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Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD 2023Aureobasidium pullulans (black yeast) AFO-202 strain-produced beta glucan, Nichi Glucan, has been shown to improve the behavior and sleep pattern along with an increase... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Aureobasidium pullulans (black yeast) AFO-202 strain-produced beta glucan, Nichi Glucan, has been shown to improve the behavior and sleep pattern along with an increase in α-synuclein and melatonin in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
OBJECTIVE
In this randomized pilot clinical study, we have evaluated the gut microbiota of subjects with ASD after consumption of Nichi Glucan.
METHODS
Eighteen subjects with ASD were randomly allocated: six subjects in the control group (Group 1): conventional treatment comprising remedial behavioral therapies and L-carnosine 500 mg per day, and 12 subjects (Group 2) underwent supplementation with Nichi Glucan 0.5 g twice daily along with the conventional treatment for 90 days.
RESULTS
Whole genome metagenome (WGM) sequencing of the stool samples at baseline and after intervention showed that among genera of relevance, the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae was decreased almost to zero in Group 2 after intervention, whereas it increased from 0.36% to 0.85% in Group 1. The abundance of Bacteroides increased in Group 1, whereas it decreased in Group 2. The abundance of Prevotella increased while the abundance of Lactobacillus decreased in both Group 1 and Group 2. Among species, a decrease was seen in Escherichia coli, Akkermansia muciniphila CAG:154, Blautia spp., Coprobacillus sp., and Clostridium bolteae CAG:59, with an increase of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Prevotella copri, which are both beneficial.
CONCLUSION
AFO-202 beta 1,3-1,6 glucan, in addition to balancing the gut microbiome in children with ASD and its role in effective control of curli-producing Enterobacteriaceae that leads to α-synuclein misfolding and accumulation, may have a prophylactic role in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases as well.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; alpha-Synuclein; Glucans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Neurodegenerative Diseases
PubMed: 36093695
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-220388 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Apr 2021More than 30,000 tons of menthol are produced every year as a flavor and fragrance compound or as a medical component. So far, only extraction from plant material and...
More than 30,000 tons of menthol are produced every year as a flavor and fragrance compound or as a medical component. So far, only extraction from plant material and chemical synthesis are possible. An alternative approach for menthol production could be a biotechnological-chemical process with ideally only two conversion steps, starting from (+)-limonene, which is a side product of the citrus processing industry. The first step requires a limonene-3-hydroxylase (L3H) activity that specifically catalyzes hydroxylation of limonene at carbon atom 3. Several protein engineering strategies have already attempted to create limonene-3-hydroxylases from bacterial cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs, or P450s), which can be efficiently expressed in bacterial hosts. However, their regiospecificity is rather low compared to that of the highly selective L3H enzymes from the biosynthetic pathway for menthol in species. The only naturally occurring limonene-3-hydroxylase activity identified in microorganisms so far was reported for a strain of the black yeast-like fungus sp. in South Africa. We have discovered additional fungi that can catalyze the intended reaction and identified potential CYP-encoding genes within the genome sequence of one of the strains. Using heterologous gene expression and biotransformation experiments in yeasts, we were able to identify limonene-3-hydroxylases from and Further characterization of the enzyme demonstrated its high stereospecificity and regioselectivity, its potential for limonene-based menthol production, and its additional ability to convert α- and β-pinene to verbenol and pinocarveol, respectively. (-)-Menthol is an important flavor and fragrance compound and furthermore has medicinal uses. To realize a two-step synthesis starting from renewable (+)-limonene, a regioselective limonene-3-hydroxylase enzyme is necessary. We identified enzymes from two different fungi which catalyze this hydroxylation reaction and represent an important module for the development of a biotechnological process for (-)-menthol production from renewable (+)-limonene.
Topics: Ascomycota; Aureobasidium; Biotransformation; Catalysis; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Fungal Proteins; Hydroxylation; Industrial Microbiology; Limonene; Menthol
PubMed: 33637576
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.02873-20 -
Research in Microbiology 2021Aureobasidium pullulans is a yeast-like fungus that produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with antifungal properties. VOCs have the potential to trigger the...
Aureobasidium pullulans is a yeast-like fungus that produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with antifungal properties. VOCs have the potential to trigger the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and electrolyte loss in microorganisms. The relationship among A. pullulans VOCs, induced ROS accumulation and electrolyte leakage was investigated in Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata in vitro. Exposure to a mixture of A. pullulans VOCs: ethanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-phenylethanol, resulted in electrolyte leakage in both B. cinerea and A. alternata. Fluorescence microscopy using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate indicated triggered ROS accumulation in exposed fungal mycelia and the presence of the superoxide radical was evident by intense red fluorescence with dihydroethidium. Partial inhibition of enzymes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I of B. cinerea and A. alternata by pre-treatment with rotenone reduced ROS accumulation in hypha exposed to A. pullulans VOCs and reversed the VOCs inhibition of fungal growth. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that B. cinerea and A. alternata hypha exposed to A. pullulans VOCs had altered cell wall structures. Our findings give insights into the potential mechanisms involved in the antifungal properties of A. pullulans in the suppression of B. cinerea and A. alternata growth in vitro.
Topics: Alternaria; Antifungal Agents; Aureobasidium; Biological Control Agents; Botrytis; Cell Wall; Electrolytes; Electron Transport; Lipid Peroxidation; Mitochondria; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed: 33049328
DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2020.10.003 -
Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences 2021is a black fungus that can adapt to various stressful conditions like hypersaline, acidic, and alkaline environments. The genome of exhibits three genes coding for...
is a black fungus that can adapt to various stressful conditions like hypersaline, acidic, and alkaline environments. The genome of exhibits three genes coding for putative opsins ApOps1, ApOps2, and ApOps3. We heterologously expressed these genes in mammalian cells and oocytes. Localization in the plasma membrane was greatly improved by introducing additional membrane trafficking signals at the N-terminus and the C-terminus. In patch-clamp and two-electrode-voltage clamp experiments, all three proteins showed proton pump activity with maximal activity in green light. Among them, ApOps2 exhibited the most pronounced proton pump activity with current amplitudes occasionally extending 10 pA/pF at 0 mV. Proton pump activity was further supported in the presence of extracellular weak organic acids. Furthermore, we used site-directed mutagenesis to reshape protein functions and thereby implemented light-gated proton channels. We discuss the difference to other well-known proton pumps and the potential of these rhodopsins for optogenetic applications.
PubMed: 34790700
DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.750528 -
Mycoses Sep 2019Aureobasidium pullulans and A. melanogenum are black-yeast-like surface colonisers and are commonly encountered as contaminants in the hospital. The species are able to... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Aureobasidium pullulans and A. melanogenum are black-yeast-like surface colonisers and are commonly encountered as contaminants in the hospital. The species are able to produce melanin which play a role in protection against environmental stress and irradiation. Aureobasidium melanogenum shows higher frequency in opportunistic infections compared to A. pullulans. Comparative pathogenicity of opportunistic black yeasts between Aureobasidium pullulans and A. melanogenum to explain the observed differences in frequency in infection. Degrees of melanisation and thermotolerance were measured, and virulence of strains from different sources was examined in Galleria mellonela and murine infection models. Aureobasidium melanogenum responds with increased melanisation to temperature stress and generally survives at 37°C, A. pullulans on average scored less on these parameters. In the murine model, differences between species were not significant, but the melanised A. melanogenum group showed the highest virulence. This result was not reproducible in Galleria mellonella larvae at 25°C. The A. melanogenum black group showed higher pathogenicity in murine model, indicating that the combination of melanisation and thermotolerance rather than species affiliation is instrumental. Galleria larvae did not survive very well at 37°C, and hence, this model is judged insufficient to detect the small virulence differences observed in Aureobasidium.
Topics: Animals; Ascomycota; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Larva; Melanins; Mice; Moths; Mycoses; Opportunistic Infections; Thermotolerance; Virulence
PubMed: 31107996
DOI: 10.1111/myc.12931 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Sep 2019The fungi Aureobasidium pullulans, Mortierella humilis, Trichoderma harzianum and Phoma glomerata were used to investigate the formation of selenium- and...
The fungi Aureobasidium pullulans, Mortierella humilis, Trichoderma harzianum and Phoma glomerata were used to investigate the formation of selenium- and tellurium-containing nanoparticles during growth on selenium- and tellurium-containing media. Most organisms were able to grow on both selenium- and tellurium-containing media at concentrations of 1 mM resulting in extensive precipitation of elemental selenium and tellurium on fungal surfaces as observed by the red and black colour changes. Red or black deposits were confirmed as elemental selenium and tellurium, respectively. Selenium oxide and tellurium oxide were also found after growth of Trichoderma harzianum with 1 mM selenite and tellurite as well as the formation of elemental selenium and tellurium. The hyphal matrix provided nucleation sites for metalloid deposition with extracellular protein and extracellular polymeric substances localizing the resultant Se or Te nanoparticles. These findings are relevant to remedial treatments for selenium and tellurium and to novel approaches for selenium and tellurium biorecovery.
Topics: Biodegradation, Environmental; Fungi; Nanoparticles; Oxidation-Reduction; Selenium; Selenium Compounds; Tellurium
PubMed: 31324941
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09995-6 -
Polymers Sep 2023Melanin as a natural polymer is found in all living organisms, and plays an important role in protecting the body from harmful UV rays from the sun. The efficiency of...
A Comparative Study of Cr(VI) Sorption by AKW Biomass and Its Extracellular Melanin: Complementary Modeling with Equilibrium Isotherms, Kinetic Studies, and Decision Tree Modeling.
Melanin as a natural polymer is found in all living organisms, and plays an important role in protecting the body from harmful UV rays from the sun. The efficiency of fungal biomass () and its extracellular melanin as Cr(VI) biosorbents was comparatively considered. The efficiency of Cr(VI) biosorption by the two sorbents used was augmented up to 240 min. The maximum sorption capacities were 485.747 (fungus biomass) and 595.974 (melanin) mg/g. The practical data were merely fitted to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The kinetics of the biosorption process obeyed the pseudo-first-order. Melanin was superior in Cr(VI) sorption than fungal biomass. Furthermore, four independent variables (contact time, initial concentration of Cr(VI), biosorbent dosage, and pH,) were modeled by the two decision trees (DTs). Conversely, to equilibrium isotherms and kinetic studies, DT of fungal biomass had lower errors compared to DT of melanin. Lately, the DTs improved the efficacy of the Cr(VI) removal process, thus introducing complementary and alternative solutions to equilibrium isotherms and kinetic studies. The Cr(VI) biosorption onto the biosorbents was confirmed and elucidated through FTIR, SEM, and EDX investigations. Conclusively, this is the first report study attaining the biosorption of Cr(VI) by biomass of . and its extracellular melanin among equilibrium isotherms, kinetic study, and algorithmic decision tree modeling.
PubMed: 37765609
DOI: 10.3390/polym15183754 -
Microorganisms Mar 2022Olive anthracnose, mainly caused by , is considered a key biotic constraint of the olive crop worldwide. This work aimed to evaluate the ability of the endophytes and...
Olive anthracnose, mainly caused by , is considered a key biotic constraint of the olive crop worldwide. This work aimed to evaluate the ability of the endophytes and isolated from olive trees to reduce growth and anthracnose symptoms, and to assess -mediated changes in olive fruit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their consequences on anthracnose development. Among the endophytes tested, only significantly reduced the incidence (up to 10-fold) and severity (up to 35-fold) of anthracnose in detached fruits, as well as the growth (up to 1.3-fold), sporulation (up to 5.9-fold) and germination (up to 3.5-fold) of in dual culture assays. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of olives inoculated with + and controls (olives inoculated with , or Tween) led to the identification of 37 VOCs, with alcohols being the most diversified and abundant class. The volatile profile of + revealed qualitative and quantitative differences from the controls and varied over the time course of microbial interactions. The most significant differences among treatments were observed at a maximal reduction in anthracnose development. At this stage, a set of VOCs, particularly Z-3-hexen-1-ol, benzyl alcohol and nonanal, were highly positively correlated with the + treatment, suggesting they play a critical role in anthracnose reduction. 6-Methyl-5-hepten-2-one and 2-nonanone were positively associated with the treatment and thus likely have a role in pathogen infection.
PubMed: 35336146
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030571 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023The Korean fir tree , an endangered species in Korea, faces threats primarily from climate change-induced stress and drought. This study proposed a sustainable method to...
The Korean fir tree , an endangered species in Korea, faces threats primarily from climate change-induced stress and drought. This study proposed a sustainable method to enhance drought tolerance using a black yeast-like fungus identified as (AK10). The 16S/ITS metabarcoding analysis assessed the impact of drought and AK10 treatment on the seedlings' rhizosphere microbiome. Results revealed a profound drought influence on the microbiome, particularly affecting fungal mycobiota. Drought-stressed seedlings exhibited elevated Agaricaceae levels, opportunistic fungi generally associated with decomposition. AK10 treatment significantly mitigated this proliferation and increased the relative abundance of beneficial fungi like and , known biocontrol agents and phosphate solubilizers. A notable reduction in the phytopathogenic levels was observed with AK10, alongside an increase in beneficial bacteria, including and . Furthermore, the conducted correlation analysis shed light on microbial interrelationships within the rhizosphere, elucidating potential co-associations and antagonisms. Taken together, the isolated AK10 identified in this study serves as a potential biostimulant, enhancing the drought tolerance in through beneficial alterations in the rhizosphere microbiome. This approach presents a promising strategy for the conservation of this endangered species.
PubMed: 37896116
DOI: 10.3390/plants12203653 -
Current Biology : CB Oct 2019Fungi have been found in every marine habitat that has been explored; however, the diversity and functions of fungi in the ocean are poorly understood. In this study,...
Fungi have been found in every marine habitat that has been explored; however, the diversity and functions of fungi in the ocean are poorly understood. In this study, fungi were cultured from the marine environment in the vicinity of Woods Hole, MA, USA, including from plankton, sponge, and coral. Our sampling resulted in 35 unique species across 20 genera. We observed many isolates by time-lapse, differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy and analyzed modes of growth and division. Several black yeasts displayed highly unconventional cell division cycles compared to those of traditional model yeast systems. Black yeasts have been found in habitats inhospitable to other life and are known for halotolerance, virulence, and stress resistance. We find that this group of yeasts also shows remarkable plasticity in terms of cell size control, modes of cell division, and cell polarity. Unexpected behaviors include division through a combination of fission and budding, production of multiple simultaneous buds, and cell division by sequential orthogonal septations. These marine-derived yeasts reveal alternative mechanisms for cell division cycles that seem likely to expand the repertoire of rules established from classic model system yeasts.
Topics: Atlantic Ocean; Cell Division; Massachusetts; Yeasts
PubMed: 31607535
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.08.050