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Environmental Research Jul 2023Chloroacetamide herbicides are widely used around the world due to their high efficiency, resulting in increasing levels of their residues in the environment. Residual...
Chloroacetamide herbicides are widely used around the world due to their high efficiency, resulting in increasing levels of their residues in the environment. Residual chloroacetamides and their metabolites have been frequently detected in soil, water and organisms and shown to have toxic effects on non-target organisms, posing a serious threat to the ecosystem. As such, rapid and efficient techniques that eliminate chloroacetamide residues from the ecosystem are urgently needed. Degradation of these herbicides in the environment mainly occurs through microbial metabolism. Microbial strains such as Acinetobacter baumannii DT, Bacillus altitudinis A16, Pseudomonas aeruginosa JD115, Sphingobium baderi DE-13, Catellibacterium caeni DCA-1, Stenotrophomonas acidaminiphila JS-1, Klebsiella variicola B2, and Paecilomyces marquandii can effectively degrade chloroacetamide herbicides. The degradation pathway of chloroacetamide herbicides in aerobic bacteria is mainly initiated by an N/C-dealkylation reaction, followed by aromatic ring hydroxylation and cleavage processes, whereas dechlorination is the initial reaction in anaerobic bacteria. The molecular mechanisms associated with bacterial degradation of chloroacetamide herbicides have been explored, with amidase, hydrolase, reductase, ferredoxin and cytochrome P450 oxygenase currently known to play a pivotal role in the catabolic pathways of chloroacetamides. The fungal pathway for the degradation of these herbicides is more complex with more diversified products, and the degradation enzymes and genes involved remain to be discovered. However, there are few reviews specifically summarizing the microbial degrading species and biochemical mechanisms of chloroacetamide herbicides. Here, we briefly summarize the latest progress resulting from research on microbial strain resources and enzymes involved in degradation of these herbicides and their corresponding genes. Furthermore, we explore the biochemical pathways and molecular mechanisms for biodegradation of chloroacetamide herbicides in depth, thereby providing a reference for further research on the bioremediation of such herbicides.
Topics: Herbicides; Biodegradation, Environmental; Ecosystem; Metabolic Networks and Pathways
PubMed: 37062473
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115918 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Apr 2023Transposable elements in eukaryotic organisms have historically been considered "selfish," at best conferring indirect benefits to their host organisms. The are a...
Transposable elements in eukaryotic organisms have historically been considered "selfish," at best conferring indirect benefits to their host organisms. The are a recently discovered feature in fungal genomes that are, in some cases, predicted to confer beneficial traits to their hosts and also have hallmarks of being transposable elements. Here, we provide experimental evidence that are indeed autonomous transposons, using the model , and identify the HhpA "Captain" tyrosine recombinase as essential for their mobilization into genomic sites with a specific target site consensus sequence. Furthermore, we identify multiple recent horizontal gene transfers of , implying that they jump between species. Fungal genomes have mechanisms to defend against mobile elements, which are frequently detrimental to the host. We discover that are also vulnerable to repeat-induced point mutation defense, thereby having implications on the evolutionary stability of such elements.
Topics: DNA Transposable Elements; Eukaryota; Gene Transfer, Horizontal; Recombinases; Tyrosine; Evolution, Molecular
PubMed: 37023132
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214521120 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2023The main objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of f. , , , and as biological control agents (BCAs) against diseases caused by and in pepper. For this...
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of f. , , , and as biological control agents (BCAs) against diseases caused by and in pepper. For this purpose, their antagonistic activities were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. We analysed the expression patterns of five defence related genes, , , , , and , in leaves. All BCAs showed a high in vitro antagonistic activity, significantly reducing the mycelial growth of and . The treatments with f. , , and substantially reduced the severity of the disease caused by by 54, 76, and 70%, respectively, and of the disease caused by by 66, 55, and 64%, respectively. had the lowest values of disease reduction. Reinoculation with the four BCAs increased the control of both plant pathogens. Markedly different expression patterns were observed in the genes , , and . Based on the results, all four BCAs under study could be used as a biological alternative to chemicals for the control of and in pepper with a high success rate.
PubMed: 36983528
DOI: 10.3390/jof9030360 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023Whole genome sequencing is rapidly increasing phylogenetic resolution across many groups of fungi. To improve sequencing coverage in the genus (), we report nine new...
Whole genome sequencing is rapidly increasing phylogenetic resolution across many groups of fungi. To improve sequencing coverage in the genus (), we report nine new genomes representing five different species. Phylogenetic comparison between these genomes and those reported previously showed that is a distinct species from its close relative . The independence of is supported by analysis of overall gene identify (via BLAST), differences in secondary metabolism and an inability to form ascomata when paired with a fertile strain of opposite mating type. Furthermore, whole genome sequencing resolves the clade into three separate species, one of which lacked a valid name that is now provided.
PubMed: 36983453
DOI: 10.3390/jof9030285 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2023Abiotic stress is one of the major constraints which restrain plant growth and productivity by disrupting physiological processes and stifling defense mechanisms....
Abiotic stress is one of the major constraints which restrain plant growth and productivity by disrupting physiological processes and stifling defense mechanisms. Hence, the present work aimed to evaluate the sustainability of bio-priming salt tolerant endophytes for improving plant salt tolerance. and - were obtained and cultured on PDA medium containing different concentrations of NaCl. The highest salt (500 mM) tolerant fungal colonies were selected and purified. at 61.3 × 10 conidia/ml and at about 64.9 × 10 conidia/ml of colony forming unit (CFU) were used for priming wheat and mung bean seeds. Twenty- days-old primed and unprimed seedlings of wheat and mung bean were subjected to NaCl treatments at 100 and 200 mM. Results indicate that both endophytes sustain salt resistance in crops, however significantly increased the growth (141 to 209%) and chlorophyll content (81 to 189%), over unprimed control under extreme salinity. Moreover, the reduced levels (22 to 58%) of oxidative stress markers (HO and MDA) corresponded with the increased antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities (141 and 110%). Photochemical attributes like quantum yield (F/F) (14 to 32%) and performance index (PI) (73 to 94%) were also enhanced in bio-primed plants in comparison to control under stress. In addition, the energy loss (DI/RC) was considerably less (31 to 46%), corresponding with lower damage at PS II level in primed plants. Also, the increase in I and P steps of OJIP curve in and primed plants showed the availability of more active reaction centers (RC) at PS II under salt stress in comparison to unprimed control plants. Infrared thermographic images also showed that bio-primed plants were resistant to salt stress. Hence, it is concluded that the use of bio-priming with salt tolerant endophytes specifically can be an effective approach to mitigate the salt stress cosnequences and develop a potential salt resistance in crop plants.
PubMed: 36968419
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1082480 -
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology Apr 2023Tobacco mosaic disease is a worldwide viral disease that can cause huge economic losses. Plant immune inducers have become the main force in the prevention and treatment...
Tobacco mosaic disease is a worldwide viral disease that can cause huge economic losses. Plant immune inducers have become the main force in the prevention and treatment of viral disease own to their high efficiency and rapid effect. However, since tobacco mosaic disease can occur at any point in the plant growth cycle, a single application period cannot guarantee the completely management. In this study, an extract from Paecilomyces variotii named ZhiNengCong (ZNC), which can fight against tobacco mosaic disease with 65% control effect, and improve the promotion of tobacco stem girth, was selected from five commercial antiviral medicines, and a sustained release sodium alginate (Alg)-based ZNC (ZNC@Alg) was prepared by physical absorption. ZNC@Alg, who contains only 5 mg/mL ZNC, can release ZNC for 7 consecutive days, and displayed an enhanced effect in inducing the PAL-mediated salicylic acid signaling pathway activation to participate in the inhibition of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged tobacco mosaic virus (TMV-GFP) infection, even after 7 days of the application. Notably, field experiments showed that the control effect of ZNC@Alg was up to 88%, which was significantly better than that of ZNC with the same concentration (10 μg per plant). In addition, ZNC@Alg exhibited a stronger growth-promoting effect than ZNC, which significantly increased the wet weight of tobacco. Taken together, we screened out a plant immune inducer ZNC that can effectively inhibit tobacco virus disease, and created ZNC@Alg with higher control effect and growth promotion effect, laying a foundation for effective field management of tobacco mosaic disease.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Alginates; Plant Diseases; Nicotiana; Tobacco Mosaic Virus; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 36963942
DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105373 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Mar 2023The exopolysaccharide (EPS) form Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213 possessed immunomodulatory activity in vitro, but whether it could regulate the immune system and...
The exopolysaccharide (EPS) form Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213 possessed immunomodulatory activity in vitro, but whether it could regulate the immune system and intestinal microbiota in vivo remained unknown. In this study, the cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressive mouse model was established to explore the immunomodulatory activity of EPS. Results showed that EPS could increase the immune organ indices, promote the secretion of serum immunoglobulins and up-regulate the expression of cytokines. Additionally, EPS could repair CTX-induced intestinal injury by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins and promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids. Moreover, EPS could remarkably enhance immunity through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Furthermore, EPS regulated intestinal microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136, Bacteroides, Odoribacter) and reducing the level of harmful bacteria (Alistipes, Helicobacter). In conclusion, our study suggested that EPS had the abilities to enhance immunity, restore intestinal mucosal injury and modulate intestinal microbiota, and may serve as a potential prebiotic to maintain health in the future.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Bacteroides; Bacteroidetes; Intestinal Mucosa
PubMed: 36869490
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112477 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023Sport facilities represent extreme indoor environments due to intense cleaning and disinfection. The aim of this study was to describe the composition of the cultivated...
Sport facilities represent extreme indoor environments due to intense cleaning and disinfection. The aim of this study was to describe the composition of the cultivated microbiota in dust samples collected in sport facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. A dust sample is defined as the airborne dust sedimented on 0.02 m within 28 d. The results show that the microbial viable counts in samples of airborne dust ( = 9) collected from seven Finnish sport facilities during the pandemic contained a high proportion of pathogenic filamentous fungi and a low proportion of bacteria. The microbial viable counts were between 14 CFU and 189 CFU per dust sample. In seven samples from sport facilities, 20-85% of the microbial viable counts were fungi. Out of 123 fungal colonies, 47 colonies belonged to the potentially pathogenic sections of (Sections , , and ). Representatives of each section were identified as , , and Six colonies belonged to the genus In six samples of dust, a high proportion (50-100%) of the total fungal viable counts consisted of these potentially pathogenic fungi. A total of 70 isolates were considered less likely to be pathogenic, and were identified as section , and sp. In the rural ( = 2) and urban ( = 7) control dust samples, the microbial viable counts were >2000 CFU and between 44 CFU and 215 CFU, respectively, and consisted mainly of bacteria. The low proportion of bacteria and the high proportion of stress tolerant, potentially pathogenic fungi in the dust samples from sport facilities may reflect the influence of disinfection on microbial communities.
PubMed: 36839611
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020339 -
Microorganisms Feb 2023Phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms release organic acids that can chelate mineral ions or reduce the pH to solubilize insoluble phosphates for use by plants; it is...
Phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms release organic acids that can chelate mineral ions or reduce the pH to solubilize insoluble phosphates for use by plants; it is important to study potential phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms for use in agriculture. In this study, PSF7 was isolated from the soil of the Wengfu Phosphorus Tailings Dump in Fuquan City, Guizhou Province, China. PSF7 was identified as based on morphological characterization and ITS sequencing analysis. The relationship between the phosphorus-solubilizing capacity and pH variation of PSF7 under liquid fermentation was studied. The results showed that there was a significant negative correlation (-0.784) between the soluble phosphorus content of PSF7 and the pH value. When PSF7 was placed under low phosphorus stress, eight organic acids were determined from fermentation broth using HPLC, of which tartaric acid and formic acid were the main organic acids. Different optimization parameters of medium components were analyzed using response surface methodology. The optimized medium components were 23.50 g/L sucrose, 1.64 g/L ammonium sulfate and soybean residue, 1.07 g/L inorganic salts, and 9.16 g/L tricalcium phosphate, with a predicted soluble phosphorus content of 123.89 mg/L. Under the optimum medium composition, the actual phosphorus-solubilizing content of PSF7 reached 122.17 mg/L. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy analysis of the sample was carried out to characterize the phosphate-solubilizing efficiency of PSF7 on mineral phosphate. The results provide useful information for the future application of PSF7 as a biological fertilizer.
PubMed: 36838419
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020454 -
Microorganisms Feb 2023To investigate the characteristics of in vitro culture and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in patients with fungal keratitis (FK) presented in a tertiary referral...
PURPOSE
To investigate the characteristics of in vitro culture and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in patients with fungal keratitis (FK) presented in a tertiary referral hospital in central China.
METHODS
In this noncomparative retrospective study, patients with the diagnosis of FK between October 2021 and November 2022 were reviewed. An IVCM and fungal culture (corneal scraping specimens) were performed, and the characteristics were analyzed.
RESULTS
During October 2021 and November 2022, 85 patients were diagnosed with FK. From 63 culture-positive cases, 8 species of fungus were identified. The proportions of isolated fungal species were and equally accounting for 33.3% (21 of 63), 9.5% (6 of 63), 6.3% (4 of 63), 6.3% (4 of 63), 3.2% (2 of 63), 3.2% (2 of 63), and 4.8% (3 of 63), respectively. In positive culture cases, IVCM was found to be positive for hyphae or spores in 61 of 63 patients (96.8%). Different fungal species had a variety of cultural characteristics and IVCM manifestations.
CONCLUSIONS
In a tertiary referral hospital in central China, species, species, and species were the 3 most common isolated fungal pathogens, and the proportion of species was significantly higher than that in other regions of China. Careful lesion depth examination by IVCM and OCT should be taken before lamellar keratoplasty to avoid postoperative recurrence. Identifying the IVCM image and culture characteristics will facilitate rapid diagnosis and proper treatment, but IVCM cannot yet replace fungal cultures to distinguish between different fungal species.
PubMed: 36838371
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020406