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International Journal of Microbiology 2023Heat-resistant molds (HRMs) are important spoilage fungi of heat-processed fruit products worldwide. Ascospores of HRMs are widely distributed in the soil in which...
Heat-resistant molds (HRMs) are important spoilage fungi of heat-processed fruit products worldwide. Ascospores of HRMs are widely distributed in the soil in which fruits are grown and are often found associated with raw fruit materials. To date, there is little available information on the distribution of HRMs in the soil and on their heat resistance. Thus, this study determined the presence and characterized the heat resistance of HRMs in soil samples from pineapple and sugarcane fields in Thailand. HRMs were detected in all soil samples, and the most dominant species was with 50-99.2% relative abundance. Other isolates, in descending order of frequency, were , , and . Then, 100 representative HRM isolates were identified based on a combination of morphological characteristics and ITS sequences. They were classified into 5 genera and 24 species. The heat resistance of ascospores aged 30 days produced by selected HRMs was qualitatively determined in a glucose-buffered solution. Based on their log reductions after heat shock at 75°C for 30 min, they were classified as less, moderately, or highly heat-resistant ascospores. HRMs belonging to , , , , , , , and produced high heat-resistant ascospores. In addition, soil physicochemical properties significantly influenced the prevalence of HRMs, depending on the fungal genus. The thermal resistance of ascospores was significantly and positively correlated to available phosphorus, whereas it was negatively correlated to soil pH. The results of this study confirmed the presence of HRMs in soils and potential HRM contamination, especially in fruits growing in acidic or high-nutrient soils, or both.
PubMed: 37546548
DOI: 10.1155/2023/8347560 -
Biology Jul 2023The main hypothesis of the present research is investigating the efficacy of titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO-NPs) to prevent the growth of fungal strains when applied...
An Eco-Friendly Approach Utilizing Green Synthesized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles for Leather Conservation against a Fungal Strain, AL1, Involved in the Biodeterioration of a Historical Manuscript.
The main hypothesis of the present research is investigating the efficacy of titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO-NPs) to prevent the growth of fungal strains when applied on leather under an experimental study. Therefore, fifteen fungal strains were isolated from a deteriorated historical manuscript (papers and leathers) and identified by traditional methods and ITS sequence analysis, including (one isolate), (two strains), (four strains), (one strain), (one strain), (two strains), (two strains), and (two strains). The enzymes cellulase, amylase, pectinase, and gelatinase, which play a crucial role in biodegradation, were highly active in these fungal strains. TiO-NPs were formed using the cell-free filtrate of the probiotic bacterial strain, , and characterized. Data showed that the TiO-NPs were successfully formed with a spherical shape and anatase phase with sizes of 2-8 nm. Moreover, the EDX analysis revealed that the Ti and O ions occupied the main component with weight percentages of 41.66 and 31.76%, respectively. The in vitro cytotoxicity of TiO-NPs toward two normal cell lines, WI38 and HFB4, showed a low toxicity effect against normal cells (IC = 114.1 ± 8.1µg mL for Wi38, and 237.5 ± 3.5µg mL for HFB4). Therefore, concentrations of 100 μg mL were used to load on prepared leather samples before inoculation with fungal strain AL1. The experimental study revealed that the loaded TiO-NPs have the efficacy to inhibit fungal growth with percentages of 73.2 ± 2.5%, 84.2 ± 1.8%, and 88.8 ± 0.6% after 7, 14, and 21 days, respectively. Also, the analyses including SEM, FTIR-ART, color change, and mechanical properties for leather inoculated with fungal strain AL1 in the absence of NPs showed high damage aspects compared to those inoculated with fungal strains in the presence of TiO-NPs.
PubMed: 37508454
DOI: 10.3390/biology12071025 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2023Cordyceps exopolysaccharide (CEP) has shown emerging potential in adjustment of gut microbiota and immune cell function. In this study, a water-soluble CEP with a...
Cordyceps exopolysaccharide (CEP) has shown emerging potential in adjustment of gut microbiota and immune cell function. In this study, a water-soluble CEP with a molecular weight of 58.14 kDa was extracted from the fermentation broth of , an endophytic fungus of Cordyceps sinensis. Our results indicated that polysaccharide (PHP) showed significantly preventive potential on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, which can prevent colon shortening, reduce intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) destruction, suppress inflammatory cell infiltration, and regulate the balance between regulatory T (Treg) cells and T helper type 17 (Th17) cells. Meanwhile, the disturbed gut microbiota was partially restored after PHP treatment. Further Pearson correlation coefficient analyses exhibited that the alteration of the gut microbiota was significantly related to adjustment of the IEC barrier and Treg/Th17 balance. In conclusion, all findings proposed that purified PHP has the potential to develop into a promising agent for colitis prevention and adjuvant therapy via maintaining intestinal homeostasis of gut microbiota and immune system.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Colitis; Colon; Polysaccharides; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Colitis, Ulcerative
PubMed: 37446646
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134984 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2023Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are fatally threatening to critical patients. The fungal defensin as an antifungal protein can widely inhibit fungi.
INTRODUCTION
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are fatally threatening to critical patients. The fungal defensin as an antifungal protein can widely inhibit fungi.
METHODS
In this study, eight antifungal genes from different filamentous fungi were optimized by synonymous codon bias and heterologously expressed in .
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Only the antifungal protein (AFP) from was produced, whereas the AFP from its mutation of the chitin-binding domain could not be expressed, thereby suggesting the importance of the motif for protein folding. In addition, the recombinant AFP (rAFP, 100 μg/mL) pre-heated at 50°C for 1 h effectively inhibited CICC40716 of IFIs by 55%, and no cell cytotoxicity was observed in RAW264.7 cells. After being pre-heated at 50°C for 8 h, the fluorescence emission intensity of the rAFP decreased and shifted from 343 nm to 335 nm. Moreover, the helix and β-turn of the rAFP gradually decreased with the pre-heated treatment temperature of 50°C via circular dichroism spectroscopy. Propidium iodide staining revealed that the rAFP could cause damage to the cell membrane. Moreover, the corresponding differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for downregulation such as amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway involved in the cell wall integrity were found via the RNA-seq of rAFP treatment. By contrast, the upregulated DEGs were enriched in response to the oxidative stress of Biological Process by the Gene Ontology (GO) database. The encoding proteins of laccase, multicopper oxidase, and nitroreductase that contributed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging could be recognized. These results suggested that the rAFP may affect the integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane, and promote the increase in ROS, thereby resulting in fungal death. Consequently, drug development could be based on the inhibitory effect of the rAFP on IFIs.
PubMed: 37389349
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1172257 -
Insects Jun 2023This study aimed to select the most effective culture extracts for controlling honeybee nosemosis using 342 entomopathogenic fungi of 24 species from 18 genera. The...
This study aimed to select the most effective culture extracts for controlling honeybee nosemosis using 342 entomopathogenic fungi of 24 species from 18 genera. The germination inhibitory activity of the fungal culture extract on spores was evaluated using an in vitro germination assay method. Among 89 fungal culture extracts showing germination inhibitory activity of approximately 80% or more, 44 fungal culture extracts that maintained their inhibitory activity even at a concentration of 1% were selected. Finally, the honeybee nosemosis inhibitory activity was evaluated using the cultured extracts of five fungal isolates having a inhibitory activity of approximately 60% or more, even when the extract was removed after treatment. As a result, the proliferation of spores was reduced by all fungal culture extract treatments. However, only the treatment of the culture extracts from 364 and 60 showed a reduction in honeybee mortality due to nosemosis. In particular, the extracts of these two fungal isolates also increased the survival of honeybees.
PubMed: 37367354
DOI: 10.3390/insects14060538 -
Microorganisms May 2023The main purpose of this study was to degrade total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) from contaminated soil in batch microcosm reactors. Native soil fungi isolated from the...
The main purpose of this study was to degrade total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) from contaminated soil in batch microcosm reactors. Native soil fungi isolated from the same petroleum-polluted soil and ligninolytic fungal strains were screened and applied in the treatment of soil-contaminated microcosms in aerobic conditions. The bioaugmentation processes were carried out using selected hydrocarbonoclastic fungal strains in mono or co-cultures. Results demonstrated the petroleum-degrading potential of six fungal isolates, namely KBR1 and KBR8 (indigenous) and KBR1-1, KB4, KB2 and LB3 (exogenous). Based on the molecular and phylogenetic analysis, KBR1 and KB8 were identified as [MW699896] and [MW699895], while KBR1-1, KB4, KB2 and LB3 were affiliated with the genera sp. [MZ817958], [MW699897], [MZ817957] and sp. [MW699893], respectively. The highest rate of TPH degradation was recorded in soil microcosm treatments (SMT) after 60 days by inoculation with 97 ± 2.54%, followed by bioaugmentation with the native strain (92 ± 1.83%) and then by the fungal consortium (84 ± 2.21%). The statistical analysis of the results showed significant differences.
PubMed: 37317325
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051351 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023The present article reports on the management of six different and rare cases of fungal keratitides, two of which have never been documented in previous literature. This...
The present article reports on the management of six different and rare cases of fungal keratitides, two of which have never been documented in previous literature. This is a case series of six patients with rare fungal keratitides managed at a quaternary eye referral unit, Sydney Eye Hospital, Australia over a period of 7 months (May to December, 2022). The order of occurrence of fungi isolated was , , spp., , and spp. A combination of medical and surgical interventions was employed, including topical and systemic anti-fungal therapy, with one requiring therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty and another eventuating in evisceration. Two patients were successfully treated with corneal debridement and two others required pars plana vitrectomy with anterior chamber washout. It is important to remain vigilant with monitoring patient symptoms and correlating with clinical signs to guide antifungal therapy even in the context of confirmed culture and sensitivity results.
PubMed: 37233300
DOI: 10.3390/jof9050589 -
Mycopathologia Jun 2023Fungal keratitis is a severe corneal infection, and the causative fungi include various rare fungal species. Fungal keratitis caused by Talaromyces species has yet to be...
Fungal keratitis is a severe corneal infection, and the causative fungi include various rare fungal species. Fungal keratitis caused by Talaromyces species has yet to be reported, and there is no information about this fungus as a cause of keratitis. A 77-year-old man developed fungal keratitis while waiting for a donor cornea due to bullous keratopathy in his left eye. Fungal culture of a corneal scraping grew filamentous fungi, which were morphologically identified as Paecilomyces species. The corneal infection did not improve after topical administration of 1% voriconazole, and ribosomal DNA sequencing definitively verified the fungus to be Talaromyces coalescens. The lesion gradually improved after switching to topical 5% natamycin. Antifungal susceptibility tests determined the high minimum inhibitory concentrations of voriconazole to be > 8 μg/mL. This is the first report of Talaromyces fungal keratitis. Clinicians, especially those in ophthalmology, need to be aware of this rare fungus.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Voriconazole; Talaromyces; Antifungal Agents; Corneal Ulcer; Eye Infections, Fungal; Natamycin; Keratitis
PubMed: 37160497
DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00738-w -
International Journal of Biomaterials 2023Biologically active natural compounds are molecules produced by plants or plant-related microbes, such as endophytes. Many of these metabolites have a wide range of...
Biologically active natural compounds are molecules produced by plants or plant-related microbes, such as endophytes. Many of these metabolites have a wide range of antimicrobial activities and other pharmaceutical properties. This study aimed to evaluate () the antifungal activities of the secondary metabolites obtained from against the pathogenic fungus . The endophytic fungus was isolated from leaves and cultured on potato dextrose broth for the production of the fungal metabolites. The activity of filtrate against the radial growth of was tested by mixing the filtrate with potato dextrose agar medium at concentrations of 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%, for which the percentages of inhibition of the radial growth were 37.5, 50, 52.5, and 56.25%, respectively. The dual culture method was conducted on PDA medium to observe the antagonistic nature of the antibiotic impacts of towards the pathogenic fungus. The strength of the antagonistic impacts was manifested by a 76.25% inhibition rate, on a scale of 4 antagonistic levels. Ethyl acetate extract of was obtained by liquid-liquid partition of the broth containing the fungus. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified the presence of important chemical components (E) 9, cis-13-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (48.607), 1-Heptacosanol, 1-Nonadecene, Cyclotetracosane (5.979), 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl 2-methylpropyl ester, di-sec-butyl phthalate (3.829), 1-Nonadecene, -Nonadecanol-1, Behenic alcohol (3.298), -Heptadecanol-1, 1-hexadecanol, -Pentadecanol (2.962), Dodecanoic acid (2.849), 2,3-Dihydroxypropyl ester, oleic acid, 9-Octadecenal, and (Z)-(2.730). These results suggest that secondary metabolites of the endophytic possess antifungal properties and could potentially be utilized in various applications, such as environmental protection and medicine.
PubMed: 37122583
DOI: 10.1155/2023/2411555 -
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