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Biology Dec 2023Environmental pollutants such as toxic heavy metals and oxygen-demanding solids are generated by leather manufacturing. In most tanneries, wastewaters are treated with...
Environmental pollutants such as toxic heavy metals and oxygen-demanding solids are generated by leather manufacturing. In most tanneries, wastewaters are treated with physico-chemical methods but overly high levels of pollutants remain in surface waters. The efficiency of tanning wastewater treatment with conventional techniques was evaluated in four tanneries in Saudi Arabia. It was observed that the wastewaters contained high amounts of pollutants, needing further treatment. We isolated microorganisms from the wastewaters and carried out experiments to treat the effluents with different bacteria, fungi, and their consortia. We hypothesized that a consortium of microorganisms is more efficient than the single microorganisms in the consortium. The efficiency of five single bacterial and five fungal species from different genera was tested. In a consortium experiment, the efficiency of nine bacterial-fungal consortia was studied. The bacterium and the fungus sp. were the most efficient in the single-microbe treatment. In the consortium treatment, the consortium of these two was the most efficient at treating the effluent. The factory wastewater treatment reduced total dissolved solids (TDS) from 1885 mg/L to 880 mg/L. treatment reduced TDS to 150 mg/L and sp. to 140 mg/L. The consortium of these two reduced TDS further to 80 mg/L. Moreover, the factory treatment reduced BOD from 943 mg/L to 440 mg/L, to 75 mg/L, and sp. 70 mg/L. The consortium reduced BOD further to 20 mg/L. The total heavy-metal concentration (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Pb) was reduced by the factory treatment from 43 μg/L to 26 μg/L and by the consortium to 0.2 μg/L. The collagen concentration that was studied using hydroxyproline assay decreased from 120 mg/L to 39 mg/L. It was shown that the consortium of the bacterium and the fungus sp. was more efficient in reducing the pollutants than the single species. The consortium reduced almost all parameters to below the environmental regulation limit for wastewater discharge to the environment in Saudi Arabia. The consortium should be studied further as an additional treatment to the existing conventional tannery wastewater treatments.
PubMed: 38132333
DOI: 10.3390/biology12121507 -
Allergologie Select 2018Allergic skin and respiratory diseases range among the most frequent afflictions in industrialized countries. Due to this fact the importance of indoor mold pollution... (Review)
Review
Allergic skin and respiratory diseases range among the most frequent afflictions in industrialized countries. Due to this fact the importance of indoor mold pollution based on dampness is discussed. In a sentinel health study of the State Health Agency (LGA) children attending of 4th grade of a primary school were tested by an in-vitro allergy screening (UniCap 100/Phadia) for the mold allergens mx1 (Penicillium chrysogenum m1, Cladosporium herbarum m2, Aspergillus fumigatus m3 and Alternaria alternata m6). Primarily about 5% of the children were sensitized against molds which are associated with the ambient air. The investigations showed that most of the children were sensitized against Alternaria alternata and concerning the IgE-concentration (kU/l) Alternaria alternata had the highest concentration among the tested allergens. Commonly children with sensitization against molds were polysensitized. It is unclear if the allergy screening against mold mx1 includes molds with indication for indoor mold pollution such as Acremonium spp., Aspergillus penicillioides, Aspergillus restrictus, Aspergillus versicolor, Chaetomium spp., Phialophora spp., Stachybotrys chartarum, Tritirachium (Engyodontium) album und Trichoderma spp. by means of crossreaction. Therefore, such investigations do not admit any conclusion about health problems as a result of indoor mold pollution. At the present state of knowledge exposure measurements of indoor mold pollutions are not possible, at most a semiquantitative assessment. Although it is generally accepted that dwellings with moisture and mold represent a health risk, knowledge about indoor mold pollution and the related health problems is lacking.
PubMed: 31826039
DOI: 10.5414/ALX01296E -
Annals of Agricultural and... Dec 2020In recent years, the number of diseases caused by fungal pathogens has increased significantly. Many species of fungi are pathogenic for plants, causing a threat to food...
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, the number of diseases caused by fungal pathogens has increased significantly. Many species of fungi are pathogenic for plants, causing a threat to food production and to humans, and are among the causes of chronic diseases.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to determine the enzyme profiles of fungi, depending on the different types of fruit with which they have contact, and to determine the differences in these profiles in relation to the substrate on which they are grown.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Six strains of fungi identified as and , isolated from fruits, were selected and analyzed for enzymatic profiles. The enzymatic activity was assessed using the API ZYM test (bioMerieux, France).
RESULTS
In the majority of the 6 fungal strains isolated from fruits, enzymes belonging to glycol-hydrolases were the most active. The exception was Acremonium strictum, where phosphatases dominated. Among most fungal isolates, the enzymes β- glucosidase and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase showed the highest activity. The highest β-glucosidase activities were found in and . On the other hand, lipase, α-fucosidase and α-chymotrypsin showed the least activity. The least activity of these enzymes or their complete absence was observed in and .
CONCLUSIONS
The activity of hydrolytic enzymes in the isolated fungi depended on the addition of fruit and the type of medium. Individual fruits can increase or decrease the activity of the enzymes. Fungi present in fruit have pathogenic properties and can be possible risk factors for fungal infections.
Topics: Food Microbiology; Fruit; Fungal Proteins; Fungi
PubMed: 33356061
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/127557 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2022Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a powerful microorganism identification tool. Research on...
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a powerful microorganism identification tool. Research on MALDI-TOF MS identification of rare filamentous fungi is still lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of MALDI-TOF MS in the identification of , -like, , and species. Sabouraud broth cultivation and formic acid/acetonitrile protein extraction were used for MALDI-TOF MS identification by a Bruker Biotyper system. An in-house database containing 29 isolates of , -like, , and spp. was constructed. A total of 52 clinical isolates were identified using the Bruker Filamentous Fungi Library v1.0 (FFL v1.0) alone, and Filamentous Fungi Library v1.0 plus the in-house library, respectively. The mass spectrum profile (MSP) dendrograms of the 28 isolates, 26 -like isolates, and 27 and isolates were constructed by MALDI Biotyper OC 4.0 software, respectively. The correct species identification rate significantly improved when using the combined databases compared with that when using FFL v1.0 alone ( spp., 75% versus 0%; -like spp., 100% versus 0%; and spp., 100% versus 62.5%). The MSP dendrograms differentiated -like species, and species clearly, but cannot distinguish species in the complex. In conclusion, with an expanded database, MALDI-TOF MS is an effective tool for the identification of , -like, , and species.
PubMed: 35308359
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.841286 -
Microbiology and Molecular Biology... Sep 1998The most commonly used beta-lactam antibiotics for the therapy of infectious diseases are penicillin and cephalosporin. Penicillin is produced as an end product by some... (Review)
Review
The most commonly used beta-lactam antibiotics for the therapy of infectious diseases are penicillin and cephalosporin. Penicillin is produced as an end product by some fungi, most notably by Aspergillus (Emericella) nidulans and Penicillium chrysogenum. Cephalosporins are synthesized by both bacteria and fungi, e.g., by the fungus Acremonium chrysogenum (Cephalosporium acremonium). The biosynthetic pathways leading to both secondary metabolites start from the same three amino acid precursors and have the first two enzymatic reactions in common. Penicillin biosynthesis is catalyzed by three enzymes encoded by acvA (pcbAB), ipnA (pcbC), and aatA (penDE). The genes are organized into a cluster. In A. chrysogenum, in addition to acvA and ipnA, a second cluster contains the genes encoding enzymes that catalyze the reactions of the later steps of the cephalosporin pathway (cefEF and cefG). Within the last few years, several studies have indicated that the fungal beta-lactam biosynthesis genes are controlled by a complex regulatory network, e. g., by the ambient pH, carbon source, and amino acids. A comparison with the regulatory mechanisms (regulatory proteins and DNA elements) involved in the regulation of genes of primary metabolism in lower eukaryotes is thus of great interest. This has already led to the elucidation of new regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, such investigations have contributed to the elucidation of signals leading to the production of beta-lactams and their physiological meaning for the producing fungi, and they can be expected to have a major impact on rational strain improvement programs. The knowledge of biosynthesis genes has already been used to produce new compounds.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Fungi; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal; Models, Chemical; beta-Lactams
PubMed: 9729600
DOI: 10.1128/MMBR.62.3.547-585.1998 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Apr 2019Ascofuranone (AF) and ascochlorin (AC) are meroterpenoids produced by various filamentous fungi, including (synonym: ), and exhibit diverse physiological activities. In...
Ascofuranone (AF) and ascochlorin (AC) are meroterpenoids produced by various filamentous fungi, including (synonym: ), and exhibit diverse physiological activities. In particular, AF is a promising drug candidate against African trypanosomiasis and a potential anticancer lead compound. These compounds are supposedly biosynthesized through farnesylation of orsellinic acid, but the details have not been established. In this study, we present all of the reactions and responsible genes for AF and AC biosyntheses in , identified by heterologous expression, in vitro reconstruction, and gene deletion experiments with the aid of a genome-wide differential expression analysis. Both pathways share the common precursor, ilicicolin A epoxide, which is processed by the membrane-bound terpene cyclase (TPC) AscF in AC biosynthesis. AF biosynthesis branches from the precursor by hydroxylation at C-16 by the P450 monooxygenase AscH, followed by cyclization by a membrane-bound TPC AscI. All genes required for AC biosynthesis () and a transcriptional factor () form a functional gene cluster, whereas those involved in the late steps of AF biosynthesis () are present in another distantly located cluster. AF is therefore a rare example of fungal secondary metabolites requiring multilocus biosynthetic clusters, which are likely to be controlled by the single regulator, AscR. Finally, we achieved the selective production of AF in by genetically blocking the AC biosynthetic pathway; further manipulation of the strain will lead to the cost-effective mass production required for the clinical use of AF.
Topics: Acremonium; Alkenes; Biosynthetic Pathways; Fungal Proteins; Genes, Fungal; Models, Molecular; Multigene Family; Phenols; Sesquiterpenes
PubMed: 30952781
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1819254116 -
The Discovery of Acremochlorins O-R from an sp. through Integrated Genomic and Molecular Networking.Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The fermentation of a soil-derived fungus sp. led to the isolation of thirteen ascochlorin congeners through integrated genomic and Global Natural Product Social (GNPS)...
The fermentation of a soil-derived fungus sp. led to the isolation of thirteen ascochlorin congeners through integrated genomic and Global Natural Product Social (GNPS) molecular networking. Among the isolated compounds, we identified two unusual bicyclic types, acremochlorins O () and P (), as well as two linear types, acremochlorin Q () and R (). Compounds and contain an unusual benzopyran moiety and are diastereoisomers of each other, the first reported for the ascochlorins. Additionally, we elucidated the structure of , a 4-chloro-5-methylbenzene-1,3-diol with a linear farnesyl side chain, and confirmed the presence of eight known ascochlorin analogs (-). The structures were determined by the detailed interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, MS, and ECD calculations. Compounds and showed potent antibacterial activity against and , with MIC values ranging from 2 to 16 μg/mL.
PubMed: 38786720
DOI: 10.3390/jof10050365 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2022culture (ATC) has similar bioactive constituents to and is known for its nutrient and pharmacological value, indicating the potential of ATC as a new feed additive in...
culture (ATC) has similar bioactive constituents to and is known for its nutrient and pharmacological value, indicating the potential of ATC as a new feed additive in dairy cow feeding. The primary aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of increasing amounts of ATC in diets on milk performance, antioxidant capacity, and rumen fermentation, and the secondary aim was to evaluate the potential effects of high doses of ATC. A total of 60 multiparous Holstein cows (110 ± 21 days in milk; 2.53 ± 0.82 parity) were assigned into 15 blocks and randomly assigned to one of four groups: 0, 30, 60, or 300 g/d of ATC per cow for 97 days. Data were analyzed using repeated measures in the Mixed procedure. Dry-matter intake was not changed ( > 0.05), while energy-corrected milk and fat-corrected milk yields increased linearly and quadratically, and somatic cell count in milk decreased linearly and quadratically ( 0.05). The lactation efficiency and the yields of milk fat and protein increased linearly ( < 0.05). On day 90, serum catalase level, total oxidative capacity, glutathione peroxidase, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin M concentrations were significantly higher in the 60 and 300 g/d groups than in the 0 g/d group ( < 0.05). ATC addition showed linear effects on total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate, branched VFA concentrations, and rumen pH ( < 0.05). Supplementing 60 and 300 g/d ATC significantly affected the bacterial composition ( < 0.05). The relative abundance of _ and _ were significantly increased by 60 g/d supplementation, and the relative abundance of , , , and were significantly increased by 300 g/d supplementation ( < 0.05). ATC was effective in enhancing rumen fermentation and reducing somatic cell count in milk, thereby improving milk yield. The optimized dose of ATC was 60 g/d for lactating cows, and there were no risks associated with high doses of ATC.
PubMed: 35052679
DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010175 -
Mycobiology 2023The aim of this study was to characterize a new fungal species, , isolated from air samples collected in Wando, South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on the internal...
The aim of this study was to characterize a new fungal species, , isolated from air samples collected in Wando, South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer and large subunit regions revealed its unique position within the genus . The isolated strain displayed distinct morphological characteristics, including ellipsoid or bent-ellipsoid conidia formed in clusters on the phialides. These features differentiate the new species from closely related species within the genus. This study describes the morphological and molecular characteristics of and emphasizes its phylogenetic relationships with other spp. The identification of this novel species contributes to our understanding of the diversity and ecological role of .
PubMed: 37711986
DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2023.2242646 -
Planta Medica Oct 2023Fungi-derived polyketide-terpenoid hybrids are important meroterpenoid natural products that possess diverse structure scaffolds with a broad spectrum of bioactivities.... (Review)
Review
Fungi-derived polyketide-terpenoid hybrids are important meroterpenoid natural products that possess diverse structure scaffolds with a broad spectrum of bioactivities. Herein, we focus on an ever-increasing group of meroterpenoids, orsellinic acid-sesquiterpene hybrids comprised of biosynthetic start unit orsellinic acid coupling to a farnesyl group or/and its modified cyclic products. The review entails the search of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases up to June 2022. The key terms include "orsellinic acid", "sesquiterpene", "ascochlorin", "ascofuranone", and "", which are combined with the structures of "ascochlorin" and "ascofuranone" drawn by the Reaxys and Scifinder databases. In our search, these orsellinic acid-sesquiterpene hybrids are mainly produced by filamentous fungi. Ascochlorin was the first compound reported in 1968 and isolated from filamentous fungus (synonym: ); to date, 71 molecules are discovered from various filamentous fungi inhabiting in a variety of ecological niches. As typical representatives of the hybrid molecules, the biosynthetic pathway of ascofuranone and ascochlorin are discussed. The group of meroterpenoid hybrids exhibits a broad arrange of bioactivities, as highlighted by targeting hDHODH (human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase) inhibition, antitrypanosomal, and antimicrobial activities. This review summarizes the findings related to the structures, fungal sources, bioactivities, and their biosynthesis from 1968 to June 2022.
Topics: Humans; Sesquiterpenes; Ascomycota; Terpenes
PubMed: 37225133
DOI: 10.1055/a-2099-4932