Journal of Fungi

25 pages, 2877 KB

Open AccessArticle

Culture Conditions Shape the Phenotype and Quality of Talaromyces sayulitensis HC1 Conidia

by Ivonne Gutiérrez-Rojas, Paola Ruiz-García, Julián D. Camargo-Pacanchique, María X. Rodríguez-Bocanegra, Alba Avila, Homero F. Pastrana, Ibonne Aydee García Romero, Zulma Suárez-Moreno and Nubia Moreno-Sarmiento

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080628 - 21 Aug 2026

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Abstract

This study evaluated how culture system and culture medium composition influence the phenotype and functional quality of Talaromyces sayulitensis HC1 conidia. Conidia were produced by solid-state fermentation (SSF) and submerged fermentation (SmF) using two culture medium compositions differing in sucrose and ammonium phosphate [...] Read more.

This study evaluated how culture system and culture medium composition influence the phenotype and functional quality of Talaromyces sayulitensis HC1 conidia. Conidia were produced by solid-state fermentation (SSF) and submerged fermentation (SmF) using two culture medium compositions differing in sucrose and ammonium phosphate concentrations and, consequently, in C:N ratio. Morphological, ultrastructural, physicochemical and functional attributes were analyzed together with the expression of four selected conidiation-related genes (brlA, abaA, fluG and rodA). Conidia produced under SSF were significantly smaller and displayed a more cylindrical morphology and accumulated significantly more melanin than those produced under SmF, whereas SmF-derived conidia exhibited significantly higher relative ergosterol content. Outer cell wall thickness was significantly influenced by both culture system and culture medium composition. Across both culture systems, the medium containing a lower sucrose concentration and a higher ammonium phosphate concentration (C:N ratio 10:1) resulted in significantly higher germination but significantly lower thermotolerance than the medium containing a higher sucrose concentration and a lower ammonium phosphate concentration (C:N ratio 50:1). The medium was also associated with significantly greater melanization. Expression of brlA, abaA, fluG and rodA was generally higher under SSF, although the magnitude of the response varied among genes and culture medium compositions. The integrated analysis revealed that germination and thermotolerance were not necessarily coupled and that culture system and culture medium composition influenced different dimensions of conidial quality. The main innovation of this study is the integration of structural, physicochemical, functional and selected molecular indicators to identify distinct conidial quality profiles relevant to application-oriented production of fungal inoculants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Basic Research and Application of Filamentous Fungi in Biotechnology)

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21 pages, 1037 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Prophylaxis Regimens for Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Non-HIV, Non-Malignant Immunocompromised Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

by Xiaojing Wu, Yue Zhang, Keming Wang and Liuluan Zhu

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080627 - 20 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis is established in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but guidance for non-HIV, non-malignant immunocompromised adults remains fragmented. We searched eight databases and registries through 18 May 2026 (PROSPERO CRD420261396046). Because the evidence did not support a clinically [...] Read more.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis is established in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but guidance for non-HIV, non-malignant immunocompromised adults remains fragmented. We searched eight databases and registries through 18 May 2026 (PROSPERO CRD420261396046). Because the evidence did not support a clinically exchangeable network, we evaluated four linked routes: comparative effectiveness, active-regimen safety, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) discontinuation burden, and descriptive second-line evidence. Fifty-four full-length peer-reviewed reports were included. The primary effectiveness synthesis comprised 27 studies, 34,473 participants, and 243 PCP events. Compared with no prophylaxis, standard-dose TMP-SMX (odds ratio [OR] 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18–0.48; low certainty) and low-dose TMP-SMX (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.03–0.18; low certainty) were associated with lower PCP incidence. Lower-intensity TMP-SMX strategies were associated with fewer treatment-limiting discontinuations than standard/conventional-dose TMP-SMX (OR 0.234, 95% CI 0.145–0.377). Across 33 TMP-SMX studies/cohorts, the pooled discontinuation proportion was 12.3% (95% CI 9.4–15.9%). Breakthrough PCP occurred in 0.5% of 1056 second-line recipients. TMP-SMX had the clearest protective association; however, low-dose evidence did not establish superiority or non-inferiority, and second-line data did not permit comparative estimates or regimen ranking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pneumocystis Infection Research)

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17 pages, 5883 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Novel Pseudoperonospora cubensis-Specific LAMP Assay for Rapid Field Detection and Surveillance of Cucurbit Downy Mildew

by Sumyya Waliullah, Md Tahsinul Anwar and Emran Ali

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080626 - 20 Aug 2026

Viewed by 484

Abstract

Cucurbit downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a devastating disease of cucurbit crops requiring rapid detection for effective management. Current molecular diagnostics often rely on complex laboratory infrastructure, limiting their on-site applicability. To address this limitation, we developed a [...] Read more.

Cucurbit downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a devastating disease of cucurbit crops requiring rapid detection for effective management. Current molecular diagnostics often rely on complex laboratory infrastructure, limiting their on-site applicability. To address this limitation, we developed a highly specific, field-deployable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the P. cubensis-specific c2555.2e1 marker gene. The assay’s optimal reaction conditions were determined, and its specificity was evaluated using closely related oomycetes, including P. humuli and P. belbahrii, alongside other fungal species. Assay sensitivity was compared to conventional PCR using a pathogen DNA dilution series, and diagnostic efficacy was validated using field-collected winter squash samples suspected of infection and environmental spore-trap samples. The optimal LAMP reaction conditions were 71 °C for 60 min. The assay accurately amplified P. cubensis with no observed cross-reactivity. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated a detection limit of 100 pg/µL, and was at least 10-fold more sensitive than conventional PCR. Furthermore, the LAMP assay exhibited greater detection sensitivity than conventional PCR when analyzing environmental and field samples. This rapid and sensitive LAMP assay provides a rapid and highly sensitive tool for on-site diagnostics, offering a crucial advancement for the early detection and management of cucurbit downy mildew. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics of Fungal Plant Pathogens, 5th Edition)

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20 pages, 6212 KB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation and Anti-Melanogenic Activity of Polycarpol from Ganoderma lucidum Mycelia: Expanding the Functional Potential of Cultured Mycelial Biomass

by Che-Hwon Park, Sung-Chul Lee, Rae-Won Kang and Young-Jin Park

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080625 - 19 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom widely recognized as a source of bioactive metabolites, particularly triterpenoids. Although most studies have focused on fruiting bodies and spores, the potential of cultured mycelial biomass as a source of functional secondary metabolites remains less explored. In [...] Read more.

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom widely recognized as a source of bioactive metabolites, particularly triterpenoids. Although most studies have focused on fruiting bodies and spores, the potential of cultured mycelial biomass as a source of functional secondary metabolites remains less explored. In this study, we isolated and characterized polycarpol from the mycelia of G. lucidum and evaluated its anti-melanogenic activity in B16F10 murine melanoma cells. Dried mycelia obtained after liquid culture were extracted with 70% ethanol, partitioned with ethyl acetate, and purified by repeated chromatographic separation. The isolated compound was identified as polycarpol by LC–ESI–MS, HR-MS/MS, and NMR spectroscopy, together with comparison with previously reported spectroscopic data. The anti-melanogenic activity of polycarpol was evaluated in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 murine melanoma cells, a commonly used cellular model of melanogenesis. Polycarpol reduced α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin production at concentrations that did not markedly affect cell viability. Notably, 2 μg/mL (4.54 μM) polycarpol showed a melanin-inhibitory effect comparable to that of arbutin. Western blot analysis showed that polycarpol decreased the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related protein-1. In addition, polycarpol suppressed CREB phosphorylation and modulated the MAPK signaling pathways. These findings suggest that polycarpol inhibits melanogenesis through regulation of MITF-associated melanogenic signaling. Overall, this study demonstrates that cultured G. lucidum mycelia can produce anti-melanogenic triterpenoids and highlights cultured mycelial biomass as a controllable fungal material for exploring anti-melanogenic triterpenoids, although further optimization is required to improve production efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology of Mushroom, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 4156 KB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Change, Frequency, and Spatial Distribution of Mating Types of Bipolaris maydis in China Provide Indirect Evidence for Potential Sexual Reproduction

by Yuli Dai, Lin Gan, Xiaofei Liu, Chengzhong Lan, Yuanwen Guo and Xiujuan Yang

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080624 - 19 Aug 2026

Viewed by 418

Abstract

The heterothallic fungus Bipolaris maydis, the causal organism of southern corn leaf blight, is a destructive pathogen of corn and is considered to predominantly reproduce asexually, as no perfect reproductive stage has been discovered under natural conditions. In this study, a multiplex [...] Read more.

The heterothallic fungus Bipolaris maydis, the causal organism of southern corn leaf blight, is a destructive pathogen of corn and is considered to predominantly reproduce asexually, as no perfect reproductive stage has been discovered under natural conditions. In this study, a multiplex PCR with mating type-specific primers was used to investigate the temporal change and spatial distribution of mating types in several B. maydis populations in China. Mating type monitoring demonstrated that both mating types co-existed throughout the entire monitoring period across the seven monitoring locations, with mating type frequencies skewing significantly (p < 0.05) to MAT1-2 during the period of 2015 to 2020 and being practically symmetric after 2020, implying that the two populations were approaching equilibrium. Both mating type isolates were detected within the same leaf or field, affording a high theoretical likelihood for the two mating type isolates to cross sexually. In addition, both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 isolates were detected from large-scale geographical regions in China, with mating type frequencies approaching a null hypothesis ratio of 1:1 in most populations, suggesting frequency-dependent selection consistent with sexual reproduction. Conclusively, our results provided indirect evidence supporting the potential for sexual reproduction in B. maydis under natural conditions, although no sexual morphs have yet been discovered in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Ecological Interactions of Fungi)

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21 pages, 6725 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seven New Pleosporalean Species from Marine Sediment and Seawater

by Wangying Mo, Peisi Wu, Senouwa Segla Koffi Dossou, Mengmeng Wang and Wei Li

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080623 - 19 Aug 2026

Viewed by 438

Abstract

The Pleosporales order is the largest in the Ascomycota phylum and is distributed worldwide, with a wide range of hosts and habitats. Members of this order are closely associated with the aquatic environment, including marine habitats. Many species are isolated from substrates such [...] Read more.

The Pleosporales order is the largest in the Ascomycota phylum and is distributed worldwide, with a wide range of hosts and habitats. Members of this order are closely associated with the aquatic environment, including marine habitats. Many species are isolated from substrates such as mangroves, marine driftwood and seagrass. This study describes seven new species spanning three genera in two families: Montagnula minispora, Paraconiothyrium ellipsosporum, P. microconidium, P. qingdaoense, Westerdykella fulva, W.microcarpa, and W. sedimenticola. These new species can be differentiated morphologically from their close relatives by the presence of an anamorph, the type of sporangium and the color, shape and size of the conidia. The LSU-ITS-tef1-rpb2 phylogeny revealed seven independent and highly supported clades, providing important evidence for the introduction of these new species. Ecologically, they were retrieved from the marine environment, spanning the intertidal, coastal and deep-sea zones, thereby expanding our knowledge of the distribution and species diversity of pleosporalean fungi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Investigators in Marine Fungi)

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17 pages, 4188 KB

Open AccessArticle

Establishment of an Efficient CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated Gene Disruption System in the Lichen-Forming Fungus Umbilicaria muhlenbergii

by Zeyi Wang, Niuniu Wang, Haiyu Zhang, Ben Qian, Diwen Wang and Yanyan Wang

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080622 - 19 Aug 2026

Viewed by 395

Abstract

Lichen-forming fungi establish intimate symbiotic associations with photosynthetic partners and play important roles in diverse ecosystems, but functional genetic studies in these organisms remain limited by the lack of efficient genome-editing tools. In this study, we established an efficient CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene disruption system [...] Read more.

Lichen-forming fungi establish intimate symbiotic associations with photosynthetic partners and play important roles in diverse ecosystems, but functional genetic studies in these organisms remain limited by the lack of efficient genome-editing tools. In this study, we established an efficient CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene disruption system in Umbilicaria muhlenbergii. Using this system, we achieved the targeted disruption of six candidate transcription factors with a high replacement efficiency of up to 65.0%. No off-target mutations were detected in any of the three independent mutants examined for each target gene. Preliminary phenotypic characterization of the resulting mutants revealed that disruption of UmSOM1 markedly impaired fungal growth, induced pseudohyphal development, and altered colony morphology and pigmentation. Compared with conventional homologous recombination, the CRISPR-Cas9 system substantially improved gene disruption efficiency, thereby overcoming a major limitation in the genetic manipulation of lichen-forming fungi. This system provides a robust platform for functional genomic studies and will accelerate investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal–algal symbiosis and morphological transitions in lichen-forming fungi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lichenized Fungi: A Themed Issue Dedicated to Academician Jiang-Chun Wei)

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12 pages, 6683 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Dual Invasive Fungal Infections After Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report

by Layan Akkielah, Ahmed Bishara, Leigh J. Sowerby, John Johnson, Matthew A. Weir, Michael Chiu, Laila Alshafai, Michael Silverman and Mohammad Reza Rahimi Shahmirzadi

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080621 - 19 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Donor-derived infections (DDIs), particularly fungal DDIs, are uncommon but serious complications of solid organ transplantation. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation complicated by probable donor-derived Candida albicans candidemia with native aortic valve endocarditis, managed medically [...] Read more.

Donor-derived infections (DDIs), particularly fungal DDIs, are uncommon but serious complications of solid organ transplantation. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation complicated by probable donor-derived Candida albicans candidemia with native aortic valve endocarditis, managed medically with prolonged echinocandin therapy followed by suppressive fluconazole. Approximately 14 months post-transplant, she developed progressive rhino-orbital mucormycosis due to Rhizopus oryzae, requiring extensive surgical debridement and prolonged antifungal therapy. Initial treatment with liposomal amphotericin B was limited by nephrotoxicity, prompting transition to isavuconazole for long-term management. Immunosuppression was discontinued to control infection, resulting in graft failure. This case illustrates the complex interplay between donor-derived infection, antifungal exposure, and immunosuppression in transplant recipients. It highlights the potential contribution of antifungal selective pressure to breakthrough mold infections and underscores the importance of early recognition, aggressive multidisciplinary management, and individualized antifungal strategies in this high-risk population. Full article

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

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29 pages, 2801 KB

Open AccessReview

Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Signaling Networks and Oxidative Stress Adaptation in Critical Priority Fungal Pathogens

by Raichal B. George, Hari Govind Pradeep, Nandaja Adikaledath Mana, Nandana Raj, Pavithra Praveen, Rithik P. Harish, Nimisha Mahesh, Dhannya Renuka, Bipin G. Nair, Geetha B. Kumar and Jayalekshmi Haripriyan

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080620 - 19 Aug 2026

Viewed by 646

Abstract

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are a global health threat, especially among immunocompromised populations, due to their high mortality rates and the increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance. In recognition of this threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida auris [...] Read more.

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are a global health threat, especially among immunocompromised populations, due to their high mortality rates and the increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance. In recognition of this threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida auris, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Candida albicans as critical-priority fungal pathogens. During host infection, host-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) function as potent antimicrobial molecules, whereas fungal-derived ROS act as intracellular signaling mediators regulating oxidative stress adaptation, metabolism, virulence, and antifungal tolerance. Although oxidative stress responses have been extensively investigated in individual fungal pathogens, a comprehensive comparative analysis of oxidative stress signaling across these critical fungal pathogens remains limited. This review systematically compares oxidative stress sensing and signaling networks in the four WHO critical-priority fungal pathogens and classifies oxidative stress-associated pathways into conserved, and species-specific regulatory mechanisms. Conserved pathways, including HOG-MAPK, calcineurin, cAMP-PKA, cell wall integrity, and thioredoxin-dependent signaling, are discussed alongside pathogen-specific adaptations that promote biofilm formation, capsule and melanin production, polarized growth, morphogenesis, immune evasion, and antifungal resistance. By integrating conserved and divergent oxidative stress signaling mechanisms, this review provides a comparative framework that advances our understanding of fungal pathogenesis and highlights potential targets for the development of broad-spectrum and species-specific antifungal therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Pathogenicity)

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8 pages, 1413 KB

Open AccessCase Report

From Fusarium solani Keratitis to Full Visual Acuity: A Case of Infection Requiring Multiple Corneal Transplants

by Franziska Harzer, Adrian Gericke and Joanna Wasielica-Poslednik

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080619 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: The Fusarium solani species complex is a group of filamentous fungi capable of causing severe ocular infections. It is a frequent cause of mycotic keratitis, which is associated with a poor prognosis due to aggressive biological behavior and resistance [...] Read more.

Background and Clinical Significance: The Fusarium solani species complex is a group of filamentous fungi capable of causing severe ocular infections. It is a frequent cause of mycotic keratitis, which is associated with a poor prognosis due to aggressive biological behavior and resistance to most antifungal agents. Contact lens wear is a well-known risk factor; Case Presentation: A 48-year-old female contact lens wearer presented with a persistent corneal ulcer and hypopyon in the right eye. Initial visual acuity was hand movements. Hyphae of the Fusarium solani species complex were detected in an anterior chamber punctate sample. Intensive topical and systemic antifungal therapy was initiated, followed by therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PK) without corticosteroid treatment. Two months later, a second optical PK was performed. Over the subsequent two years, the patient underwent cataract surgery and developed endothelial corneal decompensation. During long-term follow-up, three Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasties (DMEK) were required due to recurrent endothelial failures. Seven years after the initial presentation, the eye remained clinically stable with a best-corrected visual acuity of 0.0 logMAR; Conclusions: Early therapeutic PK without corticosteroid treatment was likely a key factor in successful infection control in this case of Fusarium solani keratitis. Full visual recovery can be achieved even after multiple penetrating and lamellar corneal transplantations in severe fungal keratitis. Full article

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

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26 pages, 74016 KB

Open AccessArticle

Species Diversity of Edible Mushrooms VI: Morphological and Phylogenetic Evidence Supports Five New Species of Laccaria (Hydnangiaceae, Agaricales) from China and Thailand

by Guo Zhao, Shu-Juan Tang, Ya-Ting Kong, Ting-Ting Liu, Hong-Wei Shen, Song-Ming Tang and Zong-Long Luo

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080618 - 17 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Laccaria is a cosmopolitan genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi that plays an important role in forest ecosystems worldwide. To explore the species diversity of Laccaria in Asia, this study conducted morphological observations and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses on 12 specimens collected from China and Thailand. [...] Read more.

Laccaria is a cosmopolitan genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi that plays an important role in forest ecosystems worldwide. To explore the species diversity of Laccaria in Asia, this study conducted morphological observations and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses on 12 specimens collected from China and Thailand. The results showed that these 12 specimens formed five distinct and well-supported clades, which, combined with morphological comparisons, were recognized as five new species: L. aurantirufescens, L. bisporus, L. jilongensis, L. longicystidiata, and L. yadongensis. The main diagnostic characteristics of each new species are as follows: L. aurantirufescens has small to medium-sized basidiomata, an orange-red to russet pileus, and a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown stipe surface; L. bisporus has small basidiomata, a pale orange to orange-white pileus, and a brown to yellowish-brown stipe surface, and it possesses cheilocystidia, pleurocystidia, and caulocystidia; L. jilongensis has large basidiomata, with a pileus reaching up to 11 cm in diameter, orange-red coloration, sparse lamellae, a stipe up to 15 cm long, and the presence of cystidia; L. longicystidiata has small basidiomata, a pale orange to grayish-orange pileus, a light brown to brown stipe surface, and long cheilocystidia; L. yadongensis has small to medium-sized basidiomata, a pinkish-brown to fleshy-brown pileus that is darker at the center, four-spored basidia with sterigmata extending up to 10 μm in length, and a pileipellis composed of inflated hyphae, some of which exhibit brown pigmentation. These characteristics distinguish them from their closely related species. These findings not only enhance our understanding of Laccaria species diversity in Asia but also highlight the increasingly important role that Asia is poised to play in global fungal diversity conservation and taxonomic research. Full article

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

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28 pages, 52401 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterisation of Mycelium-Based Biomaterials Derived from Diverse Mushroom Species for Sustainable Applications

by Sabin Khyaju, Kevin D. Hyde, Kitiphong Khongphinitbunjong, Sitthi Duangphet and Thatsanee Luangharn

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080617 - 16 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Mushroom mycelium-based biomaterials are eco-friendly, biodegradable, cheap, and sustainable materials. In this study, ten wild mushroom species were collected from tropical forests in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces, and two commercial mushroom species were obtained from a local market in Chiang Rai [...] Read more.

Mushroom mycelium-based biomaterials are eco-friendly, biodegradable, cheap, and sustainable materials. In this study, ten wild mushroom species were collected from tropical forests in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces, and two commercial mushroom species were obtained from a local market in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Mushroom specimens were identified based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. All fungal species were determined to use suitable agar media (potato dextrose agar; malt extract agar), liquid media (malt extract broth), and agricultural substrate (rubber sawdust size ≤ 2 mm) for mushroom mycelial growth. Mechanical property evaluation using Ashby’s chart indicated that the resulting mushroom mycelium-based biomaterials have the potential to substitute for certain types of synthetic foam. A biodegradability test was conducted through soil burial of samples for 90 days, which demonstrated cumulative weight loss exceeding 60%, thereby confirming biodegradability. Furthermore, a new approach for maintaining mycelial viability was developed and validated, addressing the challenge of maintaining vigorous mycelium. Notably, this study presents the first comprehensive report on the application of Coriolopsis brunneoleuca, Ganoderma tropicum, Hexagonia sp., Microporus xanthopus, Trametes polyzona, and T. sanguinea in mushroom mycelium-based biomaterial production, including material development, characterisation, and prototype fabrication. Based on the material properties and successfully developed prototypes, the mushroom mycelium-based biomaterials produced in this study are potentially suitable for applications in packaging, indoor products, construction, and insulation purposes, as a viable alternative to conventional synthetic materials. Full article

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

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22 pages, 3133 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anandamide Targets Membrane Integrity in Non-Albicans Candida: A Novel Antifungal Approach

by Goldie Wolfson, Doron Steinberg, Itzhack Polacheck and Maya Korem

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080616 - 16 Aug 2026

Viewed by 516

Abstract

Fungal infections remain a major threat to human health, with non-albicans Candida (NAC) species causing more than half of all clinical cases and many strains gaining resistance to current treatments rapidly. Previously, N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine (anandamide, AEA) has been studied and shown to [...] Read more.

Fungal infections remain a major threat to human health, with non-albicans Candida (NAC) species causing more than half of all clinical cases and many strains gaining resistance to current treatments rapidly. Previously, N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine (anandamide, AEA) has been studied and shown to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties against various bacteria and Candida albicans. Given the previous findings, we aim here to expand the current preliminary research on AEA to investigate its antifungal activities against clinically relevant NAC species in vitro: Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candidaozyma auris. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and growth curve analysis determined planktonic inhibition. MTT metabolic assay and ATP production via BacTiter-Glo luminescence assay evaluated biofilm formation. Membrane fluidity, polarization and efflux pump activity were examined using fluorescence probes Laurdan, DiS-C3(3), and Rhodamine 6G, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed using DCFH-DA. Biofilm architecture and cell viability were analyzed by spinning disk confocal microscopy (SDCM). AEA reduced MIC values and slowed planktonic growth, while MTT and ATP assays demonstrated a pronounced dose-dependent reduction in biofilm metabolic activity. Membrane-targeted effects revealed increased fluidity and permeability at 125 µg/mL. Notably, AEA rapidly impaired efflux pump activity and induced intracellular ROS production. This effect was accompanied by reduced cell viability, increased proportions of PI-positive cells, and enhanced intracellular dye retention, as confirmed by SDCM. Together, these findings demonstrate that AEA exerts antifungal activity by disrupting membrane integrity and associated cellular functions and provide the first comparative characterization of species-specific membrane and oxidative stress responses to AEA across three major clinically relevant multidrug-resistant NAC species. Full article

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

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35 pages, 1145 KB

Open AccessReview

Nano-Enabled Precision Management of Plant Anthracnose: Mechanisms of Action, Application Advances, and Future Perspectives

by Shuo Miao, Chaoqiong Liang and Xinghong Wang

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080615 - 16 Aug 2026

Viewed by 550

Abstract

Plant anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is a class of significant diseases that severely threatens global crop production. Traditional management strategies, including chemical control, are hindered by inherent limitations such as the frequent emergence of pathogen resistance, low pesticide utilization efficiency, high environmental [...] Read more.

Plant anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is a class of significant diseases that severely threatens global crop production. Traditional management strategies, including chemical control, are hindered by inherent limitations such as the frequent emergence of pathogen resistance, low pesticide utilization efficiency, high environmental residue risks, and inconsistent field efficacy. Moreover, achieving further improvements in control efficacy is constrained by the complex biological characteristics of Colletotrichum species, particularly their hemibiotrophic lifestyle and latent infection strategies. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a potential approach for the management of anthracnose. This review summarizes the research progress of various nanomaterials in the control of plant anthracnose. It analyzes the proposed multi-mechanism modes of action of nanomaterials tailored to the specific infection traits of Colletotrichum. Particular emphasis is placed on analyzing the theoretical mechanisms and preliminary in vitro evidence of nano-enabled controlled-release systems in addressing asymptomatic latent infections and achieving targeted, precise delivery. However, it must be emphasized that most current findings are derived from laboratory or controlled-environment studies, and the actual field-scale effectiveness, long-term environmental behavior, and multi-trophic safety of many nanomaterials remain insufficiently confirmed. Building upon these insights, this review thoroughly evaluates the critical challenges facing the agricultural field application of nanomaterials, such as ecotoxicity, formulation stability, scalable industrial production, and regulatory gaps. This review aims to provide objective theoretical support and technical references for achieving safe, efficient, and sustainable nano-enabled green management of plant anthracnose. Full article

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

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37 pages, 10758 KB

Open AccessReview

Research Advances in Gastrodia elata Endophytes: Diversity, Secondary Metabolites and Pharmacological Activities

by Tianzhen Xie, Kaize Shen, Wenjian Xia, Wenyun Tan, Congjia Xie, Zhengbiao Zhang, Zhilong Shi and Xin Wei

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080614 - 15 Aug 2026

Viewed by 561

Abstract

Gastrodia elata, a medicinal and edible plant of the Orchidaceae family, has a long history of medicinal application and extensive development value in China. Endophytes permanently colonize G. elata and form a stable long-term symbiotic relationship with the host. The secondary metabolites [...] Read more.

Gastrodia elata, a medicinal and edible plant of the Orchidaceae family, has a long history of medicinal application and extensive development value in China. Endophytes permanently colonize G. elata and form a stable long-term symbiotic relationship with the host. The secondary metabolites produced by these fungi possess diverse structures and multiple biological activities, which are important sources for discovering novel bioactive ingredients that provide natural materials for screening and developing medicinal compounds. This article reviewed the research and development progress of endophytes associated with G. elata, including endophytes’ sources, biological functions, compound classification and pharmacological activities. The results showed that more than 296 secondary metabolites were reported—mainly terpenoids, polyketides, alkaloids, anthraquinones, phenolics—with prominently characterized antifeedant and antibacterial activities. Our work aims to provide scientific references for the in-depth exploration and efficient utilization of G. elata endophytic fungal resources. Full article

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

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22 pages, 12822 KB

Open AccessArticle

Toxicological Assessment and Dual Protective Roles of Ophiocordyceps sinensis Melanin: Photoprotection and Heavy Metal Detoxification

by Huan Yang, Jingyi Wang, Xiangxin Li, Chuanyong Li, Yiming Wang, Yanli Huo, Dandan Fu and Li He

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080613 - 15 Aug 2026

Viewed by 408

Abstract

This research investigated the extraction and purification of melanin from the Ophiocordyceps sinensis TZ8-1; characterized its structural properties; and evaluated its safety, photoprotective efficacy, and ability to mitigate heavy metals. The results demonstrated that the spectral features of TZ8-1 melanin were consistent with [...] Read more.

This research investigated the extraction and purification of melanin from the Ophiocordyceps sinensis TZ8-1; characterized its structural properties; and evaluated its safety, photoprotective efficacy, and ability to mitigate heavy metals. The results demonstrated that the spectral features of TZ8-1 melanin were consistent with those of synthetic melanin, confirming its classification as typical eumelanin. The safety assessment indicated that TZ8-1 melanin has relatively low toxicity to four types of normal human cells, and based on the results of acute oral toxicity tests, this substance showed high safety for experimental animals. Photoprotection studies showed that TZ8-1 melanin effectively suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and significantly improved cell viability post-ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure. Heavy metal mitigation experiments showed that TZ8-1 melanin reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased glutathione (GSH) concentrations, and enhanced cell survival rates in heavy metal-exposed conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Secondary Metabolites from Fungi)

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29 pages, 23903 KB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Key Genetic Elements and Strategies for High-Yield Heterologous Protein Expression in Komagataella phaffii

by Ruyue Han, Ruizheng Hu, Anran Liu, Xinya Yu, Dong Liu, Hengwei Zhang and Hailing Zhang

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080612 - 15 Aug 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 540

Abstract

Komagataella phaffii has emerged as an important eukaryotic microbial cell factory for the production of industrial enzymes, biopharmaceuticals, and food-related proteins owing to its rapid growth, capacity for eukaryotic post-translational modifications, and suitability for high-cell-density fermentation. However, efficient heterologous protein production remains constrained [...] Read more.

Komagataella phaffii has emerged as an important eukaryotic microbial cell factory for the production of industrial enzymes, biopharmaceuticals, and food-related proteins owing to its rapid growth, capacity for eukaryotic post-translational modifications, and suitability for high-cell-density fermentation. However, efficient heterologous protein production remains constrained by limitations in transcriptional regulation, protein secretion, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein-folding capacity. This review summarizes recent advances in engineering key expression elements underlying heterologous protein production in K. phaffii, with particular emphasis on promoter architecture redesign (e.g., upstream activating sequence (UAS) duplication and core promoter mutagenesis), signal peptide replacement and sequence engineering, molecular chaperone co-expression, and quantitative regulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Rather than focusing on individual expression modules, this review highlights a systems-level engineering perspective that integrates regulatory elements, intracellular processing, and secretory pathway optimization, illustrating the ongoing transition from empirical modification of individual expression elements to systems-level engineering of the secretory pathway. Recent advances in synthetic biology and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted approaches are further accelerating the development of predictive and precision engineering approaches for K. phaffii. Together, these advances provide a foundation for the rational design of next-generation K. phaffii cell factories for the sustainable production of structurally complex and high-value recombinant proteins. Full article

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

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19 pages, 1382 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trait Shifts and Vertical Redistribution Enable Nematode-Trapping Fungi to Adapt to Fire Disturbance

by Rong She, Xin Zhang, Cai-Lian Yuan, Yu Sun, Xiao-Yan Yang and Wen Xiao

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080611 - 14 Aug 2026

Viewed by 349

Abstract

Fire rapidly reshapes soil environments, yet direct experimental evidence of how soil microorganisms respond through both functional trait adjustment and spatial redistribution remains limited. Here, we used nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) as a model system to test whether their response to fire is mediated [...] Read more.

Fire rapidly reshapes soil environments, yet direct experimental evidence of how soil microorganisms respond through both functional trait adjustment and spatial redistribution remains limited. Here, we used nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) as a model system to test whether their response to fire is mediated by coordinated changes in functional traits and vertical redistribution. We first compared strains isolated from naturally burned habitats with those from adjacent unburned habitats and identified consistent trait shifts; we then tracked NTF dynamics in artificial soil profiles exposed to simulated fire. Strains from burned habitats produced 53–1114% more trapping structures and exhibited bait-based predation efficiencies 9–41% higher than those from unburned habitats. Conidia of fire-adapted strains were smaller, with reductions in length and width of 0.3–8.0 µm and 0.1–3.4 µm, respectively. Hyphal growth rates increased significantly in Dactylellina and Drechslerella but declined overall in Arthrobotrys. In the soil-profile microcosm experiment, simulated fire completely eliminated Arthrobotrys from the topsoil (0–5 cm), whereas Dactylellina and Drechslerella from deeper layers (10–20 cm) were subsequently detected in upper layers, indicating upward redistribution and recolonization within 7–56 days. Together, these results reveal two complementary mechanisms underlying NTF adaptation to fire: individual-level trait shifts, which likely reflect the reallocation of resources from reproductive structures to predatory traps and hyphal expansion, and community-scale vertical redistribution, which enables recolonization via deep-soil source populations. Our work provides experimental evidence that soil microorganisms cope with abrupt fire disturbance through coordinated trait shifts and vertical spatial redistribution, offering mechanistic insights that may support trait-oriented restoration management of post-fire soil ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Ecological Interactions of Fungi)

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18 pages, 28897 KB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in the Development, Pathogenicity, and Glycerol Biosynthesis of Aspergillus flavus

by Liurong Zhang, Jiaru Zhao, Hongyi Lin, Shaoze Wu, Fei Wu, Hongtai Ning, Xiuna Wang, Jun Yuan and Yanling Yang

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080610 - 14 Aug 2026

Viewed by 473

Abstract

Aspergillus flavus, a ubiquitous phytopathogen, produces mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), and infects crops worldwide. Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) is a key enzyme in the glycerol synthesis and metabolic pathway catalyzing the reversible conversion reaction between glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) and dihydroxyacetone [...] Read more.

Aspergillus flavus, a ubiquitous phytopathogen, produces mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), and infects crops worldwide. Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) is a key enzyme in the glycerol synthesis and metabolic pathway catalyzing the reversible conversion reaction between glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) and dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP). However, the biological function of G3PDH in A. flavus remains uncharacterized. In this study, the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase GfdA and GfdB recombinant proteins of A. flavus were expressed, and the enzymatic activity of the GfdA protein was successfully determined. Subsequently, single-gene knockout strains (ΔgfdA, ΔgfdB), double-gene knockout strains (ΔgfdAΔgfdB) and their corresponding complemented strains (gfdA^C, gfdB^C) were constructed by a homologous recombination method to explore the biological functions of these two genes in A. flavus. The phenotypic analyses revealed that although both gfdA and gfdB encoded glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenases, gfdA plays major roles in colony growth, conidiation, sclerotium formation, crop infection and osmotic stress tolerance in A. flavus. Notably, the performance of the ΔgfdAΔgfdB strains is almost similar to that of the ΔgfdA strain. Biochemical assays demonstrated that the intracellular glycerol content increased significantly in all mutants compared to the wild type (WT) under both normal and osmotic stress conditions. Furthermore, we found that exogenous glycerol supplementation rescued the growth defect of the ΔgfdA and ΔgfdAΔgfdB strains. Taken together, GfdA is important for glycerol synthesis, while GfdB is functionally redundant with respect to GfdA. This study preliminarily explores the main biological functions of GfdA and GfdB, providing a theoretical basis for the study of glycerol anabolic pathways of A. flavus and also offering novel insights into the development of strategies to control aflatoxin contamination. Full article

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

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12 pages, 847 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Diagnostic Challenge in Pulmonary Cryptococcosis Among Immunocompetent Patients: The ‘False-Negative’ Serum Cryptococcal Antigen

by Miaojuan Zhu, Nishan Deng and Hanxiang Nie

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080609 - 14 Aug 2026

Viewed by 478

Abstract

Objective: To delineate the demographic, clinical, and radiological features of immunocompetent patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) who test negative for serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg), a subgroup that poses a diagnostic challenge. Methods: Participants were stratified into CrAg-positive (n = 128) and CrAg-negative [...] Read more.

Objective: To delineate the demographic, clinical, and radiological features of immunocompetent patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) who test negative for serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg), a subgroup that poses a diagnostic challenge. Methods: Participants were stratified into CrAg-positive (n = 128) and CrAg-negative (n = 71) cohorts. Comparative analyses were performed on clinical presentation, chest computed tomography (CT) imaging features, and laboratory parameters. Results: Patients with false-negative CrAg results were more likely to be asymptomatic (46.5% vs. 20.3% in the CrAg-positive group; p < 0.05). Their chest CT scans typically revealed solitary pulmonary nodules, frequently unilateral and located in the right lung, with a notable absence of pleural effusion or lymphadenopathy. Laboratory findings in the CrAg-negative group were characterized by a lower neutrophil ratio and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Furthermore, higher CrAg titers were significantly correlated with the presence of respiratory symptoms, specific CT signs (e.g., air bronchogram, lymphadenopathy), and elevated systemic inflammatory markers. Conclusions: False-negative serum CrAg in immunocompetent PC patients is characterized by an asymptomatic presentation and a solitary nodule on imaging, with normal laboratory parameters. CrAg titers may reflect disease severity and warrant prospective evaluation as a potential biomarker for guiding antifungal therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invasive Fungal Infections: Recent Advances in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment)

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19 pages, 702 KB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical and Economic Trade-Offs in Antifungal Therapy for Invasive Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis: A Markov Model–Based Analysis

by Alejandro Rico Mendoza, Alexandra Porras Ramirez, Liliana Encinales, Oscar Madiedo, Marianna Carrillo Encinales, Juan Pablo Duque Bolivar, Juan Fernando Ramon Cuellar, Jorge Andrés Urquijo Mendez, Zuly Moreno Perilla and Roberto Jurado Zambrano

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080608 - 14 Aug 2026

Viewed by 421

Abstract

Invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis are life-threatening fungal infections characterized by high early mortality, substantial toxicity, and intensive healthcare resource utilization. While multiple antifungal therapies are recommended in international guidelines, their comparative clinical and economic value remains uncertain, particularly in resource-limited settings. We developed [...] Read more.

Invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis are life-threatening fungal infections characterized by high early mortality, substantial toxicity, and intensive healthcare resource utilization. While multiple antifungal therapies are recommended in international guidelines, their comparative clinical and economic value remains uncertain, particularly in resource-limited settings. We developed a hybrid decision tree and Markov model to evaluate antifungal strategies, including liposomal amphotericin B, isavuconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and caspofungin, from the perspective of the Colombian healthcare system over a 6-month horizon. Health states included clinical response, treatment failure, toxicity, and death. Outcomes included quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and net monetary benefit (NMB). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. In invasive aspergillosis, isavuconazole provided a modest incremental benefit over voriconazole (+0.022 QALYs), driven primarily by improved tolerability, at an incremental cost of COP 3.4 million, yielding an ICER of COP 154.5 million/QALY. In mucormycosis, liposomal amphotericin B yielded greater survival benefits (+0.035 QALYs) but at substantially higher costs (ICER: COP 494.3 million/QALY). Across willingness-to-pay thresholds, isavuconazole and voriconazole demonstrated more favorable economic profiles, owing to lower toxicity and reduced hospitalizations. These findings highlight that the clinical–economic value of antifungal therapy is primarily determined by early survival gains, toxicity burden, and front-loaded costs. Strategies minimizing toxicity and hospitalization appear more efficient in constrained health systems, whereas survival-maximizing approaches may be justified in severe disease. This integrated analysis supports context-specific antifungal decision-making in the management of invasive fungal infections. Full article

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

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21 pages, 3672 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deletion of FgSRE1 Impairs Reproduction and Virulence of Fusarium graminearum and Alters Metabolic and Membrane-Transport Gene Expression

by Linru Shen, Hongyan Hui, Lei Guo, Junshen Wang, Jianchao Cui, Haijiao Xu, Xiaolong He, Yufei Huang and Bo Liu

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080607 - 14 Aug 2026

Viewed by 464

Abstract

Fusarium graminearum, the major pathogen causing maize ear rot, severely threatens food security. Targeted gene deletion was used to characterize physiological functions of FgSRE1 in this pathogen. Transcriptomic profiling was conducted on axenic wild-type and ΔFgSRE1 cultures, plus maize ear tissues colonized [...] Read more.

Fusarium graminearum, the major pathogen causing maize ear rot, severely threatens food security. Targeted gene deletion was used to characterize physiological functions of FgSRE1 in this pathogen. Transcriptomic profiling was conducted on axenic wild-type and ΔFgSRE1 cultures, plus maize ear tissues colonized by both strains. Nine core DEGs functionally annotated to transmembrane transport, membrane homeostasis and oxidative stress pathways were selected for qRT-PCR validation, including four upregulated genes encoding putative transferases and five downregulated transporter genes. Phenotypic assays revealed that the ΔFgSRE1 mutant displayed severe defects in conidial and ascospore production, along with drastically weakened pathogenicity on maize ears and leaves versus wild-type and complemented strains. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed consistent expression trends with the RNA-seq data: four putative transferase-encoding genes were up-regulated, whereas five genes related to membrane and redox transport were repressed. Together, the genetic and phenotypic results demonstrate that FgSRE1 contributes to reproductive development and virulence in F. graminearum, whereas the transcriptomic data suggest potential associations with metabolic, redox, and membrane-transport-related pathways. Our findings provide a basis for investigating the FgSRE1-associated virulence network and developing eco-friendly maize ear rot control strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Genomics, Genetics and Molecular Biology)

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12 pages, 1946 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fluconazole Disk Diffusion on CHROMagar Candida Plus for Differentiation Between Candidozyma auris and Candida parapsilosis

by Sarah Israel, Jonathan Lellouche, Loujin Ardda, Ariel Israel, Sharon Amit, Ronen Ben-Ami, Itzhack Polacheck, Jacob Moran-Gilad and Maya Korem

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080606 - 13 Aug 2026

Viewed by 425

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the utility of fluconazole disk diffusion on CHROMagar Candida Plus for differentiating Candidozyma auris from Candida parapsilosis. Methods: In this in vitro study, clinical isolates of both C. auris and C. parapsilosis were used. Antifungal susceptibility testing was [...] Read more.

Background: This study evaluated the utility of fluconazole disk diffusion on CHROMagar Candida Plus for differentiating Candidozyma auris from Candida parapsilosis. Methods: In this in vitro study, clinical isolates of both C. auris and C. parapsilosis were used. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed via broth microdilution and disk diffusion with different fluconazole concentrations on both CHROMagar Candida Plus and RPMI agar. Colony color was also assessed. Results: This study demonstrates high categorical agreement between disk diffusion on CHROMagar Candida Plus and broth microdilution for both species. An optimal cut-off zone diameter of 10 mm was identified on CHROMagar Candida Plus with 50 µg fluconazole, providing 91% sensitivity and 90% specificity for differentiating the two species. Notably, at 24 h, 83 out of 88 (94.3%) C. auris isolates exhibited a bluish, blue-green, or turquoise coloration on the reverse side of the plate, suggesting that reverse-side colony color on CHROMagar may serve as a supportive phenotypic indicator when combined with disk diffusion testing, to differentiate C. auris from C. parapsilosis in the laboratory setting. Conclusions: Fluconazole disk diffusion on CHROMagar Candida Plus, supplemented by reverse-side colony coloration, offers a practical, low-cost adjunctive strategy to aid in the differentiation of C. auris and C. parapsilosis in clinical laboratories. Full article

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

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13 pages, 3129 KB

Open AccessArticle

MoSun4 Contributes to Pathogenicity and Is Associated with Altered Expression of Virulence-Related Genes in Magnaporthe oryzae

by Huimin Li, Zhenhe Su, Xiaomeng Liu, Lemeng Dong and Qinggang Guo

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080605 - 13 Aug 2026

Viewed by 429

Abstract

The SUN family protein MoSun4 in Magnaporthe oryzae has been previously implicated in mitophagy and has potential as a target for reducing rice blast, but its role as a secreted protein remains poorly understood. In this study, signal peptide prediction and yeast secretion [...] Read more.

The SUN family protein MoSun4 in Magnaporthe oryzae has been previously implicated in mitophagy and has potential as a target for reducing rice blast, but its role as a secreted protein remains poorly understood. In this study, signal peptide prediction and yeast secretion assays confirmed MoSun4 signal peptide function, and co-localization revealed the localization of the extra-invasive hyphal membrane (EIHM)-associated apoplastic compartment or matrix, establishing MoSun4 as a secreted protein. In addition, deletion of the MoSUN4 gene reduced the hyphal growth, conidiation and virulence of M. oryzae. We further showed that MoSun4 is involved in regulating the expression of virulence-related genes, including multiple genes involved in cell wall degradation (eglC, eglD), secondary metabolism (gliK), and melanin biosynthesis (SDH1, BUF1, Cmr1, ALB1). Collectively, our study reveals that MoSun4 is a secreted protein that contributes to pathogenicity and is associated with altered expression of virulence-related genes, providing new insights into the functions of SUN family proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Genomics, Genetics and Molecular Biology)

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19 pages, 1913 KB

Open AccessArticle

Virulence Profiles and Fungicide-Target-Gene Variability in Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Populations from Russian Regions

by Ksenia Dudnikova, Olga Baranova, Andrey Shingaliev, Luyen Quoc Lap, Ekaterina Polkhovskaya, Ilya Kirov and Maxim Dudnikov

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080604 - 13 Aug 2026

Viewed by 428

Abstract

Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), threatens food security owing to the pathogen’s high virulence and evolutionary variability, as well as the risk of selecting fungicide-resistant forms. For the first time in Russia, we performed a [...] Read more.

Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), threatens food security owing to the pathogen’s high virulence and evolutionary variability, as well as the risk of selecting fungicide-resistant forms. For the first time in Russia, we performed a comparative analysis of virulence and genetic diversity in fungicide-target genes (SdhA–SdhD, Cyp51) in 35 monopustular Pgt isolates collected from regions with contrasting fungicide pressure (Saratov, n = 12; Chelyabinsk, n = 12; Moscow, n = 11). Phenotyping on an extended set of nearly isogenic lines carrying different Sr genes revealed regional specificity in effective resistance genes (Sr13, Sr26, Sr31, Sr32, Sr35), underscoring the vulnerability of genetic protection in Russian commercial cultivars. Targeted amplicon sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform produced 175 amplicons (~38,290 long reads, N50 = 1.06 kb), identifying 87% synonymous SNPs, 12% non-synonymous substitutions, and a single nonsense mutation in SdhA (position 580). The Cyp51 and SdhA genes were the most polymorphic. Recurrent non-synonymous mutations in these genes were detected in Pgt clones from regions with intensive agriculture and high use of chemical plant protection products. These results support the need for predictive breeding of resistant cultivars and adaptation of chemical control within integrated Pgt management in the European part of Russia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Insights and Challenges in Managing Fungal Diseases in Crops: Toward Sustainable Agricultural Practices)

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41 pages, 2097 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Active Screening for C. auris Colonisation: A Preventive Step or an Excessive Measure? A Systematic Review

by Margarida Alves, Elisabete Ricardo and Sofia Costa de Oliveira

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080603 - 13 Aug 2026

Viewed by 566

Abstract

Background: Patients’ and surfaces’ colonisation play a pivotal role in C. auris transmission. Understanding how, when, and where screening for colonisation should be done is important to control the spread. Methods: This systematic review searched studies regarding C. auris patient colonisation, without previous [...] Read more.

Background: Patients’ and surfaces’ colonisation play a pivotal role in C. auris transmission. Understanding how, when, and where screening for colonisation should be done is important to control the spread. Methods: This systematic review searched studies regarding C. auris patient colonisation, without previous outbreaks, until October 2024. Patient demographic and clinical data, sample type, collecting procedure, laboratory methods for strain identification, Clade determination, and susceptibility profile were collected. Results: Thirty-eight studies published between 2019 and 2023 across 18 countries were included using well-established inclusion criteria. Various body sites were screened mainly in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Patients had various comorbidities and were more commonly colonised during hospitalisation, compared to admission. Most of the isolates belonged to Clade I. Of 19 studies determining antifungal susceptibility, 15 reported resistance, mainly to azoles. Azole resistance was consistently associated with ERG11 substitutions (Y132F/K143R in Clade I, and V125A/F126L in Clade III). Conclusions: Healthcare workers should be on high alert for older, long-term hospitalised, ICU patients with comorbidities and co-colonisation with other pathogens. Composite bilateral axilla-groin sampling should remain the standard minimum approach. Additional anatomical sites may be considered. Well-equipped laboratories are vital for precision identification and antifungal susceptibility testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Candida auris Infection: Recent Advances in Epidemiology, Clinical Practice, and Environmental Impact)

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26 pages, 6831 KB

Open AccessArticle

Telomere-to-Telomere Genome Assembly of Tremella sanguinea Corroborates Its Placement in Phaeotremella and Dates Its Divergence (Tremellales)

by Xuelian He, Wenyan Huo, Jianzhao Qi, Lu Dai, Ting Qiao, Liguang Zhang, Yu Liu, Peng Qi and Junzhi Li

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080602 - 13 Aug 2026

Viewed by 481

Abstract

Tremella sanguinea is a morphologically distinctive gelatinous mycoparasite of Stereum within Tremellales whose generic placement has remained unresolved for lack of high-quality genomic resources. We combined Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing, short-read whole-genome sequencing and Hi-C chromatin conformation capture to assemble the first telomere-to-telomere [...] Read more.

Tremella sanguinea is a morphologically distinctive gelatinous mycoparasite of Stereum within Tremellales whose generic placement has remained unresolved for lack of high-quality genomic resources. We combined Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing, short-read whole-genome sequencing and Hi-C chromatin conformation capture to assemble the first telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome of this species: 21.44 Mb in nine gap-free chromosomes, with telomeric repeats recovered at all 18 chromosome ends. Phylogenomic analysis of nine Tremellales genomes, including the type species of Phaeotremella, placed T. sanguinea within Phaeotremella as sister to P. skinneri (divergence 24.50 Ma; 95% HPD 22.14–26.89) rather than within Tremella sensu stricto, corroborating at genome scale a placement previously indicated by multi-locus data, providing the first divergence-time estimates for the lineage, and reconciling its position with its dark, foliose basidiocarp morphology. Gene family evolution was contraction-biased, most strongly at the Phaeotremella crown node (92 expansions vs. 855 contractions). The carbohydrate-active enzyme repertoire of T. sanguinea (185 genes) fell within the range reported for Tremellales, whereas families that expanded on its branch were significantly enriched for transport functions, including dipeptide and allantoate transport. These results indicate that T. sanguinea acquires host-derived nutrients through uptake of small molecules rather than through an expanded hydrolytic repertoire, and provide genomic evidence for revising its generic placement within the segregate genera of Tremella sensu lato. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Genomics, Genetics and Molecular Biology)

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18 pages, 3451 KB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation, Identification, and Antimicrobial Activity of Secondary Metabolites from Pseudophaeolus soloniensis Against Phytopathogenic Fungi

by Chang Liu, Xiaoxue Zhao, Heng Zhao, Jun Zuo, Ruihan Wang, Mengshi Wang, Tianqi Wang, Jingyu Huang, Bin Du and Kui Niu

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080601 - 12 Aug 2026

Viewed by 402

Abstract

Plant pathogenic fungi pose a major threat to global crop production and food security, necessitating the development of sustainable control agents. This study investigated the antifungal potential of Pseudophaeolus soloniensis, a wood-decaying fungus. A wild strain was isolated from Hebei, China, and [...] Read more.

Plant pathogenic fungi pose a major threat to global crop production and food security, necessitating the development of sustainable control agents. This study investigated the antifungal potential of Pseudophaeolus soloniensis, a wood-decaying fungus. A wild strain was isolated from Hebei, China, and identified via morphology and ITS sequencing. A bioactive crude extract (P1) was obtained through optimized solid-state fermentation on A3M medium. Its antimicrobial spectrum was evaluated against major phytopathogenic fungi (e.g., Fusarium graminearum, Aspergillus flavus) and model bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli) using mycelial growth inhibition, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and agar diffusion assays. P1 exhibited strong, selective activity, showing significantly greater inhibition against S. aureus than E. coli and pronounced effects against F. graminearum (43.79% inhibition at 20 µg/mL) and A. flavus (73.5% at 0.2 mg/mL). A hormetic-like response was observed for F. oxysporum. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed a diverse secondary metabolome, including flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones, and saponins. These results establish P. soloniensis as a promising source of bioactive metabolites for developing eco-friendly fungicides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Secondary Metabolites from Fungi)

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124 pages, 3905 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biocontrol of Postharvest Soft Rot in Kiwifruit by Antagonistic Fungi from Kiwifruit Tissues and Rhizosphere Soil: Screening, Identification, and Mechanisms

by Jiqing Lei, Hong Li, Yinna Shi, Lulu Yang, Jinyong Deng, Ning Ji and Rui Wang

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080600 - 12 Aug 2026

Viewed by 349

Abstract

Postharvest soft rot is a major constraint in kiwifruit production, causing substantial economic losses and raising food safety concerns. Therefore, the development of sustainable biocontrol alternatives to conventional chemical treatments is urgently needed. In this study, thirty-seven fungi were isolated from healthy kiwifruit [...] Read more.

Postharvest soft rot is a major constraint in kiwifruit production, causing substantial economic losses and raising food safety concerns. Therefore, the development of sustainable biocontrol alternatives to conventional chemical treatments is urgently needed. In this study, thirty-seven fungi were isolated from healthy kiwifruit tissues and rhizosphere soil and screened for their biocontrol potential. Three highly effective antagonistic strains were ultimately identified: Mucor circinelloides N2-1-1, Aspergillus niger Pb-2-2, and Trichoderma hamatum Nd-1-1. In vitro antagonism assays showed that A. niger Pb-2-2 exhibited the strongest and broadest-spectrum inhibitory activity against four postharvest pathogens, namely Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Botryosphaeriaceae sp., and Phomopsis sp. In contrast, in vivo protection assays demonstrated that T. hamatum Nd-1-1 almost provided the highest control efficacy against all four pathogens in kiwifruit fruit. Fermentation broth protection experiments further revealed that A. niger Pb-2-2 produced stable and broad-spectrum antimicrobial metabolites. Although M. circinelloides N2-1-1 showed the weakest antagonistic activity among the three fungi, this is the first report indicating that M. circinelloides has antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi. Physiological analyses indicated that all three antagonistic fungi alleviated the inhibitory effects of pathogens on superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities, helped maintain reactive oxygen species homeostasis, and activated the phenylpropanoid pathway, thereby enhancing disease resistance in kiwifruit. These findings provide a theoretical basis and promising microbial resources for the biological control of postharvest soft rot in kiwifruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Pathogens in Postharvest Fruit Diseases: Control and Management)

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14 pages, 742 KB

Open AccessArticle

Neonatal Candidemia: Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of 28-Day Mortality

by Hatice Turgut and Ramazan Özdemir

J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080599 - 12 Aug 2026

Viewed by 343

Abstract

Neonatal candidemia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units, particularly among preterm and very-low-birth-weight infants. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the clinical characteristics, microbiological profiles, and factors associated with 28-day all-cause mortality in neonates with culture-proven candidemia [...] Read more.

Neonatal candidemia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units, particularly among preterm and very-low-birth-weight infants. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the clinical characteristics, microbiological profiles, and factors associated with 28-day all-cause mortality in neonates with culture-proven candidemia admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit between January 2011 and December 2025. Demographic, clinical, microbiological, treatment, feeding, and outcome data were collected from medical records, and factors associated with mortality were analyzed using univariate and multivariable Firth-penalized logistic regression. A total of 48 neonates were included, with a median gestational age of 28 weeks (IQR 25–36) and a median birth weight of 967.5 g (IQR 765–2400). The incidence of candidemia was 0.4%. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species (66.7%). The 28-day all-cause mortality rate was 47.9% (23/48). Non-survivors had lower gestational age and birth weight and developed candidemia earlier than survivors. In the univariable analysis, breast milk exposure before the onset of candidemia was significantly more common among survivors than among nonsurvivors and should be considered a hypothesis-generating finding. In the multivariable analysis, inotropic support (aOR 14.69, 95% CI 2.66–124.74; p = 0.001) and thrombocytopenia (aOR 5.91, 95% CI 1.36–34.44; p = 0.017) were independently associated with 28-day all-cause mortality. In this cohort, inotropic support and thrombocytopenia were independently associated with 28-day all-cause mortality, whereas the association between breast milk exposure and survival was limited to the univariable analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pediatric Fungal Infections: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Emerging Challenges)

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J. Fungi, Volume 12, Issue 8 (August 2026) – 86 articles

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