Search Results (291)

The Fusarium genus includes some of the most economically and ecologically impactful fungal pathogens affecting global agriculture and human health. Over the past 15 years, rapid advances in molecular biology, genomics, and diagnostic technologies have reshaped our understanding of Fusarium taxonomy, host–pathogen dynamics, mycotoxin biosynthesis, and disease management. This review synthesizes key developments in these areas, focusing on agriculturally important Fusarium species complexes such as the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC), Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC), and a discussion on emerging lineages such as Neocosmospora. We explore recent shifts in species delimitation, functional genomics, and the molecular architecture of pathogenicity. In addition, we examine the global burden of Fusarium-induced mycotoxins by examining their prevalence in three of the world’s most widely consumed staple crops: maize, wheat, and rice. Last, we also evaluate contemporary management strategies, including molecular diagnostics, host resistance, and integrated disease control, positioning this review as a roadmap for future research and practical solutions in Fusarium-related disease and mycotoxin management. By weaving together morphological insights and cutting-edge multi-omics tools, this review captures the transition into a new era of Fusarium research where integrated, high-resolution approaches are transforming diagnosis, classification, and management. Full article

Leishmaniasis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, is one of the most neglected human diseases, affecting millions worldwide. A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern the outcome of macrophage–Leishmania interactions is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of leishmaniasis; however, our current knowledge of these mechanisms remains limited. It is clear that Leishmania has co-evolved to engage several clever strategies to regulate the cell biology of host macrophages to survive and multiply in phagolysosomes of these cells. In this review, we discuss how Leishmania exploits the macrophage Yin-Yang 1 protein as a critical proxy virulence factor to promote its survival. Additionally, we discuss an atlas of YY1-dependent proteins in human macrophages, which could serve as a valuable resource for researchers studying the role of YY1 in macrophage cell biology. Full article

Members of the genus Nemipterus are economically important fish species distributed in the tropical and subtropical Indo-West Pacific region. The majority of species in this genus inhabit waters with sandy–muddy substrates on the continental shelf, although different species are found at slightly varying water depths. In this study, we sequenced seven species within the genus Nemipterus after identifying the specimens using complementary morphological analysis and DNA barcoding. Each species yielded over 40,000,000 clean reads, totaling over 300,000,000 clean reads across the seven species. A total of 276,389 unigenes were obtained after de novo assembly and a total of 168,010 (60.79%) unigenes were annotated in the protein database. The comprehensive functional annotation based on the KOG, GO, and KEGG databases revealed that these unigenes are mainly associated with numerous physiological, metabolic, and molecular processes, and that the seven species exhibit similarity in these aspects. By constructing a phylogenetic tree and conducting divergence time analysis, we found that N. bathybius and N. virgatus diverged most recently, approximately during the Neogene Period (14.9 Mya). Compared with other species, N. bathybius and N. virgatus are distributed in deeper water layers. Therefore, we conducted selection pressure analysis using these two species as the foreground branches and identified several environmental-responsive genes. The results indicate that genes such as aqp1, arrdc3, ISP2, Hip, ndufa1, ndufa3, pcyt1a, ctsk, col6a2, casp2 exhibit faster evolutionary rates during long-term adaptation to deep-water environments. Specifically, these genes are considered to be associated with adaptation to aquatic osmoregulation, temperature fluctuations, and skeletal development. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the evolutionary biology and environmental adaptability of threadfin breams, contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of these species. Full article

This study describes the first complete chloroplast genome of Ranunculus cf. penicillatus and provides new insights into the genetic composition and evolutionary relationships of the Ranunculus genus. The genome was assembled and characterized using high-throughput sequencing technologies, revealing a circular structure encompassing 158,313 base pairs. Comparative analysis with the chloroplast genomes of related species within the Ranunculus genus highlights notable variations in structural organization, which can elucidate potential adaptive evolutionary mechanisms. Phylogenetic analyses conducted using the maximum likelihood approach resulted in the placement of Ranunculus cf. penicillatus within a well-defined clade, revealing its relationship with other taxa. This study not only enriches the existing plastid genomic data of the genus Ranunculus but also serves as an additional resource for future studies on the phylogenetics, systematics, and conservation biology of this diverse group of aquatic plants. The findings highlight the importance of complete chloroplast genomes in the Ranunculus section Batrachium, an evolutionarily young group of aquatic plants, for understanding plant diversity and evolution. The genome can be accessed on GenBank with the accession number PV690257. Full article

The filamentous fungal genus Aspergillus represents an industrially significant group of eukaryotic microorganisms. For nearly a century, it has been widely utilized in the production of diverse high-value products, including organic acids, industrial enzymes, recombinant proteins, and various bioactive natural compounds. With the rapid advancement of synthetic biology, Aspergillus has been extensively exploited as a heterologous chassis for the production of heterologous proteins (e.g., sweet proteins and antibodies) and the synthesis of natural products (e.g., terpenoids and polyketides) due to its distinct advantages, such as superior protein secretion capacity, robust precursor supply, and efficient eukaryotic post-translational modifications. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the advancements in the successful expression of heterologous proteins and the biosynthesis of natural products using Aspergillus platforms (including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nidulans, and Aspergillus oryzae) in recent years. Emphasis is placed on the applications of A. oryzae in the heterologous biosynthesis of terpenoids. More importantly, we thoroughly examine the current state of the art in utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 for genetic modifications in A. oryzae and A. niger. In addition, future perspectives on developing Aspergillus expression systems are discussed in this article, along with an exploration of their potential applications in natural product biosynthesis. Full article

Symbiotic bacteria play a pivotal role in the biology and ecology of herbivorous insects, affecting host growth and adaptation. However, the effects of host identity on the symbiotic microbiota of gall-inducing insects remain less explored. In this study, we utilized high-throughput sequencing to investigate the effects of different oak hosts on the structure and diversity of the symbiotic microbial community in the asexual larvae of the gall-inducing wasp Trichagalma acutissimae. Host plant species significantly altered the alpha and beta diversity of symbiotic microbiota of T. acutissimae. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria was the predominant microflora in both groups, with significantly higher abundance in larvae parasitizing Quercus acutissima than in those parasitizing Q. variabilis. Pseudomonas, which has been identified as responsible for tannin decomposition, was the most dominant genus in T. acutissimae larvae infesting both hosts. LEfSe analysis revealed substantial differences in the symbiotic microbial communities between the two hosts while also highlighting some commonalities. Functional prediction analysis indicated no significant difference in the functional roles of symbiotic bacteria between larvae infesting the two hosts. These findings suggest that the symbiotic microbiome of T. acutissimae larvae is influenced by host plant species, yet different microbial compositions may perform similar functions, implying the potential role of symbiotic microbiota in the adaptation to high-tannin oak leaves. This research enhances our understanding of the symbiotic relationship between forest pests and their associated microbes. Full article

Lyssaviruses are RNA viruses in the Family Rhabdoviridae, Genus Lyssavirus. They represent the causative agents of acute, progressive encephalitis, known historically as rabies. Regardless of specific etiology, their collective viral morphology, biochemistry, pathobiology, associated clinical signs, diagnosis, epizootiology, and management are essentially the same. Despite centuries of clinical recognition, these quintessential neurotropic agents remain significant pathogens today, with substantive consequences to agriculture, public health, and conservation biology. Notably, the singular morbidity caused by lyssaviruses is incurable and constitutes the highest case fatality of any viral disease. All warm-blooded vertebrates are believed to be susceptible. The dog is the only domestic animal that serves as a reservoir, vector, and victim. In contrast, felids are effective vectors, but not reservoirs. All other rabid domestic species, such as livestock, constitute spillover infections, as a bellwether to local lyssavirus activity. Frequently, professional confusion abounds among the veterinary community, because although the viral species Lyssavirus rabies is inarguably the best-known representative in the Genus, at least 20 other recognized or putative members of this monophyletic group are known. Frequently, this is simply overlooked. Moreover, often the ‘taxonomic etiology’ (i.e., ‘Lyssavirus x’) is mistakenly referenced in a biopolitcal context, instead of the obvious clinical illness (i.e., ‘rabies’). Global consternation persists, if localities believe they are ‘disease-free’, when documented lyssaviruses circulate or laboratory-based surveillance is inadequate to support such claims. Understandably, professional chagrin develops when individuals mistake the epidemiological terminology of control, prevention, elimination, etc. Management is not simple, given that the only licensed veterinary and human vaccines are against rabies virus, sensu lato. There are no adequate antiviral drugs for any lyssaviruses or cross-reactive biologics developed against more distantly related viral members. While representative taxa among the mammalian Orders Chiroptera, Carnivora, and Primates exemplify the major global reservoirs, which mammalian species are responsible for the perpetuation of other lyssaviruses remains a seemingly academic curiosity. This zoonosis is neglected. Clearly, with such underlying characteristics as a fundamental ‘disease of nature’, rabies, unlike smallpox and rinderpest, is not a candidate for eradication. With the worldwide zeal to drive human fatalities from canine rabies viruses to zero by the rapidly approaching year 2030, enhanced surveillance and greater introspection of the poorly appreciated burden posed by rabies virus and diverse other lyssaviruses may manifest as an epidemiological luxury to the overall global program of the future. Full article

Background: The genus Dugesia (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) includes a large diversity of free-living freshwater flatworms and is important for studies on regeneration and evolution. This study aims to describe a newly discovered asexual planarian species from southern China and explore its genetic characteristics and regenerative abilities. Methods: An integrative taxonomic analysis was conducted using morphology, karyology, histology, molecular phylogeny (18S, 28S, COI, mitogenome), and genome size estimation via flow cytometry. Regeneration was assessed by standardized amputations, and long-term asexual propagation was observed under laboratory conditions for three years. Results: Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear (18S, 28S rDNA) and mitochondrial (COI, mitogenome) markers confirmed that Dugesia cantonensis Guang Yang & Zhinan Yin, sp. nov. forms a distinct clade within Dugesia. Its 18,125 bp mitogenome contains 36 genes but lacks atp8. D. cantonensis displays a distinctive morphology, notably a pharynx located near the head. All body fragments regenerated into complete individuals within nine days. Remarkably, one individual produced ~10⁵ clonal descendants over three years via repeated amputation, maintaining stable regenerative ability and growth across generations. Karyological analysis revealed a diploid karyotype (2n = 16) consisting of eight chromosome pairs. The nuclear genome size was estimated at approximately 2.5 Gb using Danio rerio as an internal standard. Histological examination showed no detectable reproductive organs, confirming the species as an exclusively asexual lineage. Conclusions: D. cantonensis represents a new planarian strain with stable propagation and regeneration. These features make it a valuable resource for regenerative biology and comparative genomic studies. Full article

Studies on the gain or loss of nectar during the course of evolution in Dendrobium Sw. (Orchidaceae) are able to provide important information concerning the reproductive biology of this enormous orchid genus and highlight reproductive barriers—in particular, changes to compatibility. By employing a literature search on the compatibility system of Dendrobium, supplemented by new experimental data of 13 taxa investigated by means of microscopy, histochemistry, and phylogenetic analysis, we aimed to ascertain whether there is, in this genus, a relationship between self-compatibility (SC) and the presence of nectar. Nectariferous plant species are thought to be visited more frequently by pollinators, resulting in geitonogamy or selfing; therefore, the presence of nectar in some Dendrobium species may promote self-incompatibility (SI), whereas a lack of nectar may increase cross-pollination. Our investigations confirmed that the capacity for nectar secretion was gained and lost several times in this genus, and that similarly organized nectar spurs were present in all species investigated, regardless of their ability to produce nectar. SI, SC, and the presence or absence of nectar have all evolved independently, but, of the 42 taxa investigated whose status both relating to nectar presence and compatibility was known, nectar was more frequent in self-incompatible taxa. Full article

Free-living protozoa (FLP) can create biofilms in water supply systems and can harbor bacteria, which potentially can be pathogenic, such as Legionella spp. Each year there are more cases of legionellosis in Latvia, so this problem is actual: in 2019 there were 42 cases, but in 2024—88 cases. In this study, the investigated question of the coexistence of FLP and Legionella spp. and bacterial diversity in the drinking water supply systems of Riga, Salaspils, and Jurmala multiapartment buildings and hotels situated in Riga and Jurmala, identify the main FLP genus, and study factors associated with FLP and Legionella spp. occurrence. With microscopy, microbiological, and molecular biology methods, FLP and, specifically, free-living amoeba (FLA) were detected and identified, and Legionella spp. bacteria were isolated. Three FLP genera were identified, including Acanthamoeba, Vahlkampfia, and Hartmanella (Vermamoeba). In hot water, more FLP and Legionella co-existence occurrences were detected. In 64.7% of FLP-positive samples, Hartmanella (Vermamoeba) spp. was detected. Various potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as Coxiella, Leptospira, and Mycobacterium, were detected in the water sample DNA sequences. The average hot water temperature in Riga was lower than 50 °C, which is not enough to minimize the risk of the Legionella bacteria proliferation. The Shannon’s index values showed that bacterial diversity was higher in cold water samples, and the Pearson test showed that the correlation between building floor and Legionella quantity is positive. In this study, we also discovered that differences in bacterial diversity between water samples from two Daugava River banks’ water sources are not significant, but the biggest exception was a much higher percentage of Chaetonotida (hairybellies) in the left river bank samples. Noticeably, there are more Legionella and FLP-positive samples from the kitchen than from the apartment shower. Each hotel building from this study has its own similar bacterial diversity in its water supply system. Full article

The article presents integrative research of the perlodid genus Perlodinella in Qinghai Province, northwestern China. P. tatunga Wu, 1973 is considered a junior synonym of P. kozlovi Klapálek, 1912, with a further description of intraspecific morphological variability, while P. unimacula Klapálek, 1912 is considered to be nomen dubium. The COI barcodes of the three valid species in Qinghai, P. epiproctalis (Zwick, 1997), P. kozlovi Klapálek, 1912, and P. microlobata Wu, 1938 are firstly sequenced, enabling adult–larva matching and the analysis of genetic diversity. The larval morphology of P. kozlovi and P. microlobata is described for the first time. Additionally, the biology, ecological adaptability, and fungal infections of Perlodinella are firstly recorded with an environment-related comparison. The discussion of the origin and immigration of the genus is also provided. Full article

Antibiotic resistance to Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a major public health threat, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. The emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains complicates treatment options, requiring a deeper understanding of their genetic makeup and potential therapeutic targets. This research delineated an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae strain obtained from an ICU patient and telomeric temperate phage derived from hospital effluent. The bacteria showed strong resistance to multiple antibiotics, including penicillin (≥16 μg/mL), ceftriaxone (≥32 μg/mL), and meropenem (≥8 μg/mL), which was caused by SHV-11 beta-lactamase, NDM-1 carbapenemase, and porin mutations (OmpK37, MdtQ). The strain was categorized as K46 and O2a types and carried virulence genes involved in iron acquisition, adhesion, and immune evasion, as well as plasmids (IncHI1B_1_pNDM-MAR, IncFIB) and eleven prophage regions, reflecting its genetic adaptability and resistance dissemination. The 172,025 bp linear genome and 46.3% GC content of the N-15-like phage showed strong genomic similarities to phages of the Sugarlandvirus genus, especially those that infect K. pneumoniae. There were structural proteins (11.8%), DNA replication and repair enzymes (9.3%), and a toxin–antitoxin system (0.4%) encoded by the phage genome. A protelomerase and ParA/B partitioning proteins indicate that the phage is replicating and maintaining itself in a manner similar to the N15 phage, which is renowned for maintaining a linear plasmid prophage throughout lysogeny. Understanding the dynamics of antibiotic resistance and pathogen development requires knowledge of phages like this one, which are known for their temperate nature and their function in altering bacterial virulence and resistance profiles. The regulatory and structural proteins of the phage also provide a model for research into the biology of temperate phages and their effects on microbial communities. The importance of temperate phages in bacterial genomes and their function in the larger framework of microbial ecology and evolution is emphasized in this research. Full article

Cyclocybe chaxingu is an edible wood-decaying fungus widely cultivated in China, valued for its nutritional and economic significance. Despite its importance, molecular and genetic breeding studies on C. chaxingu have been limited by the lack of comprehensive genomic information. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing of the type strain JAUCC1847 of C. chaxingu for the first time and conducted extensive genomic and transcriptomic analyses. We assembled a high-quality genome of the C. chaxingu strain C27, with a total length of 50.79 Mb and a GC content of 50.90%. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a close evolutionary relationship with species from the genera Agrocybe and Stropharia, suggesting a recent common ancestor. The high ANI values between C. chaxingu, Agrocybe chaxingu, and Agrocybe cylindracea indicate a close phylogenetic relationship, raising the possibility of synonymy among these strains. Genome annotation identified a rich array of 573 carbohydrate-active enzymes, highlighting the metabolic diversity of C. chaxingu, particularly in lignocellulose degradation. Comprehensive analysis of the A and B mating-type locus in C. chaxingu revealed the distribution and structural characteristics of mating-type genes, providing crucial genetic information for further studies on the reproductive biology of this species. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct gene expression patterns in mycelia, stipe, and cap, reflecting their functional specialization. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses demonstrated the stipe’s association with structural integrity and transport, while the cap is linked to metabolic activity, gene regulation, stress responses, and DNA repair. These insights clarify the taxonomic status of C. chaxingu, supporting its recognition within the genus Cyclocybe and providing a valuable resource for future research and breeding programs. Full article

Fish are vital for material cycling and energy flow in aquatic ecosystems. The genus Triplophysa, with over 100 known species, is significant in the Central Asian highlands’ freshwater ecosystems. T. strauchii and T. tenuis, as representatives, occupy distinct ecological niches and face challenges from climate change and human activities. There is a lack of research on Triplophysa fishes’ digestive systems, especially comparative studies, so this research aims to fill this gap. In September 2024, 40 samples of T. strauchii were collected from Sayram Lake and 40 samples of T. tenuis were collected from the Muzat River in Xinjiang. After acclimation, morphological observations (measuring fish and digestive tract parameters) and histological analyses (paraffin sectioning, HE staining, and microscopy) were carried out. The data were sorted in Excel and analyzed with an independent samples t-test in SPSS 27.0. Morphologically, T. strauchii has an obtuse snout, terminal mouth, specific upper lip papillae, and an S-shaped intestine about (1.45 ± 0.11) times its body length, while T. tenuis has an arc-shaped subterminal mouth, fringed papillae, and a spiral-shaped intestine around (0.82 ± 0.09) times its body length. Both possess a digestive tract, glands, and a hepatopancreas attached to the mesentery. Histologically, a large number of club cells were found in the oropharyngeal cavities of both species; their secretions have an adhesive effect on food, aiding food selection. Their digestive systems vary in structure and cell composition: the oropharyngeal cavity has three layers; the esophagus has four layers with more goblet cells in T. strauchii; the stomach has three regions without goblet cells and a thicker muscular layer in T. strauchii; the intestinal wall has four layers with different villi and goblet cell distributions; the hepatopancreas has lobules; and T. strauchii has a typical portal area. In conclusion, this study systematically compared the gastrointestinal systems of T. strauchii and T. tenuis for the first time, revealing significant structural differences related to their niches and feeding patterns as adaptations to specific environments. It fills the research gap, provides a basis for exploring fish ecological adaptation and environmental impacts on digestion, offers new ideas for Triplophysa protection strategies, and guides fish evolutionary biology research and Triplophysa resource protection and utilization. Full article

The devastating tristeza epidemic swept through South American citrus groves in the 1930s and subsequently spread to most citrus-growing regions worldwide, causing varying degrees of damage and prompting significant changes in citrus cultivation practices. The causal agent of the disease, citrus tristeza virus (CTV), belongs to the genus Closterovirus in the family Closteroviridae. CTV virions are approximately two microns long and possess the largest known positive-strand RNA genome in plants, spanning 19.3 kb. The history of tristeza disease and CTV’s molecular biology and taxonomic relationships have been extensively reviewed in the scientific literature. This paper primarily focuses on the author’s personal experiences with tristeza disease and its causal agent over the past six decades. The journey began during a period when biological indexing was the primary diagnostic tool. It later progressed through the isolation of purified CTV particles, which served as a practical diagnostic tool for CTV suppression efforts in Israel during the 1970s. However, biological indexing was first replaced by electron microscopy, followed by ELISA procedures; both were eventually abandoned after it was discovered that many ELISA-positive infections were caused by symptomless CTV isolates, even on trees grafted onto sour orange rootstocks. In retrospect, my work on CTV can be categorized into three main phases. It began with the biological phase, inherited from earlier generations of citrus virologists, followed by the isolation and partial characterization of CTV virions, and culminated in the genomic era. While we live in an age of remarkable biotechnological achievements, my recommendation for future CTV research is to integrate both biological and genomic approaches rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive. This is particularly important for economically significant pathogens such as CTV, which should be studied continuously as both biological agents and molecular pathogens. Full article