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Scientific Reports Jul 2022Melanin-containing fungi (black molds) have the capacity to thrive under extreme environmental conditions such as the elevated radiation levels inside the former...
Melanin-containing fungi (black molds) have the capacity to thrive under extreme environmental conditions such as the elevated radiation levels inside the former Chernobyl reactors. These fungi have been hypothesized to grow toward and use gamma radiation as an energy source, but the literature does not clearly address which energies of the electromagnetic spectrum, if any, positively affect fungal growth. The goal of this work was to characterize the response of non-melanized and melanized fungi to two distinct electromagnetic wavelengths, i.e., ultraviolet (UV) and gamma ray, keeping absorption and other potentially confounding variables constant. Exposure to UV or gamma radiation induced significant changes in fungi pigmentation, but not growth rate of Cladosporium cladosporioides and Paecilomyces variotii. Specifically, increased pigmentation of both fungi was observed in samples exposed to UV, while decreased pigmentation was observed for gamma-irradiated samples. These results provide new insights into the role of electromagnetic energies on growth of fungi and provide an impetus to examine additional energies and types of radiation to develop a fundamental understanding of this phenomenon.
Topics: Byssochlamys; Cladosporium; Gamma Rays; Melanins; Pigmentation; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 35840596
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16063-z -
Journal of Advanced Research Apr 2023Beneficial microorganisms play essential roles in plant growth and induced systemic resistance (ISR) by releasing signaling molecules. Our previous study obtained the...
INTRODUCTION
Beneficial microorganisms play essential roles in plant growth and induced systemic resistance (ISR) by releasing signaling molecules. Our previous study obtained the crude extract from beneficial endophyte Paecilomyces variotii, termed ZNC (ZhiNengCong), which significantly enhanced plant resistance to pathogen even at 100 ng/ml. However, the immunoreactive components of ZNC remain unclear. Here, we further identified one of the immunoreactive components of ZNC is a nucleoside 2'-deoxyguanosine (2-dG).
OBJECTIVES
This paper intends to reveal the molecular mechanism of microbial-derived 2'-deoxyguanosine (2-dG) in activating plant immunity, and the role of plant-derived 2-dG in plant immunity.
METHODS
The components of ZNC were separated using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and 2-dG is identified using a HPLC-mass spectrometry system (LC-MS). Transcriptome analysis and genetic experiments were used to reveal the immune signaling pathway dependent on 2-dG activation of plant immunity.
RESULTS
This study identified 2'-deoxyguanosine (2-dG) as one of the immunoreactive components from ZNC. And 2-dG significantly enhanced plant pathogen resistance even at 10 ng/ml (37.42 nM). Furthermore, 2-dG-induced resistance depends on NPR1, pattern-recognition receptors/coreceptors, ATP receptor P2K1 (DORN1), ethylene signaling but not salicylic acid accumulation. In addition, we identified Arabidopsis VENOSA4 (VEN4) was involved in 2-dG biosynthesis and could convert dGTP to 2-dG, and vne4 mutant plants were more susceptible to pathogens.
CONCLUSION
In summary, microbial-derived 2-dG may act as a novel immune signaling molecule involved in plant-microorganism interactions, and VEN4 is 2-dG biosynthesis gene and plays a key role in plant immunity.
Topics: Nucleosides; Plants; Arabidopsis; Signal Transduction; Deoxyguanosine
PubMed: 35811061
DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.06.014 -
MBio Aug 2022This study examined the viability and diversity of fungi harbored in imported wooden handicraft products sold in six retail stores in Florida, United States. Despite...
This study examined the viability and diversity of fungi harbored in imported wooden handicraft products sold in six retail stores in Florida, United States. Despite being subjected to trade regulations that require various sterilization/fumigation protocols, our study demonstrates high survival and diversity of fungi in wood products originating from at least seven countries on three continents. Among these fungi were nonendemic plant and human pathogens, as well as mycotoxin producers. Several products that are sold for use in food preparation and consumption harbored a novel (to North America) plant and human pathogen, . In addition, a high number of species isolated were thermophilic and included halophilic species, suggesting adaptability and selection through current wood treatment protocols that utilize heat and/or fumigation with methyl-bromide. This research suggests that current federal guidelines for imports of wooden goods are not sufficient to avoid the transit of potential live pathogens and demonstrates the need to increase safeguards at both points of origin and entry for biosecurity against introduction from invasive fungal species in wood products. Future import regulations should consider living fungi, their tolerance to extreme conditions, and their potential survival in solid substrates. Mitigation efforts may require additional steps such as more stringent fumigation and/or sterilization strategies and limiting use of wood that has not been processed to remove bark and decay. This study, the first of its kind, demonstrates the risk of importation of nonendemic foreign fungi on wooden handicrafts into the United States despite the application of sanitation protocols. Previous risk assessments of imported wood products have focused on potential for introduction of invasive arthropods (and their fungal symbionts) or have focused on other classes of wood products (timber, wooden furniture, garden products, etc.). Little to no attention has been paid to wooden handicrafts and the fungal pathogens (of plants and humans) they may carry. Due to the large size and diversity of this market, the risk for introduction of potentially dangerous pathogens is significant as illustrated by the results of this study.
Topics: Florida; Fungi; Humans; North America; United States; Wood
PubMed: 35766379
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01075-22 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Jul 2022Filamentous fungi are used in the dairy industry as adjunct cultures in fermented products, but can also lead to food spoilage, waste and economic losses. The control of...
Filamentous fungi are used in the dairy industry as adjunct cultures in fermented products, but can also lead to food spoilage, waste and economic losses. The control of filamentous fungi with abiotic factors contributes to longer food shelf life and prevention of fungal spoilage. One of the main abiotic factors for controlling fungal growth in foods is water activity (a). This study aimed to evaluate radial growth as a function of a for sixteen fungal adjuncts and/or spoilers isolated from dairy products or a dairy environment. Glycerol (a non-ionic compound) and sodium chloride (NaCl, an ionic compound) were used to adjust the a of culture media. This study showed significant diversity in the responses of the tested fungal strains as a function of medium a. The growth response of Penicillium bialowiezense and Sporendonema casei was binary, with no clear decrease of growth rate until the growth limit, when the a was reduced. For the strains of Bisifusarium domesticum, Mucor circinelloides and Penicillium camemberti, a decrease of a had the same impact on radial growth rate regardless of the a belonging to their growth range. For the strains of Aspergillus flavus, Cladosporium herbarum, Geotrichum candidum, Mucor lanceolatus, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium fuscoglaucum, Penicillium nalgiovense, Paecilomyces niveus, Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium solitum and Scopulariopsis asperula, the impact of a decrease in a was more pronounced at high a than at low a. A mathematical model was suggested to describe this impact on the radial growth rate. For all tested species, radial growth was more sensitive to NaCl than glycerol. The ionic strength of NaCl mainly explains the difference in the effects of the two solutes.
Topics: Dairy Products; Glycerol; Sodium Chloride; Water
PubMed: 35761558
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111247 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2022Fungal infections of the lung are an increasing problem worldwide and the search for novel therapeutic agents is a current challenge due to emerging resistance to...
Fungal infections of the lung are an increasing problem worldwide and the search for novel therapeutic agents is a current challenge due to emerging resistance to current antimycotics. The volatile defence substance allicin is formed naturally by freshly injured garlic plants and exhibits broad antimicrobial potency. Chemically synthesised allicin was active against selected fungi upon direct contact and via the gas phase at comparable concentrations to the pharmaceutically used antimycotic amphotericin B. We investigated the suppression of fungal growth by allicin vapour and aerosols in vitro in a test rig at air flow conditions mimicking the human lung. The effect of allicin via the gas phase was enhanced by ethanol. Our results suggest that allicin is a potential candidate for development for use in antifungal therapy for lung and upper respiratory tract infections.
Topics: Disulfides; Humans; Lung; Mycoses; Sulfinic Acids
PubMed: 35743050
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126607 -
BMC Microbiology Jun 2022Several species of nematophagous fungi exist in nature that can capture and kill nematodes as natural predators of soil-dwelling worms. These are important in...
BACKGROUND
Several species of nematophagous fungi exist in nature that can capture and kill nematodes as natural predators of soil-dwelling worms. These are important in agriculture and animal husbandry as biological control agents. The diversity of nematophagous fungi found from soil had not been studied in Ethiopia.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to isolate Nematophagous Fungi from Soil Samples Collected From three Different Agro-Ecologies of Ethiopia.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study was conducted and samples were collected from three different agro-climatic zones of Ethiopia; Debre-Berhan (highland), Bishoftu (mid-altitude), and Awash (lowland). Twenty-seven soil samples were randomly taken from each of the three different agro-ecological climates (9 from each agro-ecological climatic zone). For each study site, samples were collected from the soil of decomposed animal feces/dung, agricultural/farmlands, and forest lands in triplicates.
RESULTS
The present study disclosed that nematophagous fungi were widespread from the study area. A total of 33 species of nematophagous fungi belonging to four genera, Arthrobotryes, Paecilomyces, Monacrosporium, and Harposporium were identified. Arthrobotrys were the most commonly isolated genera followed by Paecilomyces. The six identified species were Arthrobotrys oligospora, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Arthrobotryes dactyloides, Monacosporum eudermatum, Harposporium helicoides, and Monacosporum cionopagum.
CONCLUSION
This study indicated that Arthrobothryes oligospora was the most common species in Bishoftu and Awash whereas. In Debre-Berhan, Paecilomyces lilacinus was the most prevalent species. Monacosporum cionapagum was not isolated from dung soil and agricultural soil whereas Harposporium helicoides and Arthrobothryes dactyloides were not found from dung and forest soil respectively.
Topics: Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Fungi; Hypocreales; Pest Control, Biological; Soil
PubMed: 35715731
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02572-4 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2022A 2.5-year-old, 25.5 kg, spayed female Australian Shepherd dog had a 2-month history of shifting leg lameness in all limbs, tetraparesis, progressive lethargy, and...
A 2.5-year-old, 25.5 kg, spayed female Australian Shepherd dog had a 2-month history of shifting leg lameness in all limbs, tetraparesis, progressive lethargy, and severe pain. On the physical examination, fever (40.61°C), tachycardia, tachypnea, mild diffuse pelvic limb muscular atrophy, left prescapular and right popliteal lymphadenomegaly were observed. Due to the poor prognosis and difficult pain management, humane euthanasia was elected. Macroscopic and histological findings revealed multifocal to coalescing granulomas with central areas of lytic necrosis within the right femur, left humerus, left scapula, left biceps brachii, right semimembranosus muscle, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. The necrotic areas contained myriad intralesional, intracellular, and extracellular negatively stained, non-pigmented, septate acute angle branching hyphae with parallel walls measuring 3-6 μm in width with polar bulbous projections measuring 7-13 μm in width. Fresh samples of the liver were submitted for fungal culture. Panfungal PCR targeting the major conserved genes-ITS, TUB, CAL-confirmed spp. are members of anamorphic fungi classified under the phylum Ascomycota. Paecilomycosis is an uncommon fungal infection caused by spp with a disease reported in humans and animals ranging from superficial to systemic clinical forms affecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. In dogs, disseminated paecilomycosis has been reported, but the species of fungi are not always determined. To our knowledge, this is the first case of disseminated paecilomycosis caused by infection in a dog.
PubMed: 35656172
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.878327 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Jun 2022Microbial species are inherently variable, which is reflected in intraspecies genotypic and phenotypic differences. Strain-to-strain variation gives rise to variability...
Microbial species are inherently variable, which is reflected in intraspecies genotypic and phenotypic differences. Strain-to-strain variation gives rise to variability in stress resistance and plays a crucial role in food safety and food quality. Here, strain variability in heat resistance of asexual spores (conidia) of the fungal species Aspergillus niger, Penicillium roqueforti and Paecilomyces variotii was quantified and compared to bacterial variability found in the literature. After heat treatment, a 5.4- to 8.6-fold difference in inactivation rate was found between individual strains within each species, while the strain variability of the three fungal species was not statistically different. We evaluated whether the degree of intraspecies variability is uniform, not only within the fungal kingdom, but also amongst different bacterial species. Comparison with three spore-forming bacteria and two non-spore-forming bacteria revealed that the variability of the different species was indeed in the same order of magnitude, which hints to a microbial signature of variation that exceeds kingdom boundaries.
Topics: Aspergillus niger; Bacteria; Food Microbiology; Food Safety; Hot Temperature; Spores, Fungal
PubMed: 35651062
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111302 -
Membranes May 2022Numerous studies have shown that bovine hemoglobin, a protein from slaughterhouse waste, has important biological potential after conventional enzymatic hydrolysis....
Production of Demineralized Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antioxidant Peptides from Bovine Hemoglobin Using an Optimized Multiple-Step System: Electrodialysis with Bipolar Membrane.
Numerous studies have shown that bovine hemoglobin, a protein from slaughterhouse waste, has important biological potential after conventional enzymatic hydrolysis. However, the active peptides could not be considered pure since they contained mineral salts. Therefore, an optimized multi-step process of electrodialysis with bipolar membranes (EDBM) was carried out to produce discolored and demineralized peptides without the addition of chemical agents. The aim of this study was to test the antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of discolored and demineralized bovine hemoglobin hydrolysates recovered by EDBM and to compare them with raw and discolored hydrolysates derived from conventional hydrolysis. The results demonstrate that discolored-demineralized hydrolysates recovered from EDBM had significant antimicrobial activity against many bacterial (gram-positive and gram-negative) and fungal (molds and yeast) strains. Concerning antibacterial activity, lower MIC values for hydrolysates were registered against , and . For antifungal activity, lower MIC values for hydrolysates were registered against spp., and . Hemoglobin hydrolysates showed fungicidal mechanisms towards these fungal strains since the MFC/MIC ratio was ≤4. The hydrolysates also showed a potent antioxidant effect in four different antioxidant tests. Consequently, they can be considered promising natural, low-salt food preservatives. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have identified the biological properties of discolored and demineralized bovine hemoglobin hydrolysates.
PubMed: 35629838
DOI: 10.3390/membranes12050512 -
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety... May 2022The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State, the United... (Review)
Review
The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State, the United Kingdom, for the pesticide active substance strain PL11 and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of strain PL11 as nematicide on tomato, pepper, aubergine, cucumber, courgette, melon, watermelon, pumpkin (field and greenhouse applications). The reliable endpoints appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed.
PubMed: 35582366
DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.6393