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Diversity of Undiscovered Fungal Taxa and Novel Antifungal Agents
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Diversity of Undiscovered Fungal Taxa and Novel Antifungal Agents

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Fungal Evolution, Biodiversity and Systematics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 15221

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hyang Burm Lee

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Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Biological Chemistry, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Yongbong-Dong 300, Buk-Gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
Interests: antimicrobial metabolites; biodiversity; undiscovered taxa
Dr. Kerstin Voigt

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Guest Editor
Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena Microbial Resource Collection, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 23, D-07745 Jena, Germany
Interests: basal lineage fungi; mucorales; pathogenicity; parasitism; symbiosis; infection biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. André Luiz Cabral Monteiro de Azevedo Santiago

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Guest Editor
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Centro de Biociências (CB), Departamento de Micologia. Avenida da Engenharia, S/N - Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
Interests: zygosporic fungi; ecology; soil; taxonomy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The number of fungal species has been estimated to range from 1.5 to 3.5 million (DL Hawksworth 2001. Mycol. Res. 105 (12): 1422–1432, M Blackwell 2011. American J Botany: https://doi.org/10.3732/ajb.1000298, respectively). Undiscovered fungal taxa may comprise a tremendous source of novel antifungal compounds. Whereas fungal lineages such as the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota have been extensively studied in terms of their diversity and antifungal potential, ancestral fungal lineages, as undiscovered taxa, are understudied. In this review, we provide an extrapolation of the number of fungal species among the ancestral lineages of fungi and discuss their potential use for the discovery of antifungal compounds.

Dr. Hyang Burm Lee
Dr. Kerstin Voigt
Dr. André Luiz Cabral Monteiro de Azevedo Santiago
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

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

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 6966 KiB  
Article
Syncephalastrum massiliense sp. nov. and Syncephalastrum timoneanum sp. nov. Isolated from Clinical Samples
by Jihane Kabtani, Fatima Boulanouar, Papa Mouhamadou Gaye, Muriel Militello and Stéphane Ranque
J. Fungi 2024, 10(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10010064 - 13 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1046
Abstract
Mucormycosis is known to be a rare opportunistic infection caused by fungal organisms belonging to the Mucorales order, which includes the Syncephalastrum species. These moulds are rarely involved in clinical diseases and are generally seen as contaminants in clinical laboratories. However, in recent [...] Read more.
Mucormycosis is known to be a rare opportunistic infection caused by fungal organisms belonging to the Mucorales order, which includes the Syncephalastrum species. These moulds are rarely involved in clinical diseases and are generally seen as contaminants in clinical laboratories. However, in recent years, case reports of human infections due to Syncephalastrum have increased, especially in immunocompromised hosts. In this study, we described two new Syncephalastrum species, which were isolated from human nails and sputum samples from two different patients. We used several methods for genomic and phenotypic characterisation. The phenotypic analysis relied on the morphological features, analysed both by optical and scanning electron microscopy. We used matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and BiologTM technology to characterise the proteomic, chemical mapping, and carbon source assimilation profiles, respectively. The genomic analysis relied on a multilocus DNA sequence analysis of the rRNA internal transcribed spacers and D1/D2 large subunit domains, fragments of the translation elongation factor-1 alpha, and the β-tubulin genes. The two novel species in the genus Syncephalastrum, namely S. massiliense PMMF0073 and S. timoneanum PMMF0107, presented a similar morphology: irregular branched and aseptate hyphae with ribbon-like aspects and terminal vesicles at the apices all surrounded by cylindrical merosporangia. However, each species displayed distinct phenotypic and genotypic features. For example, S. timoneanum PMMF0107 was able to assimilate more carbon sources than S. massiliense PMMF0073, such as adonitol, α-methyl-D-glucoside, trehalose, turanose, succinic acid mono-methyl ester, and alaninamide. The polyphasic approach, combining the results of complementary phenotypic and genomic assays, was instrumental for describing and characterising these two new Syncephalastrum species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Undiscovered Fungal Taxa and Novel Antifungal Agents)
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12 pages, 1921 KiB  
Article
Two New Species of Backusella (Mucorales, Mucoromycota) from Soil in an Upland Forest in Northeastern Brazil with an Identification Key of Backusella from the Americas
by Catarina Letícia Ferreira de Lima, Joana D’arc Alves Leitão Lundgren, Thuong Thuong Thi Nguyen, Thalline Rafhaella Leite Cordeiro, Diogo Xavier Lima, Luciana Melo Sartori Gurgel, Diogo Paes da Costa, Hyang Burm Lee and André Luiz Cabral Monteiro de Azevedo Santiago
J. Fungi 2022, 8(10), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8101038 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1730
Abstract
During a survey of Mucorales from a forest located in Pernambuco state, Brazil, two new Backusella species were discovered and described based on morphological and molecular data (internal transcribed spacer and large subunit ribosomal DNA sequences). Both species were characterized as unbranched sporangiophores [...] Read more.
During a survey of Mucorales from a forest located in Pernambuco state, Brazil, two new Backusella species were discovered and described based on morphological and molecular data (internal transcribed spacer and large subunit ribosomal DNA sequences). Both species were characterized as unbranched sporangiophores and sporangia with columellae of varied shapes forming. Multispored sporangiola were frequent, whereas unispored sporangiola were rare. URM 8395 forms sporangiophores that may support hyaline, slightly curved or circinate pedicels with multispored sporangiola at their apical portion, and abundant giant cells and chlamydospores. Columellae of sporangia are hyaline, conical (majority), or ellipsoidal with a truncate base, globose to subglobose or subglobose to conical, and, rarely, with slight medial constriction. URM 8427 does not form sporangiola from pedicels, giant cells are not observed, and columellae of sporangia are globose to subglobose, cylindrical with a truncate base, some with a slight constriction, applanate, obovoid, ellipsoidal, or, rarely, conical. Some columellae may have one side more swollen than the other and some are arranged obliquely on the sporangiophores. Sterile sporangia may or may not be formed on short sporophores. The detailed description and illustration of both novel species as well as an identification key for Backusella from the Americas are provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Undiscovered Fungal Taxa and Novel Antifungal Agents)
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21 pages, 5237 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Anti-Candida Potential of Piper nigrum Extract in Inhibiting Growth, Yeast-Hyphal Transition, Virulent Enzymes, and Biofilm Formation
by Claudia Patrícia Bravo-Chaucanés, Yerly Vargas-Casanova, Luis Carlos Chitiva-Chitiva, Andrés Ceballos-Garzon, Geison Modesti-Costa and Claudia Marcela Parra-Giraldo
J. Fungi 2022, 8(8), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8080784 - 27 Jul 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2560
Abstract
Due to the increased incidence of fungal infections and the emergence of antifungal resistance mainly by Candida species, the need for safe and effective novel therapies is imperative. Consequently, plants and herbs are a powerful source to combat infections. Here, we evaluated the [...] Read more.
Due to the increased incidence of fungal infections and the emergence of antifungal resistance mainly by Candida species, the need for safe and effective novel therapies is imperative. Consequently, plants and herbs are a powerful source to combat infections. Here, we evaluated the anti-Candida potential of an ethanolic extract from Piper nigrum. The phytochemical analysis of P. nigrum revealed bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and tannis. Our results showed that P. nigrum extract suppressed the virulence factors of C. albicans strains, including hyphae formation in both liquid and solid media, reduced secretion of phospholipases/proteinases, and affected biofilm formation. Furthermore, the P. nigrum extract showed no hemolytic effect in vitro and exhibited reduced cytotoxicity on Vero cells and G. mellonella larvae at concentrations that inhibited hyphae and biofilm in C. albicans. Moreover, the extract demonstrated antifungal activity against C. auris strains. In conclusion, the P. nigrum extract affected the growth and morphogenesis of Candida (even in resistant strains), demonstrating that this plant has an anti-candida activity and represents a promising resource for discovering novel antifungal compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Undiscovered Fungal Taxa and Novel Antifungal Agents)
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23 pages, 8995 KiB  
Article
New Arthrobotrys Nematode-Trapping Species (Orbiliaceae) from Terrestrial Soils and Freshwater Sediments in China
by Fa Zhang, Saranyaphat Boonmee, Jayarama D. Bhat, Wen Xiao and Xiao-Yan Yang
J. Fungi 2022, 8(7), 671; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8070671 - 26 Jun 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2649
Abstract
Arthrobotrys is the most complex genus of Orbiliaceae nematode-trapping fungi. Its members are widely distributed in various habitats worldwide due to their unique nematode-trapping survival strategies. During a survey of nematophagous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, twelve taxa were isolated from terrestrial soil [...] Read more.
Arthrobotrys is the most complex genus of Orbiliaceae nematode-trapping fungi. Its members are widely distributed in various habitats worldwide due to their unique nematode-trapping survival strategies. During a survey of nematophagous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, twelve taxa were isolated from terrestrial soil and freshwater sediment habitats and were identified as six new species in Arthrobotrys based on evidence from morphological and multigene (ITS, TEF, and RPB2) phylogenetic analyses. These new species i.e., Arthrobotrys eryuanensis, A. jinpingensis, A. lanpingensis, A. luquanensis, A. shuifuensis, and A. zhaoyangensis are named in recognition of their places of origin. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic notes, and a multilocus phylogenetic analysis are provided for all new taxa. In addition, a key to known species in Arthrobotrys is provided, and the inadequacies in the taxonomic study of nematode-trapping fungi are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Undiscovered Fungal Taxa and Novel Antifungal Agents)
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15 pages, 5322 KiB  
Article
Discovery of Three New Mucor Species Associated with Cricket Insects in Korea
by Thuong T. T. Nguyen and Hyang Burm Lee
J. Fungi 2022, 8(6), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8060601 - 3 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4127
Abstract
Species in the genus Mucor have a worldwide distribution and are isolated from various substrata and hosts, including soil, dung, freshwater, and fruits. However, their diversity from insects is still much too little explored. The aim of this study was to characterize three [...] Read more.
Species in the genus Mucor have a worldwide distribution and are isolated from various substrata and hosts, including soil, dung, freshwater, and fruits. However, their diversity from insects is still much too little explored. The aim of this study was to characterize three new species of Mucor: Mucor grylli sp. nov., M. hyangburmii sp. nov., and M. kunryangriensis sp. nov., discovered in Kunryang-ri, Cheongyang in the Chungnam Province of Korea, during an investigation of Mucorales from cricket insects. The new species are described using morphological characters and molecular data including ITS and LSU rDNA regions. Mucor grylli is characterized by the highly variable shape of its columellae, which are subglobose to oblong, obovoid, strawberry-shaped, and sometimes slightly or strongly constricted in the center. Mucor hyangburmii is characterized by the production of azygospores and growth at 40 °C. Mucor kunryangriensis is characterized by the variable shape of its columellae, which are elongated-conical, obovoid, cylindrical ellipsoid, cylindrical, and production of abundant yeast-like cells on PDA, MEA, and SMA media. Based on the sequence analysis of two genetic markers, our phylogenic assessment strongly supported M. grylli, M. hyangburmii, and M. kunryangriensis as new species. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic trees are provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Undiscovered Fungal Taxa and Novel Antifungal Agents)
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13 pages, 1929 KiB  
Article
A New Lichenized Fungus, Psoroglaena humidosilvae, from a Forested Wetland of Korea, with a Taxonomic Key to the Species of Psoroglaena
by Beeyoung Gun Lee and Jae-Seoun Hur
J. Fungi 2022, 8(4), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8040392 - 12 Apr 2022
Viewed by 1806
Abstract
Psoroglaena humidosilvae Lee is described as a new lichen species from a wetland forest in South Korea. The new species is distinct from P. stigonemoides (Orange) Henssen by little projections locally present on the thallus; smaller, paler, and globose perithecia; smaller asci; and [...] Read more.
Psoroglaena humidosilvae Lee is described as a new lichen species from a wetland forest in South Korea. The new species is distinct from P. stigonemoides (Orange) Henssen by little projections locally present on the thallus; smaller, paler, and globose perithecia; smaller asci; and smaller ascospores generally 3-septate. Molecular analyses employing internal transcribed spacer (ITS), mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU), and nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU) sequences strongly support P. humidosilvae as a nonidentical species in the genus Psoroglaena. A surrogate key is provided to assist in the identification of all 22 species of Psoroglaena. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Undiscovered Fungal Taxa and Novel Antifungal Agents)
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