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Yang G, Cui S, Huang W, Wang S, Ma J, Zhang Y, Xu J. Greenhouses represent an important evolutionary niche for Alternaria alternata. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0039024. [PMID: 38727239 PMCID: PMC11237460 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00390-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternaria alternata is a ubiquitous soil-borne fungus capable of causing diseases in a variety of plants and occasionally in humans. While populations of A. alternata from infected plants have received significant attention, relatively little is known about its soil populations, including its population genetic structure and antifungal susceptibilities. In addition, over the last two decades, greenhouses have become increasingly important for food and ornamental plant production throughout the world, but how greenhouses might impact microbial pathogens such as A. alternata populations remains largely unknown. Different from open crop fields, greenhouses are often more intensively cultivated, with each greenhouse being a relatively small and isolated space where temperature and humidity are higher than surrounding environments. Previous studies have shown that greenhouse populations of two common molds, Aspergillus fumigatus and A. alternata, within a small community in southwestern China were variably differentiated. However, the relative contribution of physical separation among local greenhouses to the large-scale population structure remains unknown. Here, we isolated strains of A. alternata from seven greenhouses in Shijiazhuang, northeast China. Their genetic diversity and triazole susceptibilities were analyzed and compared with each other and with 242 isolates from nine greenhouses in Kunming, southwest China. Results showed that the isolation of greenhouses located <1 km from each other locally contributed similarly to the overall genetic variation as that between the two distant geographic regions. In addition, our results indicate that greenhouses could be significant sources of triazole resistance, with greenhouses often differing in their frequencies of resistant strains to different triazoles. IMPORTANCE Greenhouses have become increasingly important for food production and food security. However, our understanding of how greenhouses may contribute to genetic variations in soil microbial populations is very limited. In this study, we obtained and analyzed soil populations of the cosmopolitan fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata in seven greenhouses in Shijiazhuang, northeast China. Our analyses revealed high proportions of isolates being resistant to agricultural triazole fungicides and medical triazole drugs, including cross-resistance to both groups of triazoles. In addition, we found that greenhouse populations of A. alternata located within a few kilometers showed similar levels of genetic differentiation as those separated by over 2,000 km between northeast and southwest China. Our study suggests that greenhouse populations of this and potentially other fungal pathogens represent an important ecological niche and an emerging threat to food security and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhu Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Horticultural Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Sai Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Horticultural Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shutong Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Horticultural Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Khodavaisy S, Xu J. Hope on the Horizon? Aptamers in Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infections. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:733. [PMID: 38927669 PMCID: PMC11202631 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite remarkable advances in the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), rapid, specific, sensitive, and cost-effective detection methods remain elusive. Due to their stability, ease of production, and specificity to signature molecules of fungal pathogens, short single-stranded sequences of DNA, RNA, and XNA, collectively called aptamers, have emerged as promising diagnostic markers. In this perspective, we summarize recent progress in aptamer-based diagnostic tools for IFIs and discuss how these tools could potentially meet the needs and provide economical and simple solutions for point-of-care for better management of IFIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada;
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada;
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3
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Qu Z, Ren X, Du Z, Hou J, Li Y, Yao Y, An Y. Fusarium mycotoxins: The major food contaminants. MLIFE 2024; 3:176-206. [PMID: 38948146 PMCID: PMC11211685 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites produced by toxicogenic fungi, are natural food toxins that cause acute and chronic adverse reactions in humans and animals. The genus Fusarium is one of three major genera of mycotoxin-producing fungi. Trichothecenes, fumonisins, and zearalenone are the major Fusarium mycotoxins that occur worldwide. Fusarium mycotoxins have the potential to infiltrate the human food chain via contamination during crop production and food processing, eventually threatening human health. The occurrence and development of Fusarium mycotoxin contamination will change with climate change, especially with variations in temperature, precipitation, and carbon dioxide concentration. To address these challenges, researchers have built a series of effective models to forecast the occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins and provide guidance for crop production. Fusarium mycotoxins frequently exist in food products at extremely low levels, thus necessitating the development of highly sensitive and reliable detection techniques. Numerous successful detection methods have been developed to meet the requirements of various situations, and an increasing number of methods are moving toward high-throughput features. Although Fusarium mycotoxins cannot be completely eliminated, numerous agronomic, chemical, physical, and biological methods can lower Fusarium mycotoxin contamination to safe levels during the preharvest and postharvest stages. These theoretical innovations and technological advances have the potential to facilitate the development of comprehensive strategies for effectively managing Fusarium mycotoxin contamination in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Qu
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
| | - Xianfeng Ren
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro‐ProductsShandong Academy of Agricultural SciencesJinanChina
| | - Zhaolin Du
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
| | - Jie Hou
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
| | - Ye Li
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
| | - Yanpo Yao
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
| | - Yi An
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
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Dalmieda J, Hitchcock M, Xu J. High diversity within and low but significant genetic differentiation among geographic and temporal populations of the global Streptococcus pneumoniae. Can J Microbiol 2024; 70:226-237. [PMID: 38422492 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2023-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the major cause of invasive pneumococcal disease. However, the global population structure remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of genetic variation of S. pneumoniae based on archived multilocus sequence typing data from PubMLST.org. Our analyses demonstrated both shared and unique distributions of sequence types (STs) and allele types among regional populations. Among the 17 915 global STs, 36 representing 15 263 isolates were broadly shared among all six continents, consistent with recent clonal dispersal and expansion of this pathogen. The analysis of molecular variance revealed that >96% genetic variations were found within individual regional populations. However, though low (<4%), statistically significant genetic differentiation among regional populations was observed. Comparisons between non-clone-corrected and clone-corrected datasets showed that localized clonal expansion contributed significantly to the observed genetic differentiations among regions. Temporal analyses of the isolates showed that implementation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine impacted the distributions of STs, but the effect on population structure was relatively limited. Linkage disequilibrium analyses identified evidence for recombination in all continental populations; however, the inferred recombination was not random. We discussed the limitations and implications of our analyses to the global epidemiology and future vaccine developments for S. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jezreel Dalmieda
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Megan Hitchcock
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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5
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Mpamhanga CD, Kounatidis I. The utility of Drosophila melanogaster as a fungal infection model. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1349027. [PMID: 38550600 PMCID: PMC10973011 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1349027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases have profound effects upon human health and are on increase globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 published the fungal priority list calling for improved public health interventions and advance research. Drosophila melanogaster presents an excellent model system to dissect host-pathogen interactions and has been proved valuable to study immunopathogenesis of fungal diseases. In this review we highlight the recent advances in fungal-Drosophila interplay with an emphasis on the recently published WHO's fungal priority list and we focus on available tools and technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengetai D Mpamhanga
- School of Life Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Ilias Kounatidis
- School of Life Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
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Chen S, Li P, Abubakar YS, Lü P, Li Y, Mao X, Zhang C, Zheng W, Wang Z, Lu GD, Zheng H. A feedback regulation of FgHtf1-FgCon7 loop in conidiogenesis and development of Fusarium graminearum. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129841. [PMID: 38309401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The transcription factor FgHtf1 is important for conidiogenesis in Fusarium graminearum and it positively regulates the expression of the sporulation-related gene FgCON7. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying its functions is still unclear. The present study intends to uncover the functional mechanism of FgHtf1 in relation to FgCon7 in F. graminearum. We demonstrated that FgCON7 serves as a target gene for FgHtf1. Interestingly, FgCon7 also binds the promoter region of FgHTF1 to negatively regulate its expression, thus forming a negative-feedback loop. We demonstrated that FgHtf1 and FgCon7 have functional redundancy in fungal development. FgCon7 localizes in the nucleus and has transcriptional activation activity. Deletion of FgCON7 significantly reduces conidia production. 4444 genes were regulated by FgCon7 in ChIP-Seq, and RNA-Seq revealed 4430 differentially expressed genes in FgCON7 deletion mutant, with CCAAT serving as a consensus binding motif of FgCon7 to the target genes. FgCon7 directly binds the promoter regions of FgMSN2, FgABAA, FgVEA and FgSMT3 genes and regulates their expression. These genes were found to be important for conidiogenesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study that unveiled the mutual regulatory functions of FgCON7 and FgHTF1 to form a negative-feedback loop, and how the loop mediates sporulation in F. graminearum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Pengfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Yakubu Saddeeq Abubakar
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810281, Nigeria
| | - Peitao Lü
- College of Horticulture, Center for Plant Metabolomics, Haixia lnstitute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Xuzhao Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Chengkang Zhang
- College of Life Science, Ningde Normal University, Ningde 352100, China
| | - Wenhui Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Zonghua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Guo-Dong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China.
| | - Huawei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
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7
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Qiao M, Jing T, Wan Y, Yu Z. Analyses of Multilocus Sequences and Morphological Features Reveal Ilyonectria Species Associated with Black Rot Disease of Gastrodia elata. PLANT DISEASE 2024; 108:382-397. [PMID: 37552163 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-01-22-0001-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Black rot is a common disease of Gastrodia elata, causing serious threats to G. elata production. In this study, a total of 17 Cylindrocarpon-like strains were isolated from G. elata black rot tissues. Multilocus sequence analyses based on ITS, HIS, TEF, and TUB combined with morphological characterizations were performed to identify six Ilyonectria species, including four new species, Ilyonectria longispora, I. sinensis, I. xiaocaobaensis, and I. yunnanensis, and two known species, I. changbaiensis and I. robusta. The pathogenicity of 11 isolates comprising type strains of the four new species and representative isolates from each of the six species was tested on healthy tissues of G. elata. All isolates were pathogenic to G. elata tissues, and symptoms were identical to black rot disease, confirming that our isolates were the causal agents of black rot disease of G. elata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Qiao
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Jing
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, P.R. China
| | - Yake Wan
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, P.R. China
| | - Zefen Yu
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, P.R. China
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8
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Wang Y, Xu J. Associations between Genomic Variants and Antifungal Susceptibilities in the Archived Global Candida auris Population. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:86. [PMID: 38276031 PMCID: PMC10821368 DOI: 10.3390/jof10010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a recently emerged human fungal pathogen that has posed a significant threat to public health. Since its first identification in 2009, this fungus has caused nosocomial infections in over 47 countries across all inhabited continents. As of May 2023, the whole-genome sequences of over 4000 strains have been reported and a diversity of mutations, including in genes known to be associated with drug resistance in other human fungal pathogens, have been described. Among them, 387 strains contained antifungal-susceptibility information for which different methods might be used depending on the drugs and/or investigators. In most reports on C. auris so far, the number of strains analyzed was very small, from one to a few dozen, and the statistical significance of the relationships between these genetic variants and their antifungal susceptibilities could not be assessed. In this study, we conducted genome-wide association studies on individual clades based on previously published C. auris isolates to investigate the statistical association between genomic variants and susceptibility differences to nine antifungal drugs belonging to four major drug categories: 5-fluorocytosine, amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin. Due to the small sample sizes for Clades II, V, and VI, this study only assessed Clades I, III, and IV. Our analyses revealed 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Clade I (10 in coding and 5 in noncoding regions), 24 SNPs in Clade III (11 in coding and 13 in noncoding regions), and 13 SNPs in clade IV (10 in coding and 3 in noncoding regions) as statistically significantly associated with susceptibility differences to one or more of the nine antifungal drugs. While four SNPs in genes encoding lanosterol 14-α-demethylase (ERG11) and the catalytic subunit of 1,3-beta-D-glucan synthase (FKS1) were shared between clades, including the experimentally confirmed Ser639Phe/Pro missense substitutions in FKS1 for echinocandin resistance, most of the identified SNPs were clade specific, consistent with their recent independent origins. Interestingly, the majority of the antifungal resistance-associated SNPs were novel, and in genes and intergenic regions that have never been reported before as associated with antifungal resistance. While targeted study is needed to confirm the role of each novel SNP, the diverse mechanisms of drug resistance in C. auris revealed here indicate both challenges for infection control and opportunities for the development of novel antifungal drugs against this and other human fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada;
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9
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Wang Y, Xu J, Ben Abid F, Salah H, Sundararaju S, Al Ismail K, Wang K, Sara Matthew L, Taj-Aldeen S, Ibrahim EB, Tang P, Perez-Lopez A, Tsui CKM. Population genomic analyses reveal high diversity, recombination and nosocomial transmission among Candida glabrata ( Nakaseomyces glabrata) isolates causing invasive infections. Microb Genom 2024; 10:001179. [PMID: 38226964 PMCID: PMC10868614 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is a commensal yeast of the gastrointestinal tract and skin of humans. However, it causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, and is the second most common Candida pathogen causing bloodstream infections. Although there are many studies on the epidemiology of C. glabrata infections, the fine- and large-scale geographical nature of C. glabrata remain incompletely understood. Here we investigated both the fine- and large-scale population structure of C. glabrata through genome sequencing of 80 clinical isolates obtained from six tertiary hospitals in Qatar and by comparing with global collections. Our fine-scale analyses revealed high genetic diversity within the Qatari population of C. glabrata and identified signatures of recombination, inbreeding and clonal expansion within and between hospitals, including evidence for nosocomial transmission among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In addition to signatures of recombination at the population level, both MATa and MATα alleles were detected in most hospitals, indicating the potential for sexual reproduction in clinical environments. Comparisons with global samples showed that the Qatari C. glabrata population was very similar to those from other parts of the world, consistent with the significant role of recent anthropogenic activities in shaping its population structure. Genome-wide association studies identified both known and novel genomic variants associated with reduced susceptibilities to fluconazole, 5-flucytosine and echinocandins. Together, our genomic analyses revealed the diversity, transmission patterns and antifungal drug resistance mechanisms of C. glabrata in Qatar as well as the relationships between Qatari isolates and those from other parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fatma Ben Abid
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Communicable Disease Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Husam Salah
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Khalil Al Ismail
- Communicable Disease Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kun Wang
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Saad Taj-Aldeen
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Emad B. Ibrahim
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Patrick Tang
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Andres Perez-Lopez
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Clement K. M. Tsui
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Chen Y, Cao Y, Jiao C, Sun X, Gai Y, Zhu Z, Li H. The Alternaria alternata StuA transcription factor interacting with the pH-responsive regulator PacC for the biosynthesis of host-selective toxin and virulence in citrus. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0233523. [PMID: 37812002 PMCID: PMC10715145 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02335-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In this study, we used Alternaria alternata as a biological model to report the role of StuA in phytopathogenic fungi. Our findings indicated that StuA is required for Alternaria citri toxin (ACT) biosynthesis and fungal virulence. In addition, StuA physically interacts with PacC. Disruption of stuA or pacC led to decreased expression of seven toxin biosynthetic genes (ACCT) and toxin production. PacC could recognize and bind to the promoter regions of ACTT6 and ACTTR. Our results revealed a previously unrecognized (StuA-PacC)→ACTTR module for the biosynthesis of ACT in A. alternata, which also provides a framework for the study of StuA in other fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingzi Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Jiao
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuepeng Sun
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunpeng Gai
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zengrong Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Hongye Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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11
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Budnikov AS, Krylov IB, Shevchenko MI, Segida OO, Lastovko AV, Alekseenko AL, Ilovaisky AI, Nikishin GI, Terent’ev AO. C-O Coupling of Hydrazones with Diacetyliminoxyl Radical Leading to Azo Oxime Ethers-Novel Antifungal Agents. Molecules 2023; 28:7863. [PMID: 38067592 PMCID: PMC10707749 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Selective oxidative C-O coupling of hydrazones with diacetyliminoxyl is demonstrated, in which diacetyliminoxyl plays a dual role. It is an oxidant (hydrogen atom acceptor) and an O-partner for the oxidative coupling. The reaction is completed within 15-30 min at room temperature, is compatible with a broad scope of hydrazones, provides high yields in most cases, and requires no additives, which makes it robust and practical. The proposed reaction leads to the novel structural family of azo compounds, azo oxime ethers, which were discovered to be highly potent fungicides against a broad spectrum of phytopathogenic fungi (Venturia inaequalis, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium moniliforme, Bipolaris sorokiniana, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S. Budnikov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 47 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (M.I.S.); (O.O.S.); (A.I.I.)
- All-Russian Research Institute for Phytopathology, B. Vyazyomy, 143050 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor B. Krylov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 47 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (M.I.S.); (O.O.S.); (A.I.I.)
- All-Russian Research Institute for Phytopathology, B. Vyazyomy, 143050 Moscow, Russia
- Higher Chemical College of the Russian Academy of Sciences, D. I. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 9 Miusskaya Square, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail I. Shevchenko
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 47 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (M.I.S.); (O.O.S.); (A.I.I.)
- Higher Chemical College of the Russian Academy of Sciences, D. I. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 9 Miusskaya Square, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg O. Segida
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 47 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (M.I.S.); (O.O.S.); (A.I.I.)
- All-Russian Research Institute for Phytopathology, B. Vyazyomy, 143050 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey V. Lastovko
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 47 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (M.I.S.); (O.O.S.); (A.I.I.)
| | - Anna L. Alekseenko
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 47 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (M.I.S.); (O.O.S.); (A.I.I.)
- Higher Chemical College of the Russian Academy of Sciences, D. I. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 9 Miusskaya Square, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey I. Ilovaisky
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 47 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (M.I.S.); (O.O.S.); (A.I.I.)
- All-Russian Research Institute for Phytopathology, B. Vyazyomy, 143050 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady I. Nikishin
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 47 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (M.I.S.); (O.O.S.); (A.I.I.)
| | - Alexander O. Terent’ev
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 47 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (M.I.S.); (O.O.S.); (A.I.I.)
- All-Russian Research Institute for Phytopathology, B. Vyazyomy, 143050 Moscow, Russia
- Higher Chemical College of the Russian Academy of Sciences, D. I. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 9 Miusskaya Square, 125047 Moscow, Russia
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12
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Thorn V, Xu J. Mitogenome Variations in a Global Population of Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:995. [PMID: 37888251 PMCID: PMC10608017 DOI: 10.3390/jof9100995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous, critical priority human fungal pathogen. Despite its clinical importance, there is limited knowledge regarding the variations of the genome within mitochondria, the powerhouse organelle within eukaryotic cells. In this study, we leveraged publicly available, raw, whole genome sequence data isolates from 1939 to investigate the variations in the mitochondrial genomes of A. fumigatus. These isolates were isolated from 22 countries on six continents, as well as from outer space and from within the International Space Station. In total, our analysis revealed 39 mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphisms (mtSNPs) within this global sample, and, together, these 39 mtSNPs grouped the 1939 isolates into 79 mitochondrial multilocus genotypes (MLGs). Among the 79 MLGs, 39 were each distributed in at least two countries and 30 were each shared by at least two continents. The two most frequent MLGs were also broadly distributed: MLG11 represented 420 isolates from 11 countries and four continents and while MLG79 represented 418 isolates from 18 countries and five continents, consistent with long-distance dispersals of mitogenomes. Our population genetic analyses of the mtSNPs revealed limited differentiation among continental populations, but highly variable genetic differences among national populations, largely due to localized clonal expansions of different MLGs. Phylogenetic analysis and Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components of mtSNPs suggested the presence of at least three mitogenome clusters. Linkage disequilibrium, Index of Association, and phylogenetic incompatibility analyses collectively suggested evidence for mitogenome recombination in natural populations of A. fumigatus. In addition, sequence read depth analyses revealed an average ratio of ~20 mitogenomes per nuclear genome in this global population, but the ratios varied among strains within and between certain geographic populations. Together, our results suggest evidence for organelle dynamics, genetic differentiation, recombination, and both widespread and localized clonal expansion of the mitogenomes in the global A. fumigatus population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, Institute of Infectious Diseases Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada;
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13
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Scott J, Amich J. The role of methionine synthases in fungal metabolism and virulence. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:853-863. [PMID: 37449444 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20230007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Methionine synthases (MetH) catalyse the methylation of homocysteine (Hcy) with 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5, methyl-THF) acting as methyl donor, to form methionine (Met) and tetrahydrofolate (THF). This function is performed by two unrelated classes of enzymes that differ significantly in both their structures and mechanisms of action. The genomes of plants and many fungi exclusively encode cobalamin-independent enzymes (EC.2.1.1.14), while some fungi also possess proteins from the cobalamin-dependent (EC.2.1.1.13) family utilised by humans. Methionine synthase's function connects the methionine and folate cycles, making it a crucial node in primary metabolism, with impacts on important cellular processes such as anabolism, growth and synthesis of proteins, polyamines, nucleotides and lipids. As a result, MetHs are vital for the viability or virulence of numerous prominent human and plant pathogenic fungi and have been proposed as promising broad-spectrum antifungal drug targets. This review provides a summary of the relevance of methionine synthases to fungal metabolism, their potential as antifungal drug targets and insights into the structures of both classes of MetH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Scott
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Amich
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Ye C, Jing T, Sha Y, Mo M, Yu Z. Two new Trichoderma species (Hypocreales, Hypocreaceae) isolated from decaying tubers of Gastrodiaelate. MycoKeys 2023; 99:187-207. [PMID: 37719304 PMCID: PMC10504636 DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.99.109404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Species of Trichoderma are widely distributed around the world. In this study, two new species in Trichoderma, named as T.albidum and T.variegatum, were introduced and illustrated. These species were isolated from diseased tubers of Gastrodiaelata in China and identified based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene sequence analyses of three loci that is the internal transcribed spacer regions of the ribosomal DNA (ITS), the translation elongation factor 1-α encoding gene (tef1-α) and the gene encoding the second largest nuclear RNA polymerase subunit (rpb2). Distinctions between the new species and their close relatives were discussed. According to results of the phylogenetic analyses, T.albidum belonged to the Harzianum clade and T.variegatum are grouped with species of the Spirale clade. The expansion of two clades provided research foundations for the prevention and control of tuber diseases in G.elata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuwen Ye
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, ChinaYunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Tingting Jing
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, ChinaYunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Yuru Sha
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, ChinaYunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Minghe Mo
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, ChinaYunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Zefen Yu
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, ChinaYunnan UniversityKunmingChina
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15
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Guo L, Li Z, Xu J. Effects of Cadmium Stress on Bacterial and Fungal Communities in the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13588. [PMID: 37686394 PMCID: PMC10488276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination is among the most prominent environmental problems in China, posing serious threats to both ecosystem and human health. Among the diverse heavy metal contaminants, cadmium is the most serious. The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a cosmopolitan pest capable of causing severe damage to a broad range of agricultural crops, especially vegetables. At present, little is known about the effects of cadmium stress on B. tabaci, including on its bacterial and fungal communities. In the current study, we investigated the effects of cadmium on bacterial and fungal communities in whiteflies. Meta-barcode sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the whitefly bacterial community contained 264 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 201 known genera and 245 known species. The top five most frequent bacterial genera were Rickettsia, Rhodococcus, Candidatus Portiera, Candidatus Hamiltonella, and Achromobacter. Meta-barcode sequencing of the fungal ITS locus revealed that the whitefly fungal community contained 357 OTUs belonging to 187 known genera and 248 known species. The top five most frequent fungal genera were Wallemia, unclassified_f_Dipodascaceae, Apiotrichum, Penicillium, and unclassified_o_Saccharomycetales. Cadmium exposure reduced the fungal OTU richness but increased the bacterial Shannon and Simpson diversity indices in whiteflies. In addition, upon exposure to cadmium, the microbial community composition in whiteflies changed significantly, with increased prevalence of the bacterial genera Rhodococcus and Exiguobacterium and fungal genus Wallemia. Our results indicate that the whitefly microbiota likely contributed to their adaptation and resistance to cadmium and suggested that whiteflies may contain microbes that could help remediate cadmium contamination in natural environments and agricultural fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Litao Guo
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China; (L.G.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zhimin Li
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China; (L.G.); (Z.L.)
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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16
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Wang Y, Xu J. Lodderomyces elongisporus: An emerging human fungal pathogen. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011613. [PMID: 37676851 PMCID: PMC10484426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Zhou D, Gong J, Duan C, He J, Zhang Y, Xu J. Genetic structure and triazole resistance among Aspergillus fumigatus populations from remote and undeveloped regions in Eastern Himalaya. mSphere 2023; 8:e0007123. [PMID: 37341484 PMCID: PMC10449526 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00071-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous mold and a common human fungal pathogen. Recent molecular population genetic and epidemiological analyses have revealed evidence for long-distance gene flow and high genetic diversity within most local populations of A. fumigatus. However, little is known about the impact of regional landscape factors in shaping the population diversity patterns of this species. Here we sampled extensively and investigated the population structure of A. fumigatus from soils in the Three Parallel Rivers (TPR) region in Eastern Himalaya. This region is remote, undeveloped and sparsely populated, bordered by glaciated peaks more than 6,000 m above sea level, and contained three rivers separated by tall mountains over very short horizontal distances. A total of 358 A. fumigatus strains from 19 sites along the three rivers were isolated and analyzed at nine loci containing short tandem repeats. Our analyses revealed that mountain barriers, elevation differences, and drainage systems all contributed low but statistically significant genetic variations to the total A. fumigatus population in this region. We found abundant novel alleles and genotypes in the TPR population of A. fumigatus and significant genetic differentiation between this population and those from other parts of Yunnan and the globe. Surprisingly, despite limited human presence in this region, about 7% of the A. fumigatus isolates were resistant to at least one of the two medical triazoles commonly used for treating aspergillosis. Our results call for greater surveillance of this and other human fungal pathogens in the environment. IMPORTANCE The extreme habitat fragmentation and substantial environmental heterogeneity in the TPR region have long known to contribute to geographically shaped genetic structure and local adaptation in several plant and animal species. However, there have been limited studies of fungi in this region. Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous pathogen capable of long-distance dispersal and growth in diverse environments. In this study, using A. fumigatus as a model, we investigated how localized landscape features contribute to genetic variations in fungal populations. Our results revealed that elevation and drainage isolation rather than direct physical distances significantly impacted genetic exchange and diversity among the local A. fumigatus populations. Interestingly, within each local population, we found high allelic and genotypic diversities, and with evidence ~7% of all isolates being resistant to two medical triazoles, itraconazole and voriconazole. Given the high frequency of ARAF found in mostly natural soils of sparsely populated sites in the TPR region, close monitoring of their dynamics in nature and their effects on human health is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duanyong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Genetic Resources Mining and Molecular Breeding of Qianxinan Prefecture, Minzu Normal University of Xingyi, Xingyi, China
| | - Jianchuan Gong
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Chengyan Duan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jingrui He
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Dai DQ, Suwannarach N, Bamunuarachchige TC, Karunarathna SC. Editorial: Plant-fungal interactions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1236394. [PMID: 37560517 PMCID: PMC10408287 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1236394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Qin Dai
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, China
| | - Nakarin Suwannarach
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Samantha Chandranath Karunarathna
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, China
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Kandy, Sri Lanka
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19
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Karunarathna SC, Haelewaters D, Lionakis MS, Tibpromma S, Jianchu X, Hughes AC, Mortimer PE. Assessing the threat of bat-associated fungal pathogens. One Health 2023; 16:100553. [PMID: 37363244 PMCID: PMC10288076 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogens have become an increasingly important topic in recent decades. Yet whilst various cankers and blights have gained attention in temperate woodlands and crops, the scope for fungal pathogens of animals and their potential threat has received far less attention. With a shifting climate, the threat from fungal pathogens is predicted to increase in the future, thus understanding the spread of fungi over landscapes as well as taxa that may be at risk is of particular importance. Cave ecosystems provide potential refugia for various fungi, and roosts for bats. With their well vascularized wings and wide-ranging distributions, bats present potential fungal vectors. Furthermore, whilst bat immune systems are generally robust to bacterial and viral pathogens, they can be susceptible to fungal pathogens, particularly during periods of stress such as hibernation. Here we explore why bats are important and interesting vectors for fungi across landscapes and discuss knowledge gaps that require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C. Karunarathna
- Center for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 65201, PR China
| | - Danny Haelewaters
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Research Group Mycology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michail S. Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, USA
| | - Saowaluck Tibpromma
- Center for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 65201, PR China
| | - Xu Jianchu
- Center for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 65201, PR China
| | - Alice C. Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Peter E. Mortimer
- Center for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 65201, PR China
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20
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Lin L, Zhang T, Xu J. Genetic and Environmental Factors Influencing the Production of Select Fungal Colorants: Challenges and Opportunities in Industrial Applications. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050585. [PMID: 37233296 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural colorants, mostly of plant and fungal origins, offer advantages over chemically synthetic colorants in terms of alleviating environmental pollution and promoting human health. The market value of natural colorants has been increasing significantly across the globe. Due to the ease of artificially culturing most fungi in the laboratory and in industrial settings, fungi have emerged as the organisms of choice for producing many natural colorants. Indeed, there is a wide variety of colorful fungi and a diversity in the structure and bioactivity of fungal colorants. Such broad diversities have spurred significant research efforts in fungi to search for natural alternatives to synthetic colorants. Here, we review recent research on the genetic and environmental factors influencing the production of three major types of natural fungal colorants: carotenoids, melanins, and polyketide-derived colorants. We highlight how molecular genetic studies and environmental condition manipulations are helping to overcome some of the challenges associated with value-added and large-scale productions of these colorants. We finish by discussing potential future trends, including synthetic biology approaches, in the commercial production of fungal colorants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases (MOE), School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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21
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Wang W, Xiong T, Zeng Y, Li W, Jiao C, Xu J, Li H. Clonal Expansion in Multiple Phyllosticta Species Causing Citrus Black Spot or Similar Symptoms in China. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040449. [PMID: 37108904 PMCID: PMC10145914 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Phyllosticta spp. are important pathogens of citrus plants. Several Phyllosticta species associated with Citrus species grown in China have been reported; however, the relative prevalences of individual species and the distributions of their genotypes among host Citrus species remain largely unknown. In this study, we conducted an extensive survey of Phyllosticta species across 11 citrus-producing provinces in southern China. From fruits and leaves with black spots or black-spot-like symptoms, a total of 461 Phyllosticta strains were isolated. Based on molecular (ITS, actA, tef1, gapdh, LSU, and rpb2 sequences) and morphological data, the strains were systematically identified as belonging to five species: P. capitalensis, P. citrichinaensis, P. citriasiana, P. citricarpa, and P. paracitricarpa. To further understand intraspecific genetic diversity and relationships, strains of five species from different geographic and host sources were analyzed based on the multilocus sequence data. Our population genetic analyses revealed that all five Phyllosticta species on citrus showed evidence for clonal dispersals within and among geographic regions. In addition, pathogenicity tests using representative strains showed that all five species can cause disease on the tested Citrus spp. We discuss the implications of our results for the control and management of Citrus Black Spot and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agricultural, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tao Xiong
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agricultural, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yating Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agricultural, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Chen Jiao
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agricultural, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Hongye Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agricultural, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Li Y, Lei S, Cheng Z, Jin L, Zhang T, Liang LM, Cheng L, Zhang Q, Xu X, Lan C, Lu C, Mo M, Zhang KQ, Xu J, Tian B. Microbiota and functional analyses of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root-knot nematode parasitism of plants. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:48. [PMID: 36895023 PMCID: PMC9999639 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01484-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are among the most important root-damaging plant-parasitic nematodes, causing severe crop losses worldwide. The plant rhizosphere and root endosphere contain rich and diverse bacterial communities. However, little is known about how RKN and root bacteria interact to impact parasitism and plant health. Determining the keystone microbial taxa and their functional contributions to plant health and RKN development is important for understanding RKN parasitism and developing efficient biological control strategies in agriculture. RESULTS The analyses of rhizosphere and root endosphere microbiota of plants with and without RKN showed that host species, developmental stage, ecological niche, and nematode parasitism, as well as most of their interactions, contributed significantly to variations in root-associated microbiota. Compared with healthy tomato plants at different developmental stages, significant enrichments of bacteria belonging to Rhizobiales, Betaproteobacteriales, and Rhodobacterales were observed in the endophytic microbiota of nematode-parasitized root samples. Functional pathways related to bacterial pathogenesis and biological nitrogen fixation were significantly enriched in nematode-parasitized plants. In addition, we observed significant enrichments of the nifH gene and NifH protein, the key gene/enzyme involved in biological nitrogen fixation, within nematode-parasitized roots, consistent with a potential functional contribution of nitrogen-fixing bacteria to nematode parasitism. Data from a further assay showed that soil nitrogen amendment could reduce both endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria and RKN prevalence and galling in tomato plants. CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrated that (1) community variation and assembly of root endophytic microbiota were significantly affected by RKN parasitism; (2) a taxonomic and functional association was found for endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria and nematode parasitism; and (3) the change of nitrogen-fixing bacterial communities through the addition of nitrogen fertilizers could affect the occurrence of RKN. Our results provide new insights into interactions among endophytic microbiota, RKN, and plants, contributing to the potential development of novel management strategies against RKN. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Shaonan Lei
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Zhiqiang Cheng
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Lingyue Jin
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Lian-Ming Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and The Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Linjie Cheng
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Qinyi Zhang
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Library, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Canhua Lan
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Chaojun Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and The Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Minghe Mo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and The Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and The Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Baoyu Tian
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China.
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The Growth and Conidiation of Purpureocillium lavendulum Are Co-Regulated by Nitrogen Sources and Histone H3K14 Acetylation. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030325. [PMID: 36983493 PMCID: PMC10054409 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes cause severe economic losses to agriculture. As important biocontrol agents, nematophagous fungi evolved the ability to obtain nitrogen sources from nematodes. However, the impact of nitrogen sources on the growth and development of these fungi is largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to better understand how nitrogen sources could influence vegetative growth and conidiation through epigenetic regulation in the nematophagous fungus, Purpureocillium lavendulum. Through nutrition screening, we found a phenomenon of the fungus, limited colony extension with a large amount of conidia production when cultured on PDA media, can be altered by adding ammonia nitrate. Characterized by site-directed mutagenesis, the histone H3K14 acetylation was found to be involved in the alternation. Furthermore, the acetyltransferase PlGCN5 was responsible for H3K14 acetylation. Knockout of Plgcn5 severely diminished conidiation in P. lavendulum. Chip-seq showed that H3K14ac distributed in conidiation regulating genes, and genes in the MAPK pathway which may be the downstream targets in the regulation. These findings suggest that histone modification and nitrogen sources coordinated lifestyle regulation in P. lavendulum, providing new insight into the mechanism of growth regulation by nutritional signals for the carnivorous fungus.
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Hitchcock M, Xu J. Global Analyses of Multi-Locus Sequence Typing Data Reveal Geographic Differentiation, Hybridization, and Recombination in the Cryptococcus gattii Species Complex. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020276. [PMID: 36836390 PMCID: PMC9967412 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii species complex (CGSC) is a basidiomycete haploid yeast and globally distributed mammalian pathogen. CGSC is comprised of six distinct lineages (VGI, VGII, VGIII, VGIV, VGV, and VGVI); however, the geographical distribution and population structure of these lineages is incompletely described. In this study, we analyze published multi-locus sequence data at seven loci for 566 previously recorded sequence types (STs) encompassing four distinct lineages (VGI, VGII, VGIII, and VGIV) within the CGSC. We investigate indicators of both clonal dispersal and recombination. Population genetic analyses of the 375 STs representing 1202 isolates with geographic information and 188 STs representing 788 isolates with ecological source data suggested historically differentiated geographic populations with infrequent long-distance gene flow. Phylogenetic analyses of sequences at the individual locus and of the concatenated sequences at all seven loci among all 566 STs revealed distinct clusters largely congruent with four major distinct lineages. However, 23 of the 566 STs (4%) each contained alleles at the seven loci belonging to two or more lineages, consistent with their hybrid origins among lineages. Within each of the four major lineages, phylogenetic incompatibility analyses revealed evidence for recombination. However, linkage disequilibrium analyses rejected the hypothesis of random recombination across all samples. Together, our results suggest evidence for historical geographical differentiation, sexual recombination, hybridization, and both long-distance and localized clonal expansion in the global CGSC population.
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Mai W, Liu Y, Meng Q, Xu J, Wu J. Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Respiratory Specimens of Children with Pneumonia in Hainan, China. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:249-261. [PMID: 36660346 PMCID: PMC9842527 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s397513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the bacterial species and antimicrobial susceptibility of respiratory specimens of children with pneumonia in Hainan, China. Methods A total of 5017 specimens, including 4986 sputum samples, 19 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples and 12 tracheal tube tip samples from hospitalized children with pneumonia from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 were studied. All the bacterial isolates were identified and confirmed with the VITEK 2 system. Antimicrobial susceptibility of all isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer method or the VITEK 2 Compact automatic system, following the breakpoints recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results A total of 996 bacterial isolates were collected and classified into 24 species. The top 10 most frequent species were Haemophilus influenzae (356 isolates, 35.7%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (128, 12.9%), Moraxella catarrhalis (114, 11.5%), Escherichia coli (89, 8.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (89, 8.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (82, 8.2%), Acinetobacter baumannii (31, 3.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28, 2.8%), Enterobacter cloacae (18, 1.8%), and Streptococcus agalactiae (13, 1.3%). 70.5% strains had the resistant (R) and/or intermediate (I) phenotypes to at least one of the tested drugs, with a large proportion (54.6%) showing resistance to two or more commonly used antibiotics. In addition, 60.5% (69/114) of M. catarrhalis strains and 42.9% (153/356) of H. influenzae strains produced β-lactamases while 19.1% (17/89) E. coli and 6.1% (5/82) K. pneumoniae strains produced extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Conclusion A diversity of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the respiratory tract of children with pneumonia in Hainan, China. High-frequency resistance to first-line antimicrobial drugs was observed in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including 544 isolates resistant to at least two antibiotics. Rapid identification and susceptibility testing should be implemented for children with bacterial pneumonia in Hainan before drug treatment is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Mai
- Center for Science Experiments, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China,Laboratory Department, Haikou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- Center for Science Experiments, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China,Department of Pathogen Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiaoyi Meng
- Center for Science Experiments, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China,Department of Pathogen Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Center for Science Experiments, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China,Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,Correspondence: Jianping Xu; Jinyan Wu, Email ;
| | - Jinyan Wu
- Center for Science Experiments, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China,Department of Pathogen Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China,Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China
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Korfanty G, Heifetz E, Xu J. Assessing thermal adaptation of a global sample of Aspergillus fumigatus: Implications for climate change effects. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1059238. [PMID: 36875405 PMCID: PMC9978374 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1059238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a common environmental mold and a major cause of opportunistic infections in humans. It's distributed among many ecological niches across the globe. A major virulence factor of A. fumigatus is its ability to grow at high temperature. However, at present, little is known about variations among strains in their growth at different temperatures and how their geographic origins may impact such variations. In this study, we analyzed 89 strains from 12 countries (Cameroon, Canada, China, Costa Rica, France, India, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Peru, Saudi Arabia, and USA) representing diverse geographic locations and temperature environments. Each strain was grown at four temperatures and genotyped at nine microsatellite loci. Our analyses revealed a range of growth profiles, with significant variations among strains within individual geographic populations in their growths across the temperatures. No statistically significant association was observed between strain genotypes and their thermal growth profiles. Similarly geographic separation contributed little to differences in thermal adaptations among strains and populations. The combined analyses among genotypes and growth rates at different temperatures in the global sample suggest that most natural populations of A. fumigatus are capable of rapid adaptation to temperature changes. We discuss the implications of our results to the evolution and epidemiology of A. fumigatus under increasing climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Korfanty
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Erin Heifetz
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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27
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Lin L, Xu J. Production of Fungal Pigments: Molecular Processes and Their Applications. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010044. [PMID: 36675865 PMCID: PMC9866555 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the negative environmental and health effects of synthetic colorants, pigments of natural origins of plants and microbes constitute an abundant source for the food, cosmetic, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. The demands for natural alternatives, which involve natural colorants and natural biological processes for their production, have been growing rapidly in recent decades. Fungi contain some of the most prolific pigment producers, and they excel in bioavailability, yield, cost-effectiveness, and ease of large-scale cell culture as well as downstream processing. In contrast, pigments from plants are often limited by seasonal and geographic factors. Here, we delineate the taxonomy of pigmented fungi and fungal pigments, with a focus on the biosynthesis of four major categories of pigments: carotenoids, melanins, polyketides, and azaphilones. The molecular mechanisms and metabolic bases governing fungal pigment biosynthesis are discussed. Furthermore, we summarize the environmental factors that are known to impact the synthesis of different fungal pigments. Most of the environmental factors that enhance fungal pigment production are related to stresses. Finally, we highlight the challenges facing fungal pigment utilization and future trends of fungal pigment development. This integrated review will facilitate further exploitations of pigmented fungi and fungal pigments for broad applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lin
- Medical School, School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases (MOE), Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (L.L.); (J.X.)
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Correspondence: (L.L.); (J.X.)
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28
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Hitchcock M, Xu J. Analyses of the Global Multilocus Genotypes of the Human Pathogenic Yeast Cryptococcus neoformans Species Complex. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2045. [PMID: 36360282 PMCID: PMC9691084 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans species complex (CNSC) is a globally distributed human opportunistic yeast pathogen consisting of five major molecular types (VNI, VNII, VNB, VNIII and VNIV) belonging to two species, C. neoformans (VNI, VNII and VNB, collectively called serotype A) and C. deneoformans (VNIV, commonly called serotype D), and their hybrids (VNIII, serotype AD). Over the years, many studies have analyzed the geographical distribution and genetic diversity of CNSC. However, the global population structure and mode of reproduction remain incompletely described. In this study, we analyze the published multilocus sequence data at seven loci for CNSC. The combined sequences at the seven loci identified a total of 657 multilocus sequence types (STs), including 296 STs with known geographic information, representing 4200 non-redundant isolates from 31 countries and four continents. Among the 296 STs, 78 and 52 were shared among countries and continents, respectively, representing 3643 of the 4200 isolates. Except for the clone-corrected serotype D sample among countries, our analysis of the molecular variance of the 4200 isolates revealed significant genetic differentiations among countries and continents in populations of CNSC, serotype A, and serotype D. Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated sequences of all 657 STs revealed several large clusters corresponding to the major molecular types. However, several rare but distinct STs were also found, representing potentially novel molecular types and/or hybrids of existing molecular types. Phylogenetic incompatibility analyses revealed evidence for recombination within all four major molecular types-VNI, VNII, VNIV and VNB-as well as within two VNB subclades, VNBI and VNBII, and two ST clusters around the most common STs, ST5 and ST93. However, linkage disequilibrium analyses rejected the hypothesis of random recombination across most samples. Together, our results suggest evidence for historical differentiation, frequent recent gene flow, clonal expansion and recombination within and between lineages of the global CNSC population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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