Search Results (418)

The present study explores the treatment and valorization of carbon-rich, low-cost waste streams—sugar beet molasses, expired rice, and wheat cereal hydrolysates—as substrates for submerged shake-flask cultures of edible ascomycetes (Morchella elata AMRL 63, Tuber aestivum AMRL 364) and basidiomycetes (Lentinula edodes AMRL 126, Agaricus bisporus AMRL 209) within a circular bioeconomy framework. Cultures were conducted under different C/N ratios (20 and 50) with or without the addition of olive oil or its emulsion. Among the tested species, the ascomycetes M. elata AMRL 63 and T. aestivum AMRL 364 outperformed the basidiomycetes in biomass production and substrate utilization. Supplementation with olive oil or its emulsion enhanced mycelial growth and lipid accumulation, while a higher C/N ratio (50) favored exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesis. Lipid profiles were dominated by oleic (Δ⁹C18:1) and linoleic (Δ^9,12C18:2) acids, with greater unsaturation observed in C/N = 20 cultures. Volatile analysis revealed species-specific aroma signatures, including characteristic truffle and morel compounds. The results underscore the feasibility of using waste streams for sustainable mushroom cultivation. Full article

Pathogens causing candidiasis encompass a diverse group of ascomycetous yeasts that have become essential models for studying fungal adaptability, pathogenicity, and host–pathogen interactions. Although many candidiasis-promoting species exist as commensals within host microbiota, several have acquired virulence traits that enable opportunistic infections, positioning them as a leading cause of invasive fungal disease in humans. Deciphering the molecular and genetic determinants that underpin the biology of organisms responsible for candidiasis has long been a central objective in medical and molecular mycology. However, research progress has been constrained by intrinsic biological challenges, including noncanonical codon usage and the absence of a complete sexual cycle in diploid species, which have complicated traditional genetic manipulation. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing has overcome many of these limitations, providing a precise, efficient, and versatile framework for targeted genomic modification. This system has facilitated functional genomic studies ranging from single-gene deletions to high-throughput mutagenesis, yielding new insights into the mechanisms governing virulence, antifungal resistance, and stress adaptation. Since its initial application in Candida albicans, CRISPR-Cas9 technology has been refined and adapted for other clinically and industrially relevant species, including Nakaseomyces glabratus (formerly referred to as Candida glabrata), Candida parapsilosis, and Candida auris. The present work provides an overview of the evolution of genetic approaches employed in research directed against candidiasis-associated species, with a particular focus on the development and optimization of CRISPR-based systems. It highlights how recent advancements have improved the genetic tractability of these pathogens and outlines emerging opportunities for both fundamental and applied studies in fungal biology. Full article

Freshwater fungi remain insufficiently documented in the Mediterranean river systems despite their key roles in organic-matter turnover. Here, we surveyed filamentous fungi associated with submerged decaying plant debris in the Zújar River (Extremadura, southwestern Spain) using a culture-based approach combined with phenotypic characterization and multilocus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, rpb1, rpb2 and tef-1α). A total of 49 strains were isolated and identified, revealing a diverse assemblage of Ascomycota. Five taxa are described as new to science: Arachnopeziza torrehermosensis, Conioscypha clavatispora, Neoanungitea torrehermosensis, Ophioceras diversisporum and Polyscytalum submersum. Notably, Polyscytalum submersum represents the first record of the genus for the Iberian Peninsula, while Arachnopeziza torrehermosensis, Neoanungitea torrehermosensis and Ophioceras diversisporum constitute the first records of their respective genera for Spain (and Neoanungitea torrehermosensis also for Europe). In addition, phylogenetic evidence supports taxonomic refinements within the orders Magnaporthales and Conioscyphales, including the establishment of Protophioceras to accommodate Ophioceras sichuanense and the establishment of Protoconioscypha for two previously misclassified Conioscypha species. Overall, this first mycological report of submerged plant debris in the Zújar River substantially expands knowledge of freshwater fungal diversity in the region and provides a refined framework for the taxonomy of several lineages of aquatic-associated ascomycetes. Full article

Drought stress severely limits wheat growth, development and yield. Endophytic fungi play a crucial role in plant growth and drought resistance. In agricultural production, they hold significant application potential as biocontrol agents capable of mitigating drought-induced damage. However, the mechanisms underlying changes in endophytic fungal community structure under drought stress remain unclear. Our study employed amplicon sequencing to investigate the structure of endophytic fungal communities in wheat roots under different water treatments, comparing structural and functional changes between different treatments. Results revealed that drought stress led to the greatest accumulation of relative abundance in the phylum Ascomycota (86.4%). At the genus level, Stachybotrys (increase 994.2%), Fusarium (increase 94.6%) and Aspergillus (increase 295.6%) showed the most significant increases in relative abundance. Co-occurrence network and Sankey diagram analysis revealed that wheat roots formed a drought-specific endophytic fungal community centered around Stachybotrys, Fusarium and Aspergillus, which indirectly enhanced crop drought tolerance. Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for future agricultural strategies to improve crop drought resistance through precise regulation of microbial communities. Full article

Continuous cropping obstacle (CCO) is becoming a major restrictive factor limiting the sustainable development of morel industry. The species-specific autotoxicity of extracellular self-DNA (esDNA) may be one of the primary drivers underlying the occurrence of CCO. In this study, the effects of short fragments (≤250 bp) of esDNA or extracellular DNA (exDNA) on mycelial growth of cultivable Morchella eximia and M. sextelata were assayed. These effects were quantified using a response index (RI). The results indicated the dose-dependent, strain-specific, and conspecific autotoxicity of esDNA in cultivable morels. At ecologically relevant DNA concentrations, the strain-specific and conspecific growth inhibitory effects of esDNA in tested Morchella strains were consistently negative (RI < 0). Additionally, our study found that the growth-inhibitory effects of exDNA from M. sextelata on M. eximia strains were weaker than those observed in the reverse scenario. Taken together, our study suggests, for the first time, the conspecific autotoxicity of esDNA in cultivable Morchella under laboratory conditions, providing novel insights into the potential mechanisms of CCO and highlighting its prospective applications in morel production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fingernail onychomycosis differs etiologically and epidemiologically from toenail infections and is frequently complicated by colonization and mixed growth. Reliable interpretation of microscopy–culture correlations is essential for avoiding overdiagnosis and guiding therapy. This study aimed to characterize the diagnostic structure, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibility patterns of fingernail onychomycosis in a large routine-laboratory cohort, and to evaluate the performance of a five-tier operational classification integrating microscopy and semi-quantitative culture. Methods: Laboratory records from 1075 patients with clinically suspected fingernail onychomycosis (including nail and periungual samples) were analyzed retrospectively (2017–2024). Direct microscopy with calcofluor white, semi-quantitative culture, and MALDI-TOF MS identification were performed. Cases were categorized based on predefined criteria combining microscopic elements with colony quantity and purity. Species distribution, age–sex patterns, diagnostic concordance between microscopy and culture, and results of EUCAST broth microdilution testing for selected yeasts were assessed. Results: The overall proportion of mycologically positive cases was similar in women and men, although age-dependent patterns differed. Microscopic findings correlated with culture outcomes, with hyphae predicting dermatophytes, yeast cells predicting ascomycetous yeasts, and negative slides aligning with the absence of growth. Yeasts predominated (Candida parapsilosis 30.9%, C. albicans 18.5%), dermatophytes were mainly Trichophyton rubrum, and molds were uncommon. Periungual swabs showed species distributions closely matching those from nail samples and demonstrated high analytical concordance. EUCAST MICs revealed species-dependent variation, including elevated amorolfine MICs in C. parapsilosis and reduced fluconazole activity in Wickerhamomyces pararugosa. Conclusions: Fingernail onychomycosis in this cohort was predominantly yeast-associated, with predictable microscopy–culture relationships and distinct age–sex patterns. The five-tier operational framework improved classification of infection versus colonization, and is proposed as a preliminary tool requiring clinical validation, while contemporary MIC data highlighted clinically relevant interspecies differences. The absence of clinical correlation data (symptoms, severity, treatment history) remains the primary limitation, preventing definitive distinction between infection and colonization in all cases. Full article

The contamination of ecosystems with heavy metals necessitates the inspection of effective, eco-friendly bioremediation strategies over expensive conventional methods. This study examined the capacity of filamentous fungi to withstand and remove heavy metals under controlled laboratory conditions. Fungal isolates were obtained from tree bark and soil samples collected from Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) and Palakkad (Kerala), India. Preliminary examination revealed that Trichoderma viride PSGSS01, Purpureocillium lilacinum PSGSS05, and Aspergillus nidulans PSGSS08 are potential isolates for the bioremoval of heavy metals. Tolerance assays indicated that T. viride PSGSS01 displayed the greatest resistance, particularly to copper, with a tolerance index of 0.95. Biosorption experiments revealed notable Cu (II), Zn (II), and Co (II) removal efficiencies by T. viride, A. nidulans, and P. lilacinum, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs of metal-exposed mycelia showed pronounced structural alterations. The isolated native ascomycetes demonstrated a higher potential to remove heavy metals. These novel strains are strong candidates for mycoremediation of environments contaminated with multiple heavy metals, as they are not only sustainable but also reusable and can be subjected to the recovery of the metals. Full article

Itaconic acid (IA) is an important bio-based platform chemical produced via submerged fermentation by the filamentous Ascomycete Aspergillus terreus. In this study, we examined the impact of initial phosphate concentration on IA production from D-glucose and D-xylose in optimized, manganese-limited fermentations. Nine phosphate concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 4 g L⁻¹ were tested, and representative low (0.04 g L⁻¹), optimal (0.1 g L⁻¹), and high (0.8 g L⁻¹) conditions were analyzed in detail in controlled, 6 L scale bioreactors. Phosphate availability primarily influenced biomass formation and the biomass-to-product ratio rather than directly affecting IA accumulation. Both lower- and higher-than-optimal phosphate concentrations decreased the volumetric and specific IA yields, while the highest productivity was observed at 0.1 g L⁻¹. Expression of the aoxA gene, encoding the cyanide-resistant alternative oxidase (AOX), and AOX enzymatic activity were inversely correlated with extracellular phosphate concentration, consistent with a role in redox homeostasis under phosphate-limited conditions. In contrast, total respiration rates and pellet-type morphology remained unaffected. These findings indicate that phosphate acts mainly as a secondary modulator of IA fermentation performance through its influence on biomass formation, whereas other metabolic constraints play a more dominant role in controlling IA overflow in A. terreus. Full article

The lipid composition of the mycobint and photobiont symbiotic partners of lichenized ascomycetes varies greatly. The aim of this study was to compare the profile of the major sterols in two closely related lichens from the genus Lobaria with different photobionts. The three-component lichen Lobaria pulmonaria has two photobionts. While the main photobiont is the chlorophycean alga Symbiochloris reticulata, this lichen contains small amounts of the cyanobacterium Nostoc. By contrast, the cyanobacterium Nostoc is the main photobiont in Lobaria retigera. Relatively loosely bound sterols were extracted using a chloroform–methanol mixture, and subsequently, more tightly bound sterols by alkaline saponification. The initial chloroform–methanol extraction step indicated that ergosterol is the principal sterol in both species, with phytosterols constituting a minor fraction. However, the addition of an alkaline saponification step to the standard protocol of sterol extraction greatly increases the release of tightly bound phytosterols, such as campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol from L. pulmonaria, but not from L. retigera. Therefore, the mycobionts and Nostoc mainly possess sterols extractable by the standard mixture of chloroform/methanol, while the chlorophycean algal photobiont contains tightly bound sterols. This observation could be important when studying the roles of sterols in the stress tolerance of lichens. Full article

Fungal communities inhabiting leaves are key players in ecosystem processes but remain largely unexplored in Southern Hemisphere temperate forests. We characterized the foliar mycobiota of Nothofagus pumilio, a dominant deciduous tree in Patagonian forests, using ITS1 metabarcoding across seasons and tree health conditions. We detected 426 fungal taxa, including a 40-Amplicon Sequence Variant (ASV) core mycobiome persisting year-round. Fungal richness and biomass increased significantly in autumn, coinciding with leaf senescence, and community composition shifted markedly between seasons. Spring leaves were enriched in pathogens and basidiomycetous yeasts, while autumn leaves hosted more saprotrophs, ascomycetous yeasts, and lichen-associated fungi. Tree health had limited influence on overall community structure, but symptomatic trees showed higher ASV richness and specific indicator taxa, including the pathogen Trichosporiella multisporum and members of the Taphrinaceae and Saccotheciaceae families. Despite taxonomic turnover, ecological guilds remained relatively stable, suggesting functional redundancy. These findings reveal a seasonal successional trajectory in the foliar mycobiota of N. pumilio, from early-colonizing endophytes in spring to diverse decomposer assemblages in autumn. This study provides the first high-throughput insight into the structure and dynamics of foliar fungal communities in Southern Hemisphere temperate forests, offering a baseline for understanding microbial roles in forest health and resilience. Full article

Betalains are nitrogen-containing pigments found only in Caryophyllales plants and a few Basidiomycetes; no Ascomycota species have been found to contain them. Here, global untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the violet pigment generated by the ascomycete Aspergillus sydowii H-1 under standard conditions of cultivation contains six distinct betalains compounds. Genetic analysis revealed tyrosinase (AsTYRs) and DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase (AsDODA1) as key enzymes essential for the synthesis of both the violet pigment and betalains. In addition, AsTYRs and AsDODA1 were found to regulate hyphal development and branching, mycelial pellet compactness, redox homeostasis, and stress responses, all of which had a significant impact on A. sydowii H-1 secondary metabolism. Crucially, two MYB transcription factors, AsMYB1 and AsMYB3, were identified to be negative regulators of violet pigment synthesis. Deletion of AsMYB1 or AsMYB3 boosted pigment yield by 6.7 and 7.3 times, respectively, and increased betalain accumulation, whereas overexpressing them completely eliminated pigment production. Yeast one-hybrid assays and luciferase reporter assays revealed AsMYB1 and AsMYB3 directly bind to the promoters of AsTYR1 and AsTYR2 to suppress the synthesis of betalains and the violet pigment. Our study reported the first betalain-producing ascomycete species and elucidated the molecular basis of its pigment regulation, providing valuable insights for the microbial synthesis of natural colorants. Full article

The ascomycetous fungus, Zarea fungicola (syn. Lecanicillium fungicola), is the most common fungal pathogen of the white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the timing and concentration of spore inoculation on the development of dry bubble disease, its progression, and the yield of mushrooms. Experiments included two factors: inoculation timing (at casing, three days after casing (4th day), onset of induction (7th day), primordia formation (12th day), and mixing spores with casing soil) and different inoculum concentrations (10⁵ m⁻², 10⁶ m⁻², and 10⁷ m⁻² casing). The first symptoms of dry bubble appeared at the beginning of the first flush (14–16 days of cultivation) in trials where spore inoculum was applied three days after casing and during the induction phase. In contrast, the longest disease latent period (26–28 days) occurred when spores were mixed with the casing soil. A significant interaction was observed between inoculation timing and spore concentration, which influenced disease incidence and yield. Area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) analysis indicated the fastest disease progression following inoculation three days after casing (4th day) and at induction phase (7th day). Correspondingly, the highest reductions in yield and biological efficiency were observed at these inoculation timings. In addition, an increase in conidial concentration generally led to more severe disease symptoms. The results indicate that the period from casing application up to the induction phase requires strict hygiene measures, as infection during this time causes the most significant reduction in yields. Furthermore, the stage of mushroom development and inoculum concentration critically determines the severity of dry bubble, providing important guidance for disease management in white button mushroom cultivation. Full article

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

Noccaea species (formerly Thlaspi) are Brassicaceae plants renowned for their capacity to hyperaccumulate zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni), which has made them model systems in studies of metal tolerance, phytoremediation, and plant adaptation to extreme environments. While their physiological and genetic responses to metal stress are relatively well characterised, the extent to which these traits influence microbiome composition and function remains largely unexplored. These species possess compact genomes shaped by ancient whole-genome duplications and rearrangements, and such genomic traits may influence microbial recruitment through changes in secondary metabolism, elemental composition, and tissue architecture. Here, we synthesise the current findings on how genome size, metal hyperaccumulation, structural adaptations, and glucosinolate diversity affect microbial communities in Noccaea roots and leaves. We review evidence from bioimaging, molecular profiling, and physiological studies, highlighting interactions with bacteria and fungi adapted to metalliferous soils. At present, the leaf microbiome of Noccaea species remains underexplored. Analyses of root microbiome, however, reveal a consistent taxonomic core dominated by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria among bacterial communities and Ascomycetes, predominantly Dothideomycetes and Leotiomycetes among fungi. Collectively, these findings suggest that metal-adapted microbes provide several plant-beneficial functions, including metal detoxification, nutrient cycling, growth promotion, and enhanced metal extraction in association with dark septate endophytes. By contrast, the status of mycorrhizal associations in Noccaea remains debated and unresolved, although evidence points to functional colonisation by selected fungal taxa. These insights indicate that multiple plant traits interact to shape microbiome assembly and activity in Noccaea species. Understanding these dynamics offers new perspectives on plant–microbe co-adaptation, ecological resilience, and the optimisation of microbiome-assisted strategies for sustainable phytoremediation. Full article

Petroleum-contaminated soils are a major environmental concern worldwide. In Ecuador, extensive oil spills in the Amazon have led to widespread hydrocarbon pollution, threatening ecosystems and posing health risks to nearby communities. Conventional remediation techniques are resource-intensive and may render soil unsuitable for future use. In contrast, mycoremediation—using fungi to degrade toxic contaminants—offers a sustainable alternative. White-rot fungi, known for their ligninolytic enzyme systems such as laccases and peroxidases, are capable of degrading a wide range of organic pollutants, including petroleum hydrocarbons. This study assessed the enzymatic activity of 16 fungal strains from the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota isolated in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Plate-based screening and quantitative laccase activity assays confirmed positive enzymatic activity in all strains. The five strains with the highest enzymatic activity were Ganoderma cf. parvulum QCAM7791, Trametes menziesii QCAM7783, Trametes menziesii QCAM7788, Trametes menziesii QCAM7790, and Trametes meyenii QCAM7785, which were selected for a 60-day soil microcosm experiment under controlled laboratory conditions. These strains removed over 96% of total petroleum hydrocarbons from contaminated soil, demonstrating high biodegradation efficiency. These results highlight the promise of native fungal strains as bioremediation agents for petroleum-contaminated soils. Further studies should focus on evaluating their performance under field conditions and their potential integration into large-scale remediation strategies. Full article