Journal of Fungi

Research

36 pages, 1717 KB

Open AccessArticle

Current Insights into Sporothrix schenckii: From Basic Biology to Virulence Mechanisms

by Manuela Gómez-Gaviria, Dario A. Baruch-Martínez, Nathália Faria Reis, Andréa Regina de Souza Baptista and Héctor M. Mora-Montes

J. Fungi 2026, 12(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12010004 - 20 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2490

Abstract

Sporothrix schenckii is a thermodimorphic fungus and one of the main etiological agents of sporotrichosis, a globally distributed subcutaneous mycosis that primarily affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and lymphatic system. Historically regarded as the classical species within the Sporothrix pathogenic clade, S. schenckii [...] Read more.

Sporothrix schenckii is a thermodimorphic fungus and one of the main etiological agents of sporotrichosis, a globally distributed subcutaneous mycosis that primarily affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and lymphatic system. Historically regarded as the classical species within the Sporothrix pathogenic clade, S. schenckii remains a clinically relevant pathogen and an important biological model for studying fungal dimorphism, virulence, and host–pathogen interactions. Major virulence factors include melanin production, thermotolerance, hydrolytic enzymes, and adhesins, all of which contribute to its survival and dissemination within the host. Clinically, S. schenckii causes a broad spectrum of manifestations ranging from fixed and lymphocutaneous cutaneous forms to disseminated and extracutaneous infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This species exhibits a cosmopolitan distribution with endemic foci in the Americas, Asia, and Africa, and can be transmitted through both sapronotic and zoonotic routes. Diagnosis relies on fungal isolation, molecular identification, and histopathological examination, whereas treatment mainly involves itraconazole, potassium iodide, and amphotericin B for severe cases. This review integrates current knowledge on the biology, virulence, immune response, epidemiology, and treatment of S. schenckii, providing an updated overview of its significance as a medically important fungal pathogen with global relevance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Development of Mycology: The 10th Anniversary of Journal of Fungi)

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14 pages, 6839 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unraveling the Fungal Community Dynamics in Heat-Tolerant Coral Turbinaria sp. During Bleaching in South China Sea

by Xinye Chen, Xinyu Liao, Li Mo, Xumeng Ren, Yaozu Li, Qili Hou, Simon Wing-Fai Mok, Riming Huang, Jijia Sun and Xiaoyong Zhang

J. Fungi 2025, 11(12), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11120832 - 25 Nov 2025

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Abstract

Coral bleaching is a multifactorial stress response in which the breakdown of symbiosis with algal and bacterial partners has been well characterized, but the role of fungal communities remains largely unexplored. Here, we tracked the temporal dynamics of coral-associated fungi in Turbinaria sp. [...] Read more.

Coral bleaching is a multifactorial stress response in which the breakdown of symbiosis with algal and bacterial partners has been well characterized, but the role of fungal communities remains largely unexplored. Here, we tracked the temporal dynamics of coral-associated fungi in Turbinaria sp. across three defined bleaching stages under natural thermal stress. In total, 161 genera from six phyla were detected. From the unbleached to partly bleached stage, fungal Simpson diversity declined, whereas observed richness slightly increased; putative pathogenic genera (e.g., Apiotrichum, Curvularia, Exserohilum, and Schizophyllum) rose sharply (39.44%→69.04%), whereas parasitic fungi decreased (33.01%→11.72%). From the partly to fully bleached stage, diversity rebounded. Co-occurrence networks became more complex initially (nodes 86→98; edges 454→809; average degree 10.56→16.51) but then collapsed below baseline (nodes 98→65; edges 809→196; average degree 16.51→6.03), indicating stress-driven restructuring. The proportion of positive correlations declined steadily (98.68%→93.82%→77.55%), suggesting a shift toward more competitive and unstable community structures under stress. Our findings demonstrate that fungal communities actively respond to thermal stress and exhibit distinct compositional and ecological shifts during bleaching, pointing to their overlooked but potentially significant role in coral health and deterioration. This study highlights the need to integrate fungal dynamics into the broader understanding of holobiont responses to coral bleaching. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Development of Mycology: The 10th Anniversary of Journal of Fungi)

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16 pages, 2522 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Predicted Structure of S. cerevisiae Ssp1 Reveals Parallel Evolution in the Pil1 BAR Domain Family Proteins of Ascomycetes

by Yasuyuki Suda and Aaron M. Neiman

J. Fungi 2025, 11(9), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11090661 - 9 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1537

Abstract

BAR domains are a superfamily of widely conserved membrane binding motifs. In fungi, Pil1 family proteins are BAR domain containing proteins involved in organizing the plasma membrane. S. pombe encodes a sporulation-specific Pil1 family protein, Meu14, which has a specialized role in shaping [...] Read more.

BAR domains are a superfamily of widely conserved membrane binding motifs. In fungi, Pil1 family proteins are BAR domain containing proteins involved in organizing the plasma membrane. S. pombe encodes a sporulation-specific Pil1 family protein, Meu14, which has a specialized role in shaping the forespore membrane during sporulation. The functional analog of Meu14 in S. cerevisiae is Ssp1. While Ssp1 has no primary sequence homology to Pil1 or Meu14, AlphaFold predicts that it contains a Pil1-related BAR domain. Consistent with this structural prediction, mutation of residues in the putative lipid binding face of Ssp1 or in a residue implicated in multimerization disrupt sporulation. Characterization of the mutant proteins indicates that the BAR domain is necessary for recruitment of Ssp1 to the highly curved leading edge of the prospore membrane and multimerization of Ssp1 at that location is required for assembly of the leading edge complex. The distribution of Pil1 family proteins across an evolutionary tree of Ascomycetes reveals that Meu14 and Ssp1 arose independently in the lineages leading to S. pombe and S. cerevisiae, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Development of Mycology: The 10th Anniversary of Journal of Fungi)

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26 pages, 14851 KB

Open AccessArticle

Degradation of Synthetic Restoration Materials by Xerotolerant/Xerophilic Fungi Contaminating Canvas Paintings

by Amela Kujović, Katja Kavkler, Michel Alexander Wilson-Hernandez, Miloš Vittori, Luen Zidar, Cene Gostinčar, Kristina Sepčić, Yordanis Pérez-Llano, Ramón Alberto Batista-García, Nina Gunde-Cimerman and Polona Zalar

J. Fungi 2025, 11(8), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11080568 - 30 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Canvas paintings are prone to biodeterioration due to their complex chemical composition, which can support fungal growth even under controlled conditions. This study evaluated the susceptibility of common synthetic restoration materials—Lascaux glues (303 HV, 498 HV), Acrylharz P550, BEVA 371, Laropal A81, and [...] Read more.

Canvas paintings are prone to biodeterioration due to their complex chemical composition, which can support fungal growth even under controlled conditions. This study evaluated the susceptibility of common synthetic restoration materials—Lascaux glues (303 HV, 498 HV), Acrylharz P550, BEVA 371, Laropal A81, and Regalrez 1094—to degradation by fourteen xerotolerant/xerophilic fungal strains. All tested Aspergillus and Penicillium species extensively colonized, especially artificially aged materials. FTIR-PAS analysis revealed chemical changes in carbonyl and C–H bonds in Laropal A81 and Regalrez 1094 colonized by Aspergillus spp. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging showed thinning of Lascaux glues and deformation of Regalrez 1094. Transcriptomic profiling of A. puulaauensis grown on Lascaux 498 HV and Regalrez 1094 identified altered expression of genes coding for esterases and oxidases, enzymes involved in synthetic polymer degradation. Esterase activity assays using 4-nitrophenol-based substrates confirmed significant enzymatic activity correlating with the presence of ester bonds. These findings highlight the vulnerability of synthetic restoration materials, specifically Laropal A81, Regalrez 1094, and Lascaux glues, to extremophilic fungi thriving in environments with low water activity. The results emphasize the urgent need for specific knowledge on fungi and their metabolic pathways to use/develop more durable conservation materials and strategies to protect cultural heritage objects from biodeterioration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Development of Mycology: The 10th Anniversary of Journal of Fungi)

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Review

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25 pages, 1124 KB

Open AccessReview

Candidozyma auris and the Perfect Storm of Fungal Pathogenicity: Adaptation, Persistence, and Resistance

by Alessandra Vaccaro, John F. Cooper, Augusto Vazquez-Rodriguez, Hamid Badali, Ryan Kean, Gordon Ramage and Jose L. Lopez-Ribot

J. Fungi 2026, 12(4), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12040247 - 27 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris) is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogenic fungus with an increased ability to cause outbreaks in healthcare facilities, leading to poor patient outcomes. Since its initial discovery in 2009, C. auris has spread rapidly across continents and is now [...] Read more.

Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris) is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogenic fungus with an increased ability to cause outbreaks in healthcare facilities, leading to poor patient outcomes. Since its initial discovery in 2009, C. auris has spread rapidly across continents and is now classified by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as a critical-priority pathogen. This review summarizes current knowledge on the origin, taxonomy, microbiology, and virulence mechanisms of C. auris, emphasizing its thermotolerance, osmotolerance, and biofilm-forming capacity on biotic and abiotic surfaces, as well as aspects related to its antifungal drug resistance and management. These features, together with its genomic plasticity, contribute to persistence, transmission, and drug resistance. Emerging evidence also supports a potential link between climate change and C. auris evolution, highlighting environmental adaptation as a driver of pathogenicity. Combating C. auris will require multidisciplinary efforts to mitigate its expanding global impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Development of Mycology: The 10th Anniversary of Journal of Fungi)

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18 pages, 3902 KB

Open AccessReview

Environmental Adaptation Strategies of Deep-Sea Fungi

by Shuang Leng and Chang-Hong Liu

J. Fungi 2026, 12(3), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12030176 - 28 Feb 2026

Viewed by 870

Abstract

Deep-sea ecosystems, characterized by extreme conditions such as high hydrostatic pressure, low temperatures, and oligotrophy, host phylogenetically and functionally diverse microbial communities. Among these, deep-sea fungi represent a critical but underexplored group whose survival strategies and adaptive mechanisms are emerging as a key [...] Read more.

Deep-sea ecosystems, characterized by extreme conditions such as high hydrostatic pressure, low temperatures, and oligotrophy, host phylogenetically and functionally diverse microbial communities. Among these, deep-sea fungi represent a critical but underexplored group whose survival strategies and adaptive mechanisms are emerging as a key research area. This review highlights recent advances in understanding how fungi adapt to deep-sea environments, focusing on strategies for managing three primary stressors: hypoxia, high pressure, and low temperature. These unique adaptations not only expand our understanding of the limits of life in extreme habitats but also offer valuable microbial resources for biotechnological innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Development of Mycology: The 10th Anniversary of Journal of Fungi)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

13 pages, 2132 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Rise of China in Fungal Taxonomic Studies and Biodiversity Cataloging in the Past Decade

by Ke Wang, Ming-Jun Zhao and Lei Cai

J. Fungi 2026, 12(2), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12020101 - 31 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1173

Abstract

Mycological studies in China have achieved substantial and encouraging progress in recent decades. In this paper, the discoveries of novel fungal taxa published by Chinese mycologists and the documented records of fungi distributed in China are statistically summarized based on the data retrieved [...] Read more.

Mycological studies in China have achieved substantial and encouraging progress in recent decades. In this paper, the discoveries of novel fungal taxa published by Chinese mycologists and the documented records of fungi distributed in China are statistically summarized based on the data retrieved from Fungal Names and the Checklist of Fungi in the China database, respectively. Our analysis reveals that a total of 2875 Chinese scholars have published 20,826 new fungal taxa to date, 65% of which were published within the past decade. During the same period, Chinese mycologists placed great importance on archiving fungal diversity data and have completed the compilation of the national checklist of fungi. Based on 382,503 records derived from over 18,200 research articles and 300 books, a total of 31,180 fungal species, spanning 17 phyla, 65 classes, 240 orders, 840 families, and 4531 genera, have been documented in China. The southwestern region, especially Yunnan Province, exhibits the highest richness of documented species. These results provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of fungal biodiversity and taxonomic studies in China, providing a valuable foundation for future investigations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Development of Mycology: The 10th Anniversary of Journal of Fungi)

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10 pages, 646 KB

Open AccessPerspective

Can We Have Guidelines or Just Guidance for Rare Fungal Infections?

by Nancy N. Vuong and Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis

J. Fungi 2025, 11(9), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11090666 - 11 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1824

Abstract

In this perspective, we discuss the limitations of medical guidelines as it relates to the management of uncommon invasive fungal infections (IFIs) or infrequent manifestations of more common IFIs. We emphasize the difficulties to define “gold standards” for diagnostics and treatment based on [...] Read more.

In this perspective, we discuss the limitations of medical guidelines as it relates to the management of uncommon invasive fungal infections (IFIs) or infrequent manifestations of more common IFIs. We emphasize the difficulties to define “gold standards” for diagnostics and treatment based on limited and low-quality evidence. We posit that such “guidelines” based on scarce data may be suboptimal and could be in some cases even harmful. Specifically, guidelines are often seen as rigid rules to follow which can prevent a critical examination of the nuanced management of individual patients with rare IFIs. We also emphasize that guidelines are often not updated frequently enough and therefore may not reflect the current treatment landscape. For all those reasons, we suggest that the term “guidance” may be more appropriate than “guidelines” for rare IFIs. Finally, we pose several questions regarding constructing future “Guidelines”/“Guidance for such entities”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Development of Mycology: The 10th Anniversary of Journal of Fungi)

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