New species in Aspergillus section Terrei

Fungal profile, levels of aflatoxin M1, exposure, and the risk characterization of local cheese 'wagashi' consumed in the Ho Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana

Wagashi is a West African type cottage cheese locally prepared from cow milk. Wagashi like other milk products, is prone to microbial contamination, particularly by fungi. Many of these fungal species produce mycotoxins which are of serious public health concern. This work aimed to update the mycoflora profile and determine the concentrations of aflatoxin M1 and its health risk characterization due to the consumption of wagashi. Culturing the wagashi on mycological media (Oxytetracycline Glucose Yeast Extract OGYE, Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol DRBC) caused a de-novo growth of the quiescent spores at 28-30 °C for 5-7 days. The analysis of AFM1 levels in the samples was done using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography connected to a Fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The exposure and risk assessment to the AFMI levels were determined using deterministic models prescribed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The fungal counts ranged between 2.36-4.30 log10 CFU/g. In total, thirteen (13) fungal species from eight (8) genera were isolated from all wagashi samples. They are; Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium verticillioides, Penicillium digitatum, Trichoderma harzianum, Aspergillus terreus, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus fumigatus, Yeast sp., Mucor racemosus and Fusarium oligosporum belonging to the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Rhodotorula, Rhizopus, Yeast, and Mucor. The AFM1 observed in the wagashi samples' analysis was low, ranging from 0.00 (Not Detected) ± 0.00 - 0.06 ± 0.002 µg/Kg. Risk assessments of AFM1 using deterministic models produced outcomes that ranged between 5.92 × 10-3- 0.14 ng/kg bw/day, 1.42 -44.35, 0-0.0323 ng aflatoxins/kg bw/day, and 1.51 × 10-3 - 9.69 × 10-4 cases/100,000 person/yr for estimated daily intake (EDI), margin of exposure (MOE), average potency, and cancer risks, respectively, for the age categories investigated. Fungal counts were interpreted as medium to high. It was also established that the consumption of wagashi may pose adverse health effects on all age categories in the selected zones of the study since all calculated MOE values were less than 100,000.

Osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus terreus complex in a dog: a case report

BACKGROUND

In dogs, the most frequently reported mycosis associated with Aspergillus spp. are respiratory infections. Systemic aspergillosis is uncommon, with reported cases been associated with several Aspergillus species. Aspergillus terreus species complex are ubiquitous organisms, unfrequently associated with local or systemic disease in animals and humans, and treatment of osteomyelitis caused by this species is usually unfavorable.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report describes the case of a 5-year-old dog, referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Portugal, with a history of lameness of the right thoracic limb. Radiographs and CT scan revealed two different lesions on right humerus and radio, which were biopsied. The samples collected were submitted to cytological and histopathological evaluation and bacterial and mycological culture. Environmental samples, including of the surgery room and of the biopsy needle were also evaluated for the presence of fungi. Regarding biopsy samples, bacterial culture was negative, but mycological analysis originated a pure culture of a fungal species later identified as Aspergillus terreus by Sanger sequencing. Results were compatible with histopathologic examination, which revealed periosteal reaction and invasion of hyphae elements. Also, mycological analysis of both environmental samples evaluated were negative. The virulence profile of the fungal isolate was phenotypically characterized using specific media, allowing to reveal its ability to produce several enzymes involved in its pathogenicity, namely lipase, hemolysin and DNAse, corresponding to a Virulence Index (V. Index.) of 0.43. The patient was submitted to itraconazole therapy for 8 weeks. After 3 weeks, the patient showed significant clinical improvement, and after 6 weeks no radiographic signs were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Antifungal therapy with itraconazole can contribute to the remission of canine infections promoted by Aspergillus terreus complex with a relevant V. Index.

Species Distribution and Antifungal Susceptibilities of Aspergillus Section Terrei Isolates in Clinical Samples from the United States and Description of Aspergillus pseudoalabamensis sp. nov

Aspergillus section Terrei consists of numerous cryptic species in addition to A. terreus sensu stricto. The treatment of invasive infections caused by these fungi may pose a unique challenge prior to diagnosis and species identification, in that they are often clinically resistant to amphotericin B, with poor outcomes and low survival rates in patients treated with this polyene. Data on the species distributions and susceptibility profiles of isolates within section Terrei from the United States (U.S.) are limited. Here, we report the species distributions and susceptibility profiles for amphotericin B, isavuconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, and micafungin against 278 clinical isolates of this section from institutions across the U.S. collected over a 52-month period. Species identification was performed by DNA sequence analysis and phenotypic characterization. Susceptibility testing was performed using the CLSI broth microdilution method. The majority of isolates were identified as Aspergillus terreus sensu stricto (69.8%), although several other cryptic species were also identified. Most were cultured from specimens collected from the respiratory tract. Posaconazole demonstrated the most potent activity of the azoles (MIC range ≤ 0.03-1 mg/L), followed by itraconazole (≤0.03-2 mg/L), voriconazole, and isavuconazole (0.125-8 mg/L for each). Amphotericin B demonstrated reduced in vitro susceptibility against this section (MIC range 0.25-8 mg/L), although this appeared to be species-dependent. A new species within this section, A. pseudoalabamensis, is also described. Our results, which are specific to the U.S., are similar to previous surveillance studies of the Aspergillus section Terrei.

Unearthing the fungal endophyte Aspergillus terreus for chemodiversity and medicinal prospects: a comprehensive review

Aspergillus terreus microorganism represents a promising prospective source for drug discovery since it is rich in diverse kinds of bioactive secondary metabolites. It contributed to many biotechnological applications and its metabolites are used in the synthesis of certain pharmaceuticals and food products, in addition to its useful uses in fermentation processes. There are about 346 compounds identified from marine and terrestrial-derived A. terreus from 1987 until 2022, 172 compounds of them proved a vast array of bioactivity. This review aimed to create an up-to-date comprehensive literature data of A. terreus's secondary metabolites classes supported by its different bioactivity data to be a scientific record for the next work in drug discovery.

Storage Fungi and Mycotoxins Associated with Rice Samples Commercialized in Thailand

The study focused on the examination of the different fungal species isolated from commercial rice samples, applying conventional culture techniques, as well as different molecular and phylogenic analyses to confirm phenotypic identification. Additionally, the mycotoxin production and contamination were analyzed using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In total, 40 rice samples were obtained covering rice berry, red jasmine rice, brown rice, germinated brown rice, and white rice. The blotting paper technique applied on the 5 different types of rice samples detected 4285 seed-borne fungal infections (26.8%) for 16,000 rice grains. Gross morphological data revealed that 19 fungal isolates belonged to the genera Penicillium/Talaromyces (18 of 90 isolates; 20%) and Aspergillus (72 of 90 isolates; 80%). To check their morphologies, molecular data (fungal sequence-based BLAST results and a phylogenetic tree of the combined ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2 datasets) confirmed the initial classification. The phylogenic analysis revealed that eight isolates belonged to P. citrinum and, additionally, one isolate each belonged to P. chermesinum, A. niger, A. fumigatus, and A. tubingensis. Furthermore, four isolates of T. pinophilus and one isolate of each taxon were identified as Talaromyces (T. radicus, T. purpureogenum, and T. islandicus). The results showed that A. niger and T. pinophilus were two commonly occurring fungal species in rice samples. After subculturing, ochratoxin A (OTA), generated by T. pinophilus code W3-04, was discovered using LC-MS/MS. In addition, the Fusarium toxin beauvericin was detected in one of the samples. Aflatoxin B1 or other mycotoxins, such as citrinin, trichothecenes, and fumonisins, were detected. These preliminary findings should provide valuable guidance for hazard analysis critical control point concepts used by commercial food suppliers, including the analysis of multiple mycotoxins. Based on the current findings, mycotoxin analyses should focus on A. niger toxins, including OTA and metabolites of T. pinophilus (recently considered a producer of emerging mycotoxins) to exclude health hazards related to the traditionally high consumption of rice by Thai people.

Itaconic acid production is regulated by LaeA in Aspergillus pseudoterreus

The global regulator LaeA controls secondary metabolism in diverse Aspergillus species. Here we explored its role in regulation of itaconic acid production in Aspergillus pseudoterreus. To understand its role in regulating metabolism, we deleted and overexpressed laeA, and assessed the transcriptome, proteome, and secreted metabolome prior to and during initiation of phosphate limitation induced itaconic acid production. We found that secondary metabolite clusters, including the itaconic acid biosynthetic gene cluster, are regulated by laeA and that laeA is required for high yield production of itaconic acid. Overexpression of LaeA improves itaconic acid yield at the expense of biomass by increasing the expression of key biosynthetic pathway enzymes and attenuating the expression of genes involved in phosphate acquisition and scavenging. Increased yield was observed in optimized conditions as well as conditions containing excess nutrients that may be present in inexpensive sugar containing feedstocks such as excess phosphate or complex nutrient sources. This suggests that global regulators of metabolism may be useful targets for engineering metabolic flux that is robust to environmental heterogeneity.

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The Itaconic acid biosynthetic gene cluster is regulated by laeA.

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LaeA is required for production of itaconic acid.

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Overexpression of laeA attenuates genes involved in phosphate acquisition.

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Global regulator engineering increases robustness of itaconic acid production.

Distribution, cytotoxicity, and antioxidant activity of fungal endophytes isolated from Tsuga chinensis (Franch.) Pritz. in Ha Giang province, Vietnam

Purpose

An endangered Tsuga chinensis (Franch.) Pritz. is widely used as a natural medicinal herb in many countries, but little has been reported on its culturable endophytic fungi capable of producing secondary metabolites applied in modern medicine and pharmacy. The present study aimed to evaluate the distribution of fungal endophytes and their cytotoxic and antioxidant properties.

Methods

This study used the surface sterilization method to isolate endophytic fungi which were then identified using morphological characteristics and ITS sequence analysis. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic potentials of fungal ethyl acetate extracts were evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays, respectively. Paclitaxel-producing fungi were primarily screened using PCR-based molecular markers. Additionally, biochemical assays were used to reveal the antioxidant potencies of selected strains.

Results

A total of sixteen endophytic fungi that belonged to 7 known and 1 unknown genera were isolated from T. chinensis. The greatest number of endophytes was found in leaves (50%), followed by stems (31.3%) and roots (18.7%). Out of 16 fungal strains, 33.3% of fungal extracts showed significant antimicrobial activities against at least 4 pathogens with inhibition zones ranging from 11.0 ± 0.4 to 25.8 ± 0.6 mm. The most prominent cytotoxicity against A549 and MCF7 cell lines (IC50 value < 92.4 μg/mL) was observed in Penicillium sp. SDF4, Penicillium sp. SDF5, Aspergillus sp. SDF8, and Aspergillus sp. SDF17. Out of three key genes (dbat, bapt, ts) involved in paclitaxel biosynthesis, strains SDF4, SDF8, and SDF17 gave one or two positive hits, holding the potential for producing the billion-dollar anticancer drug paclitaxel. Furthermore, four bioactive strains also displayed remarkable and wide-range antioxidant activity against DPPH, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide anion, which was in relation to the high content of flavonoids and polyphenols detected.

Conclusion

The present study exploited for the first time fungal endophytes from T. chinensis as a promising source for the discovery of new bioactive compounds or leads for the new drug candidates.

Terrien, a metabolite made by Aspergillus terreus, has activity against Cryptococcus neoformans

Antimicrobial compounds, including antibiotics, have been a cornerstone of modern medicine being able to both treat infections and prevent infections in at-risk people, including those who are immune-compromised and those undergoing routine surgical procedures. Their intense use, including in people, animals, and plants, has led to an increase in the incidence of resistant bacteria and fungi, resulting in a desperate need for novel antimicrobial compounds with new mechanisms of action. Many antimicrobial compounds in current use originate from microbial sources, such as penicillin from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum (renamed by some as P. rubens). Through a collaboration with Aotearoa New Zealand Crown Research Institute Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research we have access to a collection of thousands of fungal cultures known as the International Collection of Microorganisms from Plants (ICMP). The ICMP contains both known and novel species which have not been extensively tested for their antimicrobial activity. Initial screening of ICMP isolates for activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus directed our interest towards ICMP 477, an isolate of the soil-inhabiting fungus, Aspergillus terreus. In our investigation of the secondary metabolites of A. terreus, through extraction, fractionation, and purification, we isolated nine known natural products. We evaluated the biological activity of selected compounds against various bacteria and fungi and discovered that terrein (1) has potent activity against the important human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans.

Anti-prostate cancer metabolites from the soil-derived Aspergillus neoniveus

Prostate cancer (PCa) ranks as one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Toxicity, lack of clinical efficacy, and development of resistance phenotypes are the main challenges in the control of prostate malignancies. Notably, castration-resistance prostate cancer (CRPCa) is a highly aggressive and metastatic phenotype of the disease with a poor prognosis and very limited therapeutic options. Herein, we report the isolation and genotypic identification of a soil-derived fungus Aspergillus neoniveus using the PCR-based internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region amplification approach. HPLC/MS investigation of the metabolic profile of the ethyl acetate extract from the fungal biomass revealed tentative identification of forty-five compounds belonging to various chemical classes including γ-butyrolactones, alkaloids, phenolics, and quinoids. Furthermore, the chromatographic purification of microbial extract enabled the identification of nervonic acid methyl ester (1) for the first time from endophytic fungi, as well as acetyl aszonalenin (2), and butyrolactone II (3) for the first time from A. neoniveus. The chemical frameworks of the isolated compounds were identified via extensive spectral analysis including 1 and 2D NMR and MS. The X-ray crystal structure and absolute configuration of acetyl aszonalenin (2) were also determined. Additionally, screening of in vitro anticancer activity of the fungal extract revealed its potential antiproliferative and anti-migratory activities against five different prostate cancer cells (PC3, PC-3M, DU-145, CWR-R1ca, and 22Rv1), including different cells with the castration-resistance phenotype. Moreover, the isolated metabolites significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and colonization of human prostate cancer cells at low micromolar levels, thus providing credence for future investigation of these metabolites in relevant anti-prostate cancer animal models. Furthermore, computational target prediction tools identified the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptors type 1 (CB1) as a potential biological target mediating, at least in part, the anticancer effects of acetylaszonalenin (2). Moreover, molecular modeling and docking studies revealed a favorable binding pose at the CB1 receptor orthosteric ligand pocket aided by multiple polar and hydrophobic interactions with critical amino acids. In conclusion, the Aspergillus neoniveus-derived prenylated indole alkaloid acetylaszonalenin has promising anticancer activity and is amenable to further hit-to-lead optimization for the control of prostate malignancies via modulating CB1 receptors

Aureoterrolides B‒M: Eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids isolated from Aspergillus aureoterreus and their cytotoxicity

Uncovered by genome sequence analyses, twelve undescribed sesquiterpenoids designated aureoterrolides B‒M, were isolated from the culture broth of the fungus Aspergillus aureoterreus together with two known analogues. They are unusual eremophilanes with an oxidized C-4, of which aureoterrolide J is an unreported furanoeremophilane comprising a 3/6/6/5/3 pentacyclic architecture with a rare 3,6-spiro ring system. Their structures and absolute configurations were unambiguously assigned by extensive spectroscopic method and theoretical ECD calculation. All isolated compounds were evaluated their cytotoxicity, and aureoterrolides A, B, and I-K showed moderate cytotoxic activity against three human cancer cell lines (HL-60, HepG-2, and SKOV-3) with IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.53 ± 0.05 to 24.71 ± 0.16 μM. Among them, aureoterrolide A exhibited activity such close to the positive control and apoptotic effect on HL-60 cells at a concentration of 5.0 μM.

Seven Undescribed Aspergillus Species from Different Niches in Korea

An investigation of species of the genus Aspergillus present in arthropod, freshwater, and soil led to the discovery of seven undescribed species in Korea. Based on their morphological characteristics and molecular phylogeny analyses using a combined data set of β-tubulin (BenA) and calmodulin (CaM) sequences, the isolated strains CNUFC IGS2-5, CNUFC YJ1-19, CNUFC WD27, CNUFC U8-70, CNUFC AS2-24, CNUFC S32-1, and CNUFC U7-48, were identified as Aspergillus brunneoviolaceus, A. capensis, A. floccosus, A. inflatus, A. parvulus, A. polyporicola, and A. spelaeus, respectively. In the present study, the detailed morphological descriptions and phylogenetic relationships of these species are provided.

Air- and dustborne fungi in repositories of the National Archive of the Republic of Cuba

This study has as objectives to determine the concentration and diversity of the air- and dustborne mycobiota in seven National Archive of the Republic of Cuba repositories, and to assess the potential risk of biodeterioration that isolated taxa may have. In the indoor and outdoor environmental microbiological samplings a SAS biocollector was used and the indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio was determined for each repository. The settled dust was collected during six months. Sørensen's coefficient of similarity (QS) was calculated to compare the isolated taxa among the three studied niches (indoor air, dust, outdoor air). The biodegradation potential of the isolated taxa was determined by semi-quantitative tests. The concentrations in the air of repositories with natural cross-ventilation ranged from 225.2-750.3 CFU m-3, while in the Map library with air-conditioning the concentration was significantly lower. The I/O ratios ranged from 0.1-1.7 revealing different environmental qualities. The maximum settled dust load was 22.8 mg/m2/day with a top fungal concentration of 6000 CFU g-1. 14 and eleven genera were detected in the air and dust respectively with predominance of the genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium. A QS of 0.8 was obtained between the indoor and the outdoor environments with eleven taxa similar evidencing the incidence of outdoors on the indoor mycobiota. The isolated taxa showed several biodeteriogenic attributes highlighting twelve and 14 taxa from indoor air and dust respectively with positive results for the five tests performed. This demonstrates the potential risk that fungal environmental represent for the preserved documentary heritage.

Substantive Morphological Descriptions, Phylogenetic Analysis and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Aspergillus Species From Foeniculum vulgare

Ascomycetous fungi are found associated with a wide variety of substrates which range from fresh water to marine ecosystems, tropical to temperate forest soils and deserts, throughout the world over. These demystifying fungi exist as endophytes, pathogens and saprobes. They have been studied due to their ability to contaminate foods and feedstuffs, causing an elaboration of mycotoxins. The objectives of the study included extensive analyses of the morphological features of fungi, especially Aspergilli, which have been presented while studying them on specific mycological media. It is also an elaborate compilation of substantive macro- and micro-morphological characterization of different Aspergilli isolated from the spice Foeniculum vulgare used in India and other countries in the world. Further, a first of its kind attempt has been made to study their relative abundance and frequency of occurrence, molecular phylogeny and genetic relatedness to characterize the Aspergilli into specific sections, groups and clades. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was carried out to evaluate the functional consequences of nucleotide variations, synonymous and non-synonymous mutations in the protein structure. The study resulted in a total of 3,506 Aspergillus isolates, which were obtained from seventy (70) fennel samples, representing 14 Aspergillus species. The two most frequently found species were A. niger and A. flavus with a relative abundance of 32.24 and 11.63%, respectively. The taxonomy and current placements have been reappraised with suggestions and prospects for future research from six sections namely Terrei, Flavi, Fumigati, Nidulantes, Nigri, and Versicolores. In addition, a total number of 27 isolates were studied and deposited at the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and five Aspergillus species have been identified and are being reported for the first time from the fennel seeds, based on partial sequence analysis of the official fungal barcode namely, Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and a functional gene, beta tubulin gene locus, coupled with phenotypic characterization. SNPs for specific DNA regions have been used to identify variants in Aspergilli obtained from Indian fennel seeds for the first time. The need for a polyphasic approach of morphological identification and genetic characterization of Aspergilli from Foeniculum vulgare is addressed and presented here in adequate detail. Our current work makes extensive use of partial beta-tubulin gene sequences analyses to evaluate the association between SNPs in five Aspergillus species sections.

New Species and Eight Undescribed Species Belonging to the Families Aspergillaceae and Trichocomaceae in Korea

During a survey of fungal diversity associated with insects, mud, soil, and freshwater niches in different areas in Korea, nine interesting fungal strains were isolated. Based on their morphological characteristics and molecular phylogeny analyses, using a combined data set of β-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM), and second largest subunit of RNA polymerase (RPB2) sequences, the strains CNUFC AM-44, CNUFC JCW3-4, CNUFC S708, CNUFC WT202, CNUFC AS1-29, CNUFC JCW3-5, CNUFC JDP37, and CNUFC JDP62 were identified as Aspergillus alabamensis, A. floridensis, A. subversicolor, Penicillium flavigenum, P. laevigatum, P. lenticrescens, Talaromyces adpressus, and T. beijingensis, respectively. The strain CNUFC JT1301 belongs to series Westlingiorum in section Citrina and is phylogenetically related to P. manginii. However, slow growth when cultivated on CYA, MEA, CREA is observed and the property can be used to easily distinguish the new species from these species. Additionally, P. manginii is known to produce sclerotia, while CNUFC JT1301 strain does not. Herein, the new fungal species is proposed as P. aquadulcis sp. nov. Eight species, A. alabamensis, A. floridensis, A. subversicolor, P. flavigenum, P. laevigatum, P. lenticrescens, T. adpressus, and T. beijingensis, have not been previously reported in Korea. The present study expands the known distribution of fungal species belonging to the families Aspergillaceae and Trichocomaceae in Korea.

Fungal quinones: diversity, producers, and applications of quinones from Aspergillus, Penicillium, Talaromyces, Fusarium, and Arthrinium

Quinones represent an important group of highly structurally diverse, mainly polyketide-derived secondary metabolites widely distributed among filamentous fungi. Many quinones have been reported to have important biological functions such as inhibition of bacteria or repression of the immune response in insects. Other quinones, such as ubiquinones are known to be essential molecules in cellular respiration, and many quinones are known to protect their producing organisms from exposure to sunlight. Most recently, quinones have also attracted a lot of industrial interest since their electron-donating and -accepting properties make them good candidates as electrolytes in redox flow batteries, like their often highly conjugated double bond systems make them attractive as pigments. On an industrial level, quinones are mainly synthesized from raw components in coal tar. However, the possibility of producing quinones by fungal cultivation has great prospects since fungi can often be grown in industrially scaled bioreactors, producing valuable metabolites on cheap substrates. In order to give a better overview of the secondary metabolite quinones produced by and shared between various fungi, mainly belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Talaromyces, Fusarium, and Arthrinium, this review categorizes quinones into families such as emodins, fumigatins, sorbicillinoids, yanuthones, and xanthomegnins, depending on structural similarities and information about the biosynthetic pathway from which they are derived, whenever applicable. The production of these quinone families is compared between the different genera, based on recently revised taxonomy. KEY POINTS: • Quinones represent an important group of secondary metabolites widely distributed in important fungal genera such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Talaromyces, Fusarium, and Arthrinium. • Quinones are of industrial interest and can be used in pharmacology, as colorants and pigments, and as electrolytes in redox flow batteries. • Quinones are grouped into families and compared between genera according to the revised taxonomy.

Genome Mining and Molecular Networking-Based Metabolomics of the Marine Facultative Aspergillus sp. MEXU 27854

The marine-facultative Aspergillus sp. MEXU 27854, isolated from the Caleta Bay in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, has provided an interesting diversity of secondary metabolites, including a series of rare dioxomorpholines, peptides, and butyrolactones. Here, we report on the genomic data, which consists of 11 contigs (N50~3.95 Mb) with a ~30.75 Mb total length of assembly. Genome annotation resulted in the prediction of 10,822 putative genes. Functional annotation was accomplished by BLAST searching protein sequences with different public databases. Of the predicted genes, 75% were assigned gene ontology terms. From the 67 BGCs identified, ~60% belong to the NRPS and NRPS-like classes. Putative BGCs for the dioxomorpholines and other metabolites were predicted by extensive genome mining. In addition, metabolomic molecular networking analysis allowed the annotation of all isolated compounds and revealed the biosynthetic potential of this fungus. This work represents the first report of whole-genome sequencing and annotation from a marine-facultative fungal strain isolated from Mexico.

Aspergillus fumigatus and aspergillosis: From basics to clinics

The airborne fungus Aspergillus fumigatus poses a serious health threat to humans by causing numerous invasive infections and a notable mortality in humans, especially in immunocompromised patients. Mould-active azoles are the frontline therapeutics employed to treat aspergillosis. The global emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates in clinic and environment, however, notoriously limits the therapeutic options of mould-active antifungals and potentially can be attributed to a mortality rate reaching up to 100 %. Although specific mutations in CYP 51A are the main cause of azole resistance, there is a new wave of azole-resistant isolates with wild-type CYP 51A genotype challenging the efficacy of the current diagnostic tools. Therefore, applications of whole-genome sequencing are increasingly gaining popularity to overcome such challenges. Prominent echinocandin tolerance, as well as liver and kidney toxicity posed by amphotericin B, necessitate a continuous quest for novel antifungal drugs to combat emerging azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates. Animal models and the tools used for genetic engineering require further refinement to facilitate a better understanding about the resistance mechanisms, virulence, and immune reactions orchestrated against A. fumigatus. This review paper comprehensively discusses the current clinical challenges caused by A. fumigatus and provides insights on how to address them.

Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles as Potent Antifungal Agent against Aspergillus terreus Thom

Medicinal plants are composed of a rich pool of biomolecules and have been increasingly recognized for their antimicrobial properties; however, increasing concerns have been put on the bioavailability features. Thus, this study is aimed at exploring the synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles synthesized by Chenopodium album L. leaf extract and assessing the antifungal activity against Aspergillus terreus Thom. Plant extract was prepared in methanol to synthetize silver nanoparticles, which were then characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV-Visible spectroscopy, and particle size analysis. UV-Visible analysis indicated maximum absorption at 378 nm, and an average particle size was observed as 25.6 nm. Oval to hexagonal shape was observed by SEM. Antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5%) was addressed against A. terreus biomass. At 3.5%, silver nanoparticles revealed to be highly effective, leading to 92% retardation in fungus growth. In next phase, various organic fractions, viz., chloroform, n-butanol, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate, were obtained from plant methanol extract, and the corresponding silver nanoparticles were prepared. These fractions were also assessed for antifungal activity, and n-hexane fraction led to 64% inhibition in A. terreus biomass. Following gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 18 compounds were identified, namely, 1,3-cyclopentadiene-5-(1 methylethylidene and o-xylene), ethyl benzene, octadecane, nonane, decane, 2-methylheptane, n-hexadecane, 2-methylheptane, and eicosane, along with carbonyl compounds (4,4-dimethyl-3-hexanone) and phenols, like stearic acid, propionic acid hydrazide, and 2,4-di-T-butylphenol. These findings proved that C. album silver nanoparticles are highly effective against A. terreus.

Multicenter evaluation of three different MALDI-TOF MS systems for identification of clinically relevant filamentous fungi

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) holds promise as a potential tool for clinical identification of filamentous fungi. However, due to the lack of an appropriate extraction protocol and the difficulty of database building, the identification power of each system differs. In this study, we selected 126 clinical mould isolates comprising 28 species identified using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing as the reference method to evaluate three MALDI-TOF MS systems. When using cultures and sample preparation as recommended by the respective vendors, of the 126 strains tested, VITEK MS identified 121 (96.0%) to species-level and 124 (98.4%) to genus-level; Biotyper identified 53 (42.1%) to species-level and 54 (42.9%) to genus-level; Autof identified 74 (58.7%) to species-level and 76 (60.3%) to genus-level. For the Autof system, the tube extraction method recommended by the vendor performed better (59%) than the on-plate lysis (51%). Our study demonstrates that MALDI-TOF MS systems can successfully identify most clinically relevant fungi, while performance is still highly dependent on the database and sample preparation protocol.

Aspergillus terreus Species Complex

Infections due to Aspergillus species are an acute threat to human health; members of the Aspergillus section Fumigati are the most frequently occurring agents, but depending on the local epidemiology, representatives of section Terrei or section Flavi are the second or third most important. Aspergillus terreus species complex is of great interest, as it is usually amphotericin B resistant and displays notable differences in immune interactions in comparison to Aspergillus fumigatus. The latest epidemiological surveys show an increased incidence of A. terreus as well as an expanding clinical spectrum (chronic infections) and new groups of at-risk patients being affected. Hallmarks of these non-Aspergillus fumigatus invasive mold infections are high potential for tissue invasion, dissemination, and possible morbidity due to mycotoxin production. We seek to review the microbiology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of A. terreus species complex, address clinical characteristics, and highlight the underlying mechanisms of amphotericin B resistance. Selected topics will contrast key elements of A. terreus with A. fumigatus. We provide a comprehensive resource for clinicians dealing with fungal infections and researchers working on A. terreus pathogenesis, aiming to bridge the emerging translational knowledge and future therapeutic challenges on this opportunistic pathogen.

Aspergillus derived mycotoxins in food and the environment: Prevalence, detection, and toxicity

Aspergillus species are the paramount ubiquitous fungi that contaminate various food substrates and produce biochemicals known as mycotoxins. Aflatoxins (AFTs), ochratoxin A (OTA), patulin (PAT), citrinin (CIT), aflatrem (AT), secalonic acids (SA), cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), terrein (TR), sterigmatocystin (ST) and gliotoxin (GT), and other toxins produced by species of Aspergillus plays a major role in food and human health. Mycotoxins exhibited wide range of toxicity to the humans and animal models even at nanomolar (nM) concentration. Consumption of detrimental mycotoxins adulterated foodstuffs affects human and animal health even trace amounts. Bioaerosols consisting of spores and hyphal fragments are active elicitors of bronchial irritation and allergy, and challenging to the public health. Aspergillus is the furthermost predominant environmental contaminant unswervingly defile lives with a 40-90 % mortality risk in patients with conceded immunity. Genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics approaches useful for mycotoxins' detection which are expensive. Antibody based detection of toxins chemotypes may result in cross-reactivity and uncertainty. Aptamers (APT) are single stranded DNA (ssDNA/RNA), are specifically binds to the target molecules can be generated by systematic evolution of ligands through exponential enrichment (SELEX). APT are fast, sensitive, simple, in-expensive, and field-deployable rapid point of care (POC) detection of toxins, and a better alternative to antibodies.

Dissection of the Activity of Agricultural Fungicides against Clinical Aspergillus Isolates with and without Environmentally and Medically Induced Azole Resistance

Azole resistance is an emerging problem in patients with aspergillosis. The role of fungicides for resistance development and occurrence is not fully elucidated. EUCAST reference MICs of 17 fungicides (11 azoles and 6 others), five azole fungicide metabolites and four medical triazoles were examined against two reference and 28 clinical isolates of A. fumigatus, A. flavus and A. terreus with (n = 12) and without (n = 16) resistance mutations. Eight/11 azole fungicides were active against wild-type A. fumigatus, A. flavus and A. terreus, including four (metconazole, prothioconazole-desthio, prochloraz and imazalil) with low MIC₅₀ (≤2 mg/L) against all three species and epoxiconazole, propiconazole, tebuconazole and difenoconazole also against wild-type A. terreus. Mefentrifluconazole, azole metabolites and non-azole fungicides MICs were >16 mg/L against A. fumigatus although partial growth inhibition was found with mefentrifluconazole. Moreover, mefentrifluconazole and axozystrobin were active against wild-type A. terreus. Increased MICs (≥3 dilutions) were found for TR₃₄/L98H, TR₃₄⁽³⁾/L98H, TR₄₆/Y121F/T289A and G432S compared to wild-type A. fumigatus for epoxiconazole, propiconazole, tebuconazole, difenoconazole, prochloraz, imazalil and metconazole (except G432S), and for prothioconazole-desthio against TR₄₆/Y121F/T289A, specifically. Increased MICs were found in A. fumigatus harbouring G54R, M220K and M220R alterations for five, one and one azole fungicides, respectively, compared to MICs against wild-type A. fumigatus. Similarly, increased MICs wer found for A. terreus with G51A, M217I and Y491H alterations for five, six and two azole fungicides, respectively. Azole fungicides showed activity against wild-type A. fumigatus, A. terreus and A. flavus, but not against all mutant isolates, suggesting the environmental route of azole resistance may have a role for all three species.

The Environmental Spread of Aspergillus terreus in Tyrol, Austria

Fungal infections due to Aspergillus species have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. At the Medical University of Innsbruck, A. terreus and related species are the second most common causative agents of aspergillosis. In this one-year study we collected environmental samples to investigate (i) the environmental distribution, (ii) the ecological niche of A. terreus in Tyrol, (iii) the genetic relatedness of environmental and clinical isolates and the correlation between those two groups of isolates, and (iv) the antifungal susceptibility patterns. A. terreus was present in 5.4% of 3845 environmental samples, with a significantly higher frequency during winter (6.8%) than summer (3.9%). An increased A. terreus abundance in Tyrol’s Eastern part was detected which is in agreement with the proof of clinical cases. In total, 92% of environmental and 98% of clinical A. terreus isolates were amphotericin B resistant; 22.6% and 9.8% were resistant against posaconazole. Overall, 3.9% of clinical isolates were resistant against voriconazole. Short tandem repeat analysis identified three major genotypes persisting in Tyrol. Soil from agricultural cornfields seems to be an important source; the environmental frequency of A. terreus correlates with the high incidence of A. terreus infections in certain geographical areas.

Mass Spectrometry Guided Discovery and Design of Novel Asperphenamate Analogs From Penicillium astrolabium Reveals an Extraordinary NRPS Flexibility

Asperphenamate is a small peptide natural product that has gained much interest due to its antitumor activity. In the recent years numerous bioactive synthetic asperphenamate analogs have been reported, whereas only a handful of natural analogs either of microbial or plant origin has been discovered. Herein we describe a UHPLC-HRMS/MS and amino acid supplement approach for discovery and design of novel asperphenamate analogs. Chemical analysis of Penicillium astrolabium, a prolific producer of asperphenamate, revealed three previously described and two novel asperphenamate analogs produced in significant amounts, suggesting a potential for biosynthesis of further asperphenamate analogs by varying the amino acid availability. Subsequent growth on proteogenic and non-proteogenic amino acid enriched media, revealed a series of novel asperphenamate analogs, including single or double amino acid exchange, as well as benzoic acid exchange for nicotinic acid, with the latter observed from a natural source for the first time. In total, 22 new asperphenamate analogs were characterized by HRMS/MS, with one additionally confirmed by isolation and NMR structure elucidation. This study indicates an extraordinary nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) flexibility based on substrate availability, and therefore the potential for manipulating and designing novel peptide natural products in filamentous fungi.

Prosthetic Finger Joint Infection Due to Aspergillus terreus

Fungal periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare but associated with significant mortality. We report a case of a finger PJI secondary to Aspergillus terreus in an immunocompetent patient with soil exposure, successfully treated with surgical debridement and voriconazole. Identification of A terreus is important because of intrinsic amphotericin B resistance.

Aspegillus terreus: From Soil to Industry and Back

Aspergillus terreus is an important saprophytic filamentous fungus that can be found in soils. Like many other soil microorganisms, A. terreus demonstrates multiple functions and offers various important metabolites, which can be used in different fields of human activity. The first application of A. terreus on an industrial level is the production of itaconic acid, which is now considered as one of the most important bioproducts in the Green Chemistry field. The general schemes for itaconic acid production have been studied, but in this mini-review some lines of future research are presented based on analysis of the published results. A. terreus is also intensively studied for its biocontrol activity and plant growth-promoting effect. However, this microorganism is also known to infect important crops such as, amongst others, rice, wheat, potato, sugar cane, maize, and soybean. It was suggested, however, that the balance between positive vs. negative effects is dependent on the soil-plant-inoculant dose system. A. terreus has frequently been described as an important human pathogen. Therefore, its safety manipulation in biotechnological processes for the production of itaconic acid and some drugs and its use in soil-plant systems should be carefully assessed. Some suggestions in this direction are discussed, particularly concerning the uses in crop production.

Rapid detection of asperphenamate in a hay batch associated with constipation and deaths in dairy cattle. The application of DART-HRMS to veterinary forensic toxicology

Direct analysis in real time (DART) coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was applied for the first time to veterinary forensic toxicology to investigate the presence of toxic compounds in hay after an episode of acute intoxication in a dairy cattle farm. In addition to gross field necropsy and histological examination, microbial cultures, and heavy metals analysis, the molecular fingerprinting of the suspected hay batch was investigated by DART-HRMS. DART-HRMS revealed a distinct signal of m/z 507.2289 in the hay batch thought to be associated with the digestive complications. A search on chemical structure databases matched the ion with asperphenamate, a toxin produced by Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. Liquid Chromatography-HMRS analysis and electrospray-HRMS-MS/MS of the hay extracts further characterized the structure and confirmed the identification of the compound as asperphenamate. Asperphenamate is fungal metabolite which can have cytotoxic and antitumor activity in humans, and it is classified as acute toxicant and harmful if swallowed.

The Quiet and Underappreciated Rise of Drug-Resistant Invasive Fungal Pathogens

Human fungal pathogens are attributable to a significant economic burden and mortality worldwide. Antifungal treatments, although limited in number, play a pivotal role in decreasing mortality and morbidities posed by invasive fungal infections (IFIs). However, the recent emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida auris and Candida glabrata and acquiring invasive infections due to azole-resistant C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and Aspergillus spp. in azole-naïve patients pose a serious health threat considering the limited number of systemic antifungals available to treat IFIs. Although advancing for major fungal pathogens, the understanding of fungal attributes contributing to antifungal resistance is just emerging for several clinically important MDR fungal pathogens. Further complicating the matter are the distinct differences in antifungal resistance mechanisms among various fungal species in which one or more mechanisms may contribute to the resistance phenotype. In this review, we attempt to summarize the burden of antifungal resistance for selected non-albicansCandida and clinically important Aspergillus species together with their phylogenetic placement on the tree of life. Moreover, we highlight the different molecular mechanisms between antifungal tolerance and resistance, and comprehensively discuss the molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance in a species level.

Molecular identification, phylogenetic analysis and antifungal susceptibility patterns of Aspergillusnidulans complex and Aspergillusterreus complex isolated from clinical specimens

OBJECTIVE

Aspergillus sections Terrei and Nidulantes are the less common causes of invasive aspergillosis and pulmonary aspergillosis (PA) in immunocompromised patients when compared to A. fumigatus and A. flavus. Identifying these fungi as the infectious agent is crucial because of the resistance to amphotericin B (AMB) and increased lethality. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular status, evaluate the genetic diversity and examine the antifungal susceptibility profile of the uncommon Aspergillus species. Forty-five uncommon Aspergillus species were identified based on the microscopic and macroscopic criteria. Then, the molecular identification was performed using the sequencing beta tubulin (benA) gene. In vitro antifungal susceptibility to amphotericin B (AMB), itraconazole (ITC), ravuconazole (RAV), voriconazole (VRC), caspofungin (CFG) isavuconazole (ISA) and posaconazole (POS) test was performed according to the CLSI M38-A2 guidelines.

RESULTS

A. terreus was the most species detected, followed by A. nidulans, A. latus, A.ochraceus, and A. citrinoterreus, respectively. The analysis of the benA gene showed the presence of 12 distinct genotypes among the A. terreus isolates. The other species did not show any intraspecies variation. CFG exhibited the lowest MEC₅₀/MIC₅₀ (0.007μg/mL), followed by POS (0.125μg/mL), VRC, ITC, ISA (0.25μg/mL), RAV (0.5μg/mL), and AMB (8μg/mL). Among all the isolates, only 15.5% (7/45) were susceptible to AMB.

CONCLUSION

Antifungal susceptibility pattern of the uncommon Aspergillus species is useful to improve patient management and increase knowledge concerning the local epidemiology. Moreover, this information is necessary when an outbreak dealing with drug-resistant infections occurs.

Growth study under combined effects of temperature, pH and salinity and transcriptome analysis revealed adaptations of Aspergillus terreus NTOU4989 to the extreme conditions at Kueishan Island Hydrothermal Vent Field, Taiwan

A high diversity of fungi was discovered on various substrates collected at the marine shallow-water Kueishan Island Hydrothermal Vent Field, Taiwan, using culture and metabarcoding methods but whether these fungi can grow and play an active role in such an extreme environment is unknown. We investigated the combined effects of different salinity, temperature and pH on growth of ten fungi (in the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fodinomyces, Microascus, Trichoderma, Verticillium) isolated from the sediment and the vent crab Xenograpsus testudinatus. The growth responses of the tested fungi could be referred to three groups: (1) wide pH, salinity and temperature ranges, (2) salinity-dependent and temperature-sensitive, and (3) temperature-tolerant. Aspergillus terreus NTOU4989 was the only fungus which showed growth at 45 °C, pH 3 and 30 ‰ salinity, and might be active near the vents. We also carried out a transcriptome analysis to understand the molecular adaptations of A. terreus NTOU4989 under these extreme conditions. Data revealed that stress-related genes were differentially expressed at high temperature (45 °C); for instance, mannitol biosynthetic genes were up-regulated while glutathione S-transferase and amino acid oxidase genes down-regulated in response to high temperature. On the other hand, hydrogen ion transmembrane transport genes and phenylalanine ammonia lyase were up-regulated while pH-response transcription factor was down-regulated at pH 3, a relative acidic environment. However, genes related to salt tolerance, such as glycerol lipid metabolism and mitogen-activated protein kinase, were up-regulated in both conditions, possibly related to maintaining water homeostasis. The results of this study revealed the genetic evidence of adaptation in A. terreus NTOU4989 to changes of environmental conditions.

Exploring the Brazilian diversity of Aspergillus sp. strains for lovastatin and itaconic acid production

Filamentous fungi are well known for producing secondary metabolites applied in various industrial segments. Among these, lovastatin and itaconic acid, produced by Aspergillus terreus, have applications in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Lovastatin is primarily used for the control of hypercholesterolemia, while itaconic acid is a building block for the production of synthetic fibers, coating adhesives, among others. In this study, for the first time, 35 strains of Aspergillus sp. from four Brazilian culture collections were evaluated for lovastatin and itaconic acid production and compared to a reference strain, ATCC 20542. From an initial screening, the strains ATCC 20542, URM 224, URM1876, URM 5061, URM 5254, URM 5256, URM 5650, and URM 5961 were selected for genomic comparison. Among tested strains, the locus corresponding to the lovastatin genomic cluster was assembled, showing that all genes essential for lovastatin biosynthesis were present in producing URM 5961 and URM 5650 strains, with 100% and 98.5% similarity to ATCC 20542, respectively. However, in the no producing URM 1876, URM 224, URM 5254, URM 5061, and URM 5256 strains, this cluster was either fragmented or missing. Among the 35 strains evaluated for itaconic acid production in this study, only three strains had titers above 0.5 g/L, 16 strains had production below 0.5 g/L, and the remaining 18 strains had no production, with the highest production of itaconic acid observed in the URM 5254 strain with 2.2 g/L. The essential genes for itaconic acid production, mttA, cadA msfA were also mapped, where all three genes linked to itaconic acid production were found in a single contig in the assembly of each strain. In contrast to lovastatin loci, there is no correlation between the level of itaconic acid production and genetic polymorphisms in the genes associated with its biosynthesis.

Updating the taxonomy of Aspergillus in South Africa

The taxonomy and nomenclature of the genus Aspergillus and its associated sexual (teleomorphic) genera have been greatly stabilised over the last decade. This was in large thanks to the accepted species list published in 2014 and associated metadata such as DNA reference sequences released at the time. It had a great impact on the community and it has never been easier to identify, publish and describe the missing Aspergillus diversity. To further stabilise its taxonomy, it is crucial to not only discover and publish new species but also to capture infraspecies variation in the form of DNA sequences. This data will help to better characterise and distinguish existing species and make future identifications more robust. South Africa has diverse fungal communities but remains largely unexplored in terms of Aspergillus with very few sequences available for local strains. In this paper, we re-identify Aspergillus previously accessioned in the PPRI and MRC culture collections using modern taxonomic approaches. In the process, we re-identify strains to 63 species, describe seven new species and release a large number of new DNA reference sequences.

Classification of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Talaromyces and related genera (Eurotiales): An overview of families, genera, subgenera, sections, series and species

The Eurotiales is a relatively large order of Ascomycetes with members frequently having positive and negative impact on human activities. Species within this order gain attention from various research fields such as food, indoor and medical mycology and biotechnology. In this article we give an overview of families and genera present in the Eurotiales and introduce an updated subgeneric, sectional and series classification for Aspergillus and Penicillium. Finally, a comprehensive list of accepted species in the Eurotiales is given. The classification of the Eurotiales at family and genus level is traditionally based on phenotypic characters, and this classification has since been challenged using sequence-based approaches. Here, we re-evaluated the relationships between families and genera of the Eurotiales using a nine-gene sequence dataset. Based on this analysis, the new family Penicillaginaceae is introduced and four known families are accepted: Aspergillaceae, Elaphomycetaceae, Thermoascaceae and Trichocomaceae. The Eurotiales includes 28 genera: 15 genera are accommodated in the Aspergillaceae (Aspergillago, Aspergillus, Evansstolkia, Hamigera, Leiothecium, Monascus, Penicilliopsis, Penicillium, Phialomyces, Pseudohamigera, Pseudopenicillium, Sclerocleista, Warcupiella, Xerochrysium and Xeromyces), eight in the Trichocomaceae (Acidotalaromyces, Ascospirella, Dendrosphaera, Rasamsonia, Sagenomella, Talaromyces, Thermomyces, Trichocoma), two in the Thermoascaceae (Paecilomyces, Thermoascus) and one in the Penicillaginaceae (Penicillago). The classification of the Elaphomycetaceae was not part of this study, but according to literature two genera are present in this family (Elaphomyces and Pseudotulostoma). The use of an infrageneric classification system has a long tradition in Aspergillus and Penicillium. Most recent taxonomic studies focused on the sectional level, resulting in a well-established sectional classification in these genera. In contrast, a series classification in Aspergillus and Penicillium is often outdated or lacking, but is still relevant, e.g., the allocation of a species to a series can be highly predictive in what functional characters the species might have and might be useful when using a phenotype-based identification. The majority of the series in Aspergillus and Penicillium are invalidly described and here we introduce a new series classification. Using a phylogenetic approach, often supported by phenotypic, physiologic and/or extrolite data, Aspergillus is subdivided in six subgenera, 27 sections (five new) and 75 series (73 new, one new combination), and Penicillium in two subgenera, 32 sections (seven new) and 89 series (57 new, six new combinations). Correct identification of species belonging to the Eurotiales is difficult, but crucial, as the species name is the linking pin to information. Lists of accepted species are a helpful aid for researchers to obtain a correct identification using the current taxonomic schemes. In the most recent list from 2014, 339 Aspergillus, 354 Penicillium and 88 Talaromyces species were accepted. These numbers increased significantly, and the current list includes 446 Aspergillus (32 % increase), 483 Penicillium (36 % increase) and 171 Talaromyces (94 % increase) species, showing the large diversity and high interest in these genera. We expanded this list with all genera and species belonging to the Eurotiales (except those belonging to Elaphomycetaceae). The list includes 1 187 species, distributed over 27 genera, and contains MycoBank numbers, collection numbers of type and ex-type cultures, subgenus, section and series classification data, information on the mode of reproduction, and GenBank accession numbers of ITS, beta-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) gene sequences.

Isolation, Molecular Identification, and Mycotoxin Production of Aspergillus Species Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Sugarcane in the South of Iran

Knowledge of the genetic diversity detected among fungal species belonging to the genus Aspergillus is of key importance for explaining their important ecological role in the environment and agriculture. The current study aimed to identify Aspergillus species occurring in the rhizosphere of sugarcane in the South of Iran, and to investigate their mycotoxin profiles. One-hundred and twenty-five Aspergillus strains were isolated from the soil of eight major sugarcane-producing sites, and were molecularly identified using sequences of partial -tubulin (benA) and partial calmodulin (CaM) genes. Our molecular and phylogenetic results showed that around 70% of strains belonged to the Aspergillus section Nigri, and around 25% of species belonged to the Aspergillus section Terrei. Species belonging to both sections are able to produce different mycotoxins. The production of mycotoxins was measured for each species, according to their known mycotoxin profile: patulin (PAT) and sterigmatocystin (STG) for Aspergillusterreus; ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisins for Aspergilluswelwitschiae; and OTA alone for Aspergillustubingensis. The data showed that the production of OTA was detected in only 4 out of 10 strains of A.welwitschiae, while none of the A.tubingensis strains analyzed produced the mycotoxin. Fumonisins were produced by 8 out of 10 strains of A.welwitschiae. Finally, none of the 23 strains of A.terreus produced STG, while 13 of them produced PAT. The occurrence of such mycotoxigenic plant pathogens among the fungal community occurring in soil of sugarcane fields may represent a significant source of inoculum for the possible colonization of sugarcane plants, since the early stages of plant growth, due to the mycotoxin production capability, could have worrisome implications in terms of both the safety and loss of products at harvest.

Prenylated Phenol and Benzofuran Derivatives from Aspergillus terreus EN-539, an Endophytic Fungus Derived from Marine Red Alga Laurencia okamurai

Three new prenylated phenol derivatives, terreprenphenols A–C (1–3), along with four known related compounds (4–7), were isolated from Aspergillus terreus EN-539, an endophytic fungus obtained from the marine red alga Laurencia okamurai. The structures of these compounds were established by extensive analysis of 1D/2D NMR data, mass spectrometric data, and optical rotation (OR). The corresponding relationship between absolute configuration and optical rotation for known compounds anodendroic acid (4) and asperterreusine C (5) was ambiguous in literature, and their absolute configurations were therefore discussed and confirmed for the first time by time-dependent density functional (TDDFT) ECD and OR calculations. Compounds 1–7 inhibited some common aquatic bacteria with MIC values ranging from 2 to 64 μg/mL.

New Peptides from The Marine-Derived Fungi Aspergillus allahabadii and Aspergillus ochraceopetaliformis

Four new peptides were isolated from the culture broths of the marine-derived fungi Aspergillus allahabadii and A. ochraceopetaliformis. Based on the results of chemical and spectroscopic analyses, two compounds (1 and 2) from A. allahabadii were determined to be cyclopentapeptides, while those from A. ochraceopetaliformis were a structurally-related cyclodepsihexapeptide (3) and its linear analog (4). In addition to the presence of a D-amino acid residue, the almost reversed sequence of peptides in 3 and 4, relative to those of the 1 and 2, is notable. These new compounds exhibited moderate inhibition against the enzyme sortase A as well as a weak inhibition against isocitrate lyase (2).

Treatment of Infections Due to Aspergillus terreus Species Complex

The Aspergillus terreus species complex is found in a wide variety of habitats, and the spectrum of diseases caused covers allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, Aspergillus bronchitis and/or tracheobronchitis, and invasive and disseminated aspergillosis. Invasive infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality mainly in patients with hematological malignancy. The section Terrei covers a total of 16 accepted species of which most are amphotericin B resistant. Triazoles are the preferred agents for treatment and prevention of invasive aspergillosis. Poor prognosis in patients with invasive A. terreus infections seems to be independent of anti-Aspergillus azole-based treatment.

Synthesis of itaconic acid from agricultural waste using novel Aspergillus niveus

Filamentous fungi from the genus Aspergillus are of high importance for the production of organic acids. Itaconic acid (IA) is considered as an important component for the production of synthetic fibers, resin, plastics, rubber, paints, coatings, adhesives, thickeners and binders. Aspergillus niveus MG183809 was isolated from the soil sample (wastewater unit) which was collected from Avadi, Chennai, India. In the present study, itaconic acid was successfully produced by isolated A. niveus by submerged batch fermentation. In the fermentation process, various low-cost substrates like corn starch, wheat flour and sweet potato were used for itaconic acid production. Further, the factor influencing parameters such as substrate concentration and incubation period were optimized. Maximum yield of itaconic acid (15.65 ± 1.75 g/L) was achieved by using A. niveus from corn starch at a concentration of 120 g/L after 168 hr (pH 3.0). And also extraction of itaconic acid from the fermentation was performed with 91.96 ± 1.57 degree of extraction.

Taxonomy and evolution of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces in the omics era - Past, present and future

Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces are diverse, phenotypically polythetic genera encompassing species important to the environment, economy, biotechnology and medicine, causing significant social impacts. Taxonomic studies on these fungi are essential since they could provide invaluable information on their evolutionary relationships and define criteria for species recognition. With the advancement of various biological, biochemical and computational technologies, different approaches have been adopted for the taxonomy of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces; for example, from traditional morphotyping, phenotyping to chemotyping (e.g. lipotyping, proteotypingand metabolotyping) and then mitogenotyping and/or phylotyping. Since different taxonomic approaches focus on different sets of characters of the organisms, various classification and identification schemes would result. In view of this, the consolidated species concept, which takes into account different types of characters, is recently accepted for taxonomic purposes and, together with the lately implemented 'One Fungus - One Name' policy, is expected to bring a more stable taxonomy for Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces, which could facilitate their evolutionary studies. The most significant taxonomic change for the three genera was the transfer of Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium to Talaromyces (e.g. the medically important thermally dimorphic 'P. marneffei' endemic in Southeast Asia is now named T. marneffei), leaving both Penicillium and Talaromyces as monophyletic genera. Several distantly related Aspergillus-like fungi were also segregated from Aspergillus, making this genus, containing members of both sexual and asexual morphs, monophyletic as well. In the current omics era, application of various state-of-the-art omics technologies is likely to provide comprehensive information on the evolution of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces and a stable taxonomy will hopefully be achieved.