the samples, accounting for 91.96% of the total, demonstrating the importance of this group in the forest ecosystem of this station. The statistical results indicate significant differences in the fungal diversity carried by woodpeckers among the different groups. Species of Cladosporium were found to be the most prevalent of all the detected fungal genera, accounting for 49.3%. The top 15 most abundant genera were Cladosporium, Trichoderma, Beauveria, Epicococcum, Hypoxylon, Penicillium, Nigrospora, Aspergillus, Oidiodendron, Cercospora, Talaromyces, Phialemo-nium, Petriella, Cordyceps, and Sistotrema. The standard Bray–Curtis statistical technique was used in a hierarchical clustering analysis to compute inter-sample distances, allowing for the identification of patterns and correlations within the dataset. We discovered that in the grouped samples from woodpeckers, there were differences in the diversity of fungal communities carried by four woodpecker species, but the less dominant fungal species were still similar. The findings highlight the need to consider these diverse ecological linkages in woodpecker research and conservation efforts.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Evolution, Biodiversity and Systematics)
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Open AccessCase Report
Oral Isavuconazole Combined with Nebulized Inhalation and Bronchoscopic Administration of Amphotericin B for the Treatment of Pulmonary Mucormycosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
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Xuan Leng, Hui Zhou, Zhiyang Xu and Feng Xu
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060388 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is an invasive and potentially fatal fungal infection, with Rhizopus microsporus (R. microsporus) being the most common pathogen. The routine therapy for this infection includes surgery and antifungal agents. However, the therapeutic effects of single agents are unsatisfactory
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Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is an invasive and potentially fatal fungal infection, with Rhizopus microsporus (R. microsporus) being the most common pathogen. The routine therapy for this infection includes surgery and antifungal agents. However, the therapeutic effects of single agents are unsatisfactory due to the rapid progression of mucormycosis, while not all patients can tolerate surgery. Innovative treatment methods like combination therapy await validations of their clinical efficacy. We report a case of PM that was diagnosed via metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of black drainage fluid from the patient’s lung. The patient eventually recovered and was discharged after a combination therapy of oral isavuconazole, inhaled amphotericin B, and local perfusion of amphotericin B through bronchoscopy, which may be a promising strategy for the treatment of PM, especially for cases where surgery is not possible. A retrospective study of 297 cases in a literature review highlights the different treatment methods used in clinical practice.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Strategies to Combat Human Fungal Infections)
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Open AccessArticle
DNA Damage Checkpoints Govern Global Gene Transcription and Exhibit Species-Specific Regulation on HOF1 in Candida albicans
by
Yan Zhang, Huaxin Cai, Runlu Chen and Jinrong Feng
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060387 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
DNA damage checkpoints are essential for coordinating cell cycle arrest and gene transcription during DNA damage response. Exploring the targets of checkpoint kinases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other fungi has expanded our comprehension of the downstream pathways involved in DNA damage response. While
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DNA damage checkpoints are essential for coordinating cell cycle arrest and gene transcription during DNA damage response. Exploring the targets of checkpoint kinases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other fungi has expanded our comprehension of the downstream pathways involved in DNA damage response. While the function of checkpoint kinases, specifically Rad53, is well documented in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, their targets remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored the impact of deleting RAD53 on the global transcription profiles and observed alterations in genes associated with ribosome biogenesis, DNA replication, and cell cycle. However, the deletion of RAD53 only affected a limited number of known DNA damage-responsive genes, including MRV6 and HMX1. Unlike S. cerevisiae, the downregulation of HOF1 transcription in C. albicans under the influence of Methyl Methanesulfonate (MMS) did not depend on Dun1 but still relied on Rad53 and Rad9. In addition, the transcription factor Mcm1 was identified as a regulator of HOF1 transcription, with evidence of dynamic binding to its promoter region; however, this dynamic binding was interrupted following the deletion of RAD53. Furthermore, Rad53 was observed to directly interact with the promoter region of HOF1, thus suggesting a potential role in governing its transcription. Overall, checkpoints regulate global gene transcription in C. albicans and show species-specific regulation on HOF1; these discoveries improve our understanding of the signaling pathway related to checkpoints in this pathogen.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Yeast Metabolic Engineering)
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Identification of Growth-Promoting Bacterial Resources by Investigating the Microbial Community Composition of Polyporus umbellatus Sclerotia
by
Tianrui Liu, Rui Cheng, Zhongyi Hua, Haiyun Gao, Chu Wang, Hui Li and Yuan Yuan
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060386 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The sclerotium of the edible mushroom Polyporus umbellatus (Zhuling) exhibits various medicinal properties. However, given its long growth cycle and overexploitation, wild resources are facing depletion. Macrofungal growth depends on diverse microbial communities; however, the impact of soil bacteria on P. umbellatus development
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The sclerotium of the edible mushroom Polyporus umbellatus (Zhuling) exhibits various medicinal properties. However, given its long growth cycle and overexploitation, wild resources are facing depletion. Macrofungal growth depends on diverse microbial communities; however, the impact of soil bacteria on P. umbellatus development is unknown. Here, we combined high-throughput sequencing and pure culturing to characterize the diversity and potential function of bacteria and fungi inhabiting the P. umbellatus sclerotium and tested the bioactivities of their isolates. Fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were clustered and classified, revealing 1275 genera. Bacterial OTUs yielded 891 genera. Additionally, 81 bacterial and 15 fungal strains were isolated from P. umbellatus sclerotia. Antagonism assays revealed three bacterial strains (FN2, FL19, and CL15) promoting mycelial growth by producing indole-3-acetic acid, solubilizing phosphate, and producing siderophores, suggesting their role in regulating growth, development, and production of active compounds in P. umbellatus. FN2-CL15 combined with bacterial liquid promoted growth and increased the polysaccharide content of P. umbellatus mycelia. This study reports new bioactive microbial resources for fertilizers or pesticides to enhance the growth and polysaccharide accumulation of P. umbellatus mycelia and offers guidance for exploring the correlation between medicinal macrofungi and associated microbial communities.
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(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Evolution, Biodiversity and Systematics)
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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
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
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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.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophile Fungi: An Arising Novel Field in Perspective)
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Alien Chromatin from Hordeeae Grasses Enhances the Compatibility of Epichloë Endophyte Symbiosis with the Hexaploid Wheat Triticum aestivum
by
Wayne R. Simpson, Hisashi Tsujimoto, David E. Hume and Richard D. Johnson
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060384 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The inoculation of Epichloë endophytes into modern cereals, resulting in systemic infection, depends on the genetics of both the host and the endophyte strain deployed. Until very recently, the only modern cereal to have been infected with Epichloë, in which normal phenotype
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The inoculation of Epichloë endophytes into modern cereals, resulting in systemic infection, depends on the genetics of both the host and the endophyte strain deployed. Until very recently, the only modern cereal to have been infected with Epichloë, in which normal phenotype seed-transmitted associations were achieved, is rye (Secale cereale). Whilst minor in-roads have been achieved in infecting hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum), the phenotypes of these associations have all been extremely poor, including host death and stunting. To identify host genetic factors that may impact the compatibility of Epichloë infection in wheat, wheat–alien chromosome addition/substitution lines were inoculated with Epichloë, and the phenotypes of infected plants were assessed. Symbioses were identified whereby infected wheat plants were phenotypically like uninfected controls. These plants completed their full lifecycle, including the vertical transmission of Epichloë into the next generation of grain, and represent the first ever compatible wheat–Epichloë associations to be created.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Endophytes in Agriculture)
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Phylogenetic and Morphological Evidence for Three New Species of Diaporthales (Ascomycota) from Fujian Province, China
by
Taichang Mu, Yongsheng Lin, Nemat O. Keyhani, Huili Pu, Ziying Lv, Chenhui Lan, Jinming Xiong, Xiaohao Chen, Xinyang Zhan, Zhiying Zhao, Huajun Lv, Motunrayo Yemisi Jibola-Shittu, Jianlong Wu, Peisong Jia, Shuaishuai Huang, Junzhi Qiu and Xiayu Guan
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060383 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Members of the fungal order Diaporthales are sac fungi that include plant pathogens (the notorious chestnut blight fungus), as well as saprobes and endophytes, and are capable of colonizing a wide variety of substrates in different ecosystems, habitats, and hosts worldwide. However, many
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Members of the fungal order Diaporthales are sac fungi that include plant pathogens (the notorious chestnut blight fungus), as well as saprobes and endophytes, and are capable of colonizing a wide variety of substrates in different ecosystems, habitats, and hosts worldwide. However, many Diaporthales species remain unidentified, and various inconsistencies within its taxonomic category remain to be resolved. Here, we aimed to identify and classify new species of Diaporthales by using combined morphological and molecular characterization and coupling this information to expand our current phylogenetic understanding of this order. Fungal samples were obtained from dead branches and diseasedleaves of Camellia (Theaceae) and Castanopsis (Fagaceae) in Fujian Province, China. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses derived from the combined nucleotide sequences of loci of the internal transcribed spacer regions with the intervening 5.8S nrRNA gene (ITS), the 28S large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef1), the partial beta-tubulin gene (tub2), and partial RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit gene (rpb2), three new species of Diaporthales were identified and characterized. They are as follows: Chrysofolia camelliae sp. nov., Dendrostoma castanopsidis sp. nov., and Pseudoplagiostoma wuyishanense sp. nov. They are described and illustrated. This study extends our understanding of species diversity within the Diaporthales.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diversity in Various Environments, 3rd Edition)
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The Impact of Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis on Mucormycosis Research
by
Russell E. Lewis
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060382 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Dimitrios P [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Twenty-Five Years in Mucormycosis Research: A Themed Issue Honoring the Contributions of Professor Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis)
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