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Cyanobacteria, algae (Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta), and fungi were identified from biofilm samples from three caves in western Serbia: Ribnicka, Hadži Prodanova, and Rćanska. Temperature, light intensity, and relative humidity varied from 16.9 °C to 24.9 °C, 61% to 87%, and 215 Lux to 4400 Lux, respectively. In general, the highest number of documented taxa belonged to Cyanobacteria, with chroococcalean taxa prevailing and Gloeocapsa species as the most diverse. A large percentage of observed fungi were Ascomycetes or Zygomycetes, while the only representative of Basidiomycetes was Rhizoctonia s. lat. However, a redundancy analysis revealed that different taxonomic groups were dominant at different localities: cyanobacteria and fungi in Ribnicka and Hadži Prodanova, and Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta in Rćanska. The statistical analysis showed that relative humidity is an important physical parameter influencing the development of various microbial communities in different caves. Cyanobacteria were mostly found in places with lower relative humidity, while Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta were found in places with higher humidity. The documented physical parameters did not have a significant impact on the distribution of fungi. Measured chlorophyll-a content was highest on horizontal surfaces, where the highest content of organic/inorganic matter were also recorded. The highest water content was observed in biofilm samples from which many cyanobacteria taxa were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined phylogenetic relationships among species of the mycoparasite genusSyncephalisusing sequences from three nuclear ribsosomal DNA genes (18S, 5.8S, and 28S nuc rDNA) and a gene encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1). Our data set included 88Syncephalisisolates comprising 23 named species and several unnamed taxa. We also revived a culturing technique using beef liver and cellophane to grow severalSyncephalisisolates without their host fungi to obtain pure parasite DNA. Most isolates, however, were grown in co-cultures with their host fungi, so we designedSyncephalis-specific primers to obtain sequence data. Individual and combined data sets were analyzed by maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian methods. We recovered 20 well-supported lineages and 38 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Most major clades contained isolates from distant localities on multiple continents. There were taxonomic and nomenclature issues within several clades, probably due to high phenotypic plasticity or species dimorphism. We also conducted an analysis ofSyncephalisnuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences for 31 phylogenetically diverse isolates, and we determined that mostSyncephalisspecies have long ITS sequences relative to other fungi. Although commonly employed eukaryotic and fungal primers are compatible with diverseSyncephalisspecies, the ITS sequences ofSyncepahlisare nonetheless rarely recovered in environmental molecular diversity surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A total of 172 Brazil nut samples (114 in shell and 58 shelled) from the Amazon rainforest region and São Paulo state, Brazil was collected at different stages of the Brazil nut production chain: rainforest, street markets, processing plants and supermarkets. The mycobiota of the Brazil nut samples were evaluated and also compared in relation to water activity. A huge diversity of Aspergillus and Penicillium species were found, besides Eurotium spp., Zygomycetes and dematiaceous fungi. A polyphasic approach using morphological and physiological characteristics, as well as molecular and extrolite profiles, were studied to distinguish species among the more important toxigenic ones in Aspergillus section Flavi and A. section Nigri. Several metabolites and toxins were found in these two sections. Ochratoxin A (OTA) was found in 3% of A. niger and 100% of A. carbonarius. Production of aflatoxins B and G were found in all isolates of A. arachidicola, A. bombycis, A. nomius, A. pseudocaelatus and A. pseudonomius, while aflatoxin B was found in 38% of A. flavus and all isolates of A. pseudotamarii. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) was found in A. bertholletius (94%), A. tamarii (100%), A. caelatus (54%) and A. flavus (41%). Tenuazonic acid, a toxin commonly found in Alternaria species was produced by A. bertholletius (47%), A. caelatus (77%), A. nomius (55%), A. pseudonomius (75%), A. arachidicola (50%) and A. bombycis (100%). This work shows the changes of Brazil nut mycobiota and the potential of mycotoxin production from rainforest to consumer, considering the different environments which exist until the nuts are consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual communication between complementary mating partners in the fungal group of zygomycetes is mediated by the trisporoid pheromone system. A key enzyme towards biosynthesis of hormonally active trisporoids is 4-dihydromethyltrisporate dehydrogenase (TSP1), an enzyme occurring in all zygomycetous fungi. Trisporic acid and some of its precursor molecules serve as pheromones for recognizing complementary mating partners and for induction of the differentiation program towards sexual spore formation. In the parasitic zygomycete Parasitella parasitica , a biotrophic fusion parasite infecting many other zygomycetes, these substances have an additional function: They are also responsible for host-parasite recognition and the formation of the characteristic infection structures. Parasitic interactions are mating type dependent as well. In the Mucor -related mycoparasite P. parasitica we can study both types of communication in parallel. We were interested in protein structures of TSP1 from P. parasitica , the genome of which was recently sequenced by us, and especially in the mechanisms involved in the switch from sexual to parasitic communication. P. parasitica contains at least six genes coding for TSP1-like proteins. We created models of tertiary structures and performed protein-protein docking with the resulting protein structures to simulate dimerization and to provide support for probable regulatory mechanisms at the protein level. The resulting structure models show differences in putative activity and binding preferences between the different TSP1-like proteins. Two of them seem to be able to form solid binding pockets for substrate and cosubstrate after dimerization. The other four TSP1-like proteins are more likely to represent regulating subunits for the two active isoforms. The ability to form homodimers with enzymatic activity could be the crucial difference between sexual and parasitic communication pathways. TSP1 PARPA_07791 forms enzymatically inactive homodimers. The second TSP1, PARPA_04105, forms active homodimers and could be responsible for the parasitic pathway of communication. Both TSP1 proteins can form more or less active heterodimers with the additional TSP1-like proteins. TSP1 PARPA_07791 mediates the sexual pathway probably as in other zygomycetous fungi like Mucor mucedo . High sequence identities between this TSP1 isomer and TSP1 proteins from other zygomycetes substantiate its function. This bioinformatic study supports previous experimental findings of post-translational regulation of 4-dihydromethyltrisporate dehydrogenases in zygomycetes and, for the first time, provides a substantiated hypothesis of the underlying mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vegetative and sporulating structures of Linderina pennispora are described using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The vegetative hyphae and sporangiophores were regularly septate, possessed a two-layered wall, and coated with rod-shaped, 0.2-0.7 μm long, 0.15-0.25 μm wide ornamentations. The sporangiophore was erect, cylindrical, and narrower (4-8 μm) than the vegetative mycelium (8-12 μm). The mature sporocladium was ovoid to dome-shaped, sessile, non-septate, 18-24 μm diam, possessed a two-layered wall, and coated with rod-shaped ornamentations. Mature pseudophialides were ellipsoid, 2.0-2.5 μm wide, 4-7 μm long, possessed a two-layered wall, and formed in a series of concentric groups radiating from the “apex“ of the sporocladium. The pseudophialides had a round, ca. 1.5 μm diam, base with a narrower, 0.7-0.8 μm diam lobed, cylindrical neck structure in the distal region which extended to the pseudophialide neck. The merosporangia were obovate, 3-4 μm wide near the base, and narrowed distally to 2.0-2.5 μm wide, 18-23 μm long, possessed a threelayered wall, with regular surface annulation with interconnecting ridges, but lacked rod-shaped ornamentations. The merosporangia contained a single, obovate, 2.3-2.5 μm diam merosporangiospore, with a ca. 1 μm diam papilla-like base, that possessed a four-layered wall. Detached merosporangia had a single, acicular, unbranched, 3-5 μm long, ca. 0.1 μm diam “appendage“ that was attached to the merosporangiospore inner cell wall layer and passed through the septum plug to the pseudophialide.

Spent sulphite liquor, the major byproduct from the sulphite pulp production process, was diluted to 50% and used for production of an edible zygomycete Rhizopus sp. The focus was on production, yield, and composition of the fungal biomass composition. The fungus grew well at 20 to 40°C, but 32°C was found to be preferable compared to 20 and 40°C in terms of biomass production and yield (maximum of 0.16 g/g sugars), protein content (0.50-0.60 g/g), alkali-insoluble material (AIM) (ca 0.15 g/g), and glucosamine content (up to 0.30 g/g of AIM). During cultivation in a pilot airlift bioreactor, the yield increased as aeration was raised from 0.15 to 1.0 vvm, indicating a high demand for oxygen. After cultivation at 1.0 vvm for 84 h, high yield and production of biomass (up to 0.34 g/g sugars), protein (0.30-0.50 g/g), lipids (0.02-0.07 g/g), AIM (0.16-0.28 g/g), and glucosamine (0.22-0.32 g/g AIM) were obtained. The fungal biomass produced from spent sulphite liquor is presently being tested as a replacement for fishmeal in feed for fish aquaculture and seems to be a potential source of nutrients and for production of glucosamine.

The performance of the aphid-specific fungal pathogen Pandora neoaphidis was studied in relation to changes in herbivore resources for the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, on different host plant species. Dose-response bioassays were conducted with A. pisum which had been reared on dwarf bean then inoculated with P. neoaphidis and returned to dwarf bean or inoculated and transferred to field bean, pea or lucerne. The smallest estimated median lethal concentration (LC50) was 7.7 conidia mm-2 (95% confidence interval 5.4-11.2) for aphids returned to dwarf bean, with LC50s of 13.0 (9.2-19.1) and 14.6 (10.2-21.5) conidia mm-2 for aphids transferred to field bean or pea, respectively. The LC50 when aphids were transferred to lucerne [2941.0 conidia mm-2 (237.3-2.1x109)] was greater than for the other three plants. In a subsequent experiment, A. pisum were reared on pea as well as dwarf bean for four generations before bioassays. The LC50 was 7.3 conidia mm-2 (4.4-12.4) for aphids reared and incubated on dwarf bean, compared to 13.3 (8.0-23.9) and 15.3 (8.8-29.9) conidia mm-2 when aphids were transferred between dwarf bean and pea, and vice versa, respectively. The LC50 for aphids reared then incubated on pea plants was 27.9 (15.8-57.3) conidia mm-2. Hence, the virulence of P. neoaphidis, measured by LC50, was greatest when A. pisum was reared and maintained on dwarf bean, the plant used for long-term routine culturing of the aphid in our facilities. In conclusion, virulence of P. neoaphidis was greater on plant species to which A. pisum had become adapted during long-term laboratory rearing. Plant resources may affect infection by P. neoaphidis and the fungal entomopathogen will have a greater impact on aphid herbivores which are not suffering physiological stress related to a change in host plant.

Posaconazole has significant activity against the Mucormycetes. However, data are limited on the clinical efficacy of posaconazole for treating rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis ( ROCM). The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of posaconazole in patients with ROCM. We included 12 consecutive adult patients admitted with ROCM and treated with posaconazole between January 2010 and February 2015. The main outcome of the study was the overall success rate (i.e. either complete or partial response) at the end of treatment. We also assessed serum posaconazole concentrations in a subgroup of patients. Of the 12 patients who received posaconazole, eight patients (66.6%) had complete resolution with median follow-up of 6.5 months (range 2-24 months). Two patients (16.6%) had significant reduction of disease and two (16.6%) had marked residual disease on follow-up. Uncontrolled diabetes was the predisposing factor in all except one patient. One patient developed diarrhoea on posaconazole, which settled without discontinuation of the drug. Posaconazole appears to be a safe and effective antifungal agent in diabetic patients with ROCM, especially in those who have toxicity with polyene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 520 soil samples were surveyed for species of the mycoparasitic zygomycete genus Syncephalis using a culture-based approach. These fungi are relatively common in soil using the optimal conditions for growing both the host and parasite. Five species obtained in dual culture are unknown to science and are described here: (i) S. digitata with sporangiophores short, merosporangia separate at the apices, simple, 3-5 spored; (ii) S. floridana, which forms galls in the host and has sporangiophores up to 170 mm long with unbranched merosporangia that contain 2-4 spores; (iii) S. pseudoplumigaleta, with an abrupt apical bend in the sporophore; (iv) S. pyriformis with fertile vesicles that are long-pyriform; and (v) S. unispora with unispored merosporangia. To facilitate future molecular comparisons between species of Syncephalis and to allow identification of these fungi from environmental sampling datasets, we used Syncephalis-specific PCR primers to generate internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences for all five new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein kinase A (PKA) activity is involved in dimorphism of the basal fungal lineage Mucor . From the recently sequenced genome of Mucor circinelloides we could predict ten catalytic subunits of PKA. From sequence alignment and structural prediction we conclude that the catalytic core of the isoforms is conserved, and the difference between them resides in their amino termini. This high number of isoforms is maintained in the subdivision Mucoromycotina. Each paralogue, when compared to the ones form other fungi is more homologous to one of its orthologs than to its paralogs. All of these fungal isoforms cannot be included in the class I or II in which fungal protein kinases have been classified. mRNA levels for each isoform were measured during aerobic and anaerobic growth. The expression of each isoform is differential and associated to a particular growth stage. We reanalyzed the sequence of PKAC (GI 20218944), the only cloned sequence available until now for a catalytic subunit of M. circinelloides . PKAC cannot be classified as a PKA because of its difference in the conserved C-tail; it shares with PKB a conserved C2 domain in the N-terminus. No catalytic activity could be measured for this protein nor predicted bioinformatically. It can thus be classified as a pseudokinase. Its importance can not be underestimated since it is expressed at the mRNA level in different stages of growth, and its deletion is lethal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zygomycete fungi were classified as a single phylum, Zygomycota, based on sexual reproduction by zygospores, frequent asexual reproduction by sporangia, absence of multicellular sporocarps, and production of coenocytic hyphae, all with some exceptions. Molecular phylogenies based on one or a few genes did not support themonophyly of the phylum, however, and the phylum was subsequently abandoned. Here we present phylogenetic analyses of a genome-scale data set for 46 taxa, including 25 zygomycetes and 192 proteins, and we demonstrate that zygomycetes comprise two major clades that form a paraphyletic grade. A formal phylogenetic classification is proposed herein and includes two phyla, six subphyla, four classes and 16 orders. On the basis of these results, the phyla Mucoromycota and Zoopagomycota are circumscribed. Zoopagomycota comprises Entomophtoromycotina, Kickxellomycotina and Zoopagomycotina; it constitutes the earliest diverging lineage of zygomycetes and contains species that are primarily parasites and pathogens of small animals (e.g. amoeba, insects, etc.) and other fungi, i.e. mycoparasites. Mucoromycota comprises Glomeromycotina, Mortierellomycotina, and Mucoromycotina and is sister to Dikarya. It is the more derived clade of zygomycetes and mainly consists of mycorrhizal fungi, root endophytes, and decomposers of plant material. Evolution of trophic modes, morphology, and analysis of genome-scale data are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterothallic zygomycetes consist of two mating types, named plus and minus, whereas in homothallic species the genetic information for both mating types is present in one individual and nucleus. Nevertheless, zygophores, specialized sexual hyphae, of homothallic species harbor a plus or minus identity in the sexual reaction. Because of the lack of knowledge about the molecular and genetic background of the sexual development in zygomycetes, we used UV mutagenesis to create sexual defective mutants of Zygorhynchus moelleri . Our aim was to provide a set of mutants, which are helpful to identify new genes involved in the sexual morphogenesis. The six mutants presented here are arrested in different stages of the sexual development. Two mutants UV139 and UV542 predominantly produce only zygophores, whereas in two other mutants UV44 and UV48 the formation of gametangial walls is inhibited. Mutant UV554 seems to be blocked in the zygospore formation, whereas in mutant UV112 the wall formation of the zygosporangium is inhibited. We additionally isolated one methionine auxotroph, mutant UV127, which is blocked in the sexual and asexual development at low methionine concentrations, revealing the importance of methionine in the developmental processes of Z. moelleri . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the effects of phosphate, potassium, yeast extract, and trace metals on the growth of Mucor indicus and chitosan, chitin, and metabolite production by the fungus were investigated. Maximum yield of chitosan (0.32 g/g cell wall) was obtained in a phosphate-free medium. Reversely, cell growth and ethanol formation by the fungus were positively affected in the presence of phosphate. In a phosphate-free medium, the highest chitosan content (0.42 g/g cell wall) and cell growth (0.66 g/g sugar) were obtained at 2.5 g/L of KOH. Potassium concentration had no significant effect on ethanol and glycerol yields. The presence of trace metals significantly increased the chitosan yield at an optimal phosphate and potassium concentration (0.50 g/g cell wall). By contrast, production of ethanol by the fungus was negatively affected (0.33 g/g sugars). A remarkable increase in chitin and decrease in chitosan were observed in the absence of yeast extract and concentrations lower than 2 g/L. The maximum chitosan yield of 51% cell wall was obtained at 5 g/L of yeast extract when the medium contained no phosphate, 2.5 g/L KOH, and 1 mL/L trace metal solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Glucoamylase is a hydrolyzing enzyme with several industrial applications. Glucoamylase was produced via a solid state fermentation by three naturally occurring zygomycetes fungi of Mucor indicus, Mucor hiemalis, and Rhizopus oryzae on wheat bran. Methods: The effects of cultivation temperature, medium moisture content, and cultivation time on the enzyme production were investigated. Experiments were designed with an orthogonal central composite design on the three variables using response surface methodology (RSM). Results: For glucoamylase production, the optimum temperature and medium moisture content for the three fungi were 26.6°C and 71.8%, respectively. The optimum cultivation time for M. hiemalis and R. oryzae was 33.1 h, while it was 66.8 h for M. indicus. At optimum conditions, glucoamylase production by M. indicus, M. hiemalis, and R. oryzae was respectively 255.3, 272.3, and 1545.3 U per g dry substrate. Conclusion: R. oryzae is a suitable candidate for industrial production of glucoamylase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the rising interest in microbial communication, only few studies relate to mycorrhization and the pool of potential morphogenic substances produced by the surrounding soil community. Here, we investigated the effect exerted by the C18-ketone β-apo-13-carotenone, D'orenone, on the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete T richoloma vaccinum and its symbiosis with the economically important host tree, spruce ( P icea abies). D'orenone is an early intermediate in the biosynthesis of morphogens in sexual development of mucoromycetes, the trisporoids. In the ectomycorrhizal fungus T. vaccinum, D'orenone increased the production and/or release of the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid ( IAA) which had been proposed to be involved in the mutual symbiosis. The induced expression of the fungal aldehyde dehydrogenase, Ald5 is associated with IAA synthesis and excretion. In the host tree, D'orenone modulated root architecture by increasing lateral root length and hypertrophy of root cortex cells, likely via changed IAA concentrations and flux. Thus, we report for the first time on carotenoid metabolites from soil fungi affecting both ectomycorrhizal partners. The data imply a complex network of functions for secondary metabolites which act in an inter-kingdom signalling in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel genome-scale metabolic model i WV1213 of Mucor circinelloides , which is an oleaginous fungus for industrial applications. The model contains 1213 genes, 1413 metabolites and 1326 metabolic reactions across different compartments. We demonstrate that i WV1213 is able to accurately predict the growth rates of M. circinelloides on various nutrient sources and culture conditions using Flux Balance Analysis and Phenotypic Phase Plane analysis. Comparative analysis of three oleaginous genome-scale models, including M. circinelloides ( i WV1213), Mortierella alpina ( i CY1106) and Yarrowia lipolytica ( i YL619_PCP) revealed that i WV1213 possesses a higher number of genes involved in carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolisms that might contribute to its versatility in nutrient utilization. Moreover, the identification of unique and common active reactions among the Zygomycetes oleaginous models using Flux Variability Analysis unveiled a set of gene/enzyme candidates as metabolic engineering targets for cellular improvement. Thus, i WV1213 offers a powerful metabolic engineering tool for multi-level omics analysis, enabling strain optimization as a cell factory platform of lipid-based production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous fungal infections can result in disastrous episodes if improperly diagnosed and treated, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Although dermatopathologists are highly familiar with some filamentous fungi - such as Aspergillus and Zygomycetes - they are not so aware of other less common species. We report a case of ocular infection by Scedosporium apiospermum that started as conjunctivitis and resulted in Phthisis bulbi and subsequent exeresis of the left eye. We describe some of the main morphological features of the fungus as well as the important morphological clues for the differential diagnosis with some similar species, such as Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis, Fusarium, Paecilomyces and Zygomycetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transesterification properties of Rhizomucor , Rhizopus, Mucor , Umbelopsis and Mortierella crude lipases were investigated in water-free systems using an UV spectrophotometric method. Conversion of p -nitrophenyl palmitate ( p NPP) with ethanol was characterized under various reaction conditions. Best conversion yields were generally obtained at 40 °C in n -heptane, but temperature of 50 °C and the solvents hexane and isooctane proved to be also useful. Then, crude lipases from five strains, namely Rhizomucor miehei NRRL 5282, Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 1526, Rhizopus stolonifer SZMC 13609, Mucor corticolus SZMC 12031 and Mortierella echinosphaera CBS 575.75 were selected for further kinetic studies and to evaluate the effect of the acyl acceptors and donors with various chain lengths on the reaction. In general, ethanol up to 4.25 mol/L concentration enhanced the catalytic activities, and a steady conversion with maximum yields ranging from 61.2% to 90.5% was obtained at about 96 h. Replacement of ethanol as the acyl acceptor with methanol, isopropanol, n -butanol or n -hexanol resulted in lower conversions when incubated with the same concentration. The selected crude lipases demonstrated high initial affinity toward the medium-chain aryl esters with C8 and C12 acids. Esterification of palmitic acid with ethanol showed much slower catalysis rates resulting in less specific activities than transesterification. The high stability in organic solvents makes the investigated crude enzymes promising candidates for further studies aiming at the application in organic synthesis processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have found a remarkable capacity for the ubiquitous Gram-negative rod bacterium Serratia marcescens to migrate along and kill the mycelia of zygomycete molds. This migration was restricted to zygomycete molds and several basidiomycete species. No migration was seen on any molds of the phylum Ascomycota. S. marcescens migration did not require fungal viability or surrounding growth medium, as bacteria migrated along aerial hyphae as well. S. marcescens did not exhibit growth tropism toward zygomycete mycelium. Bacterial migration along hyphae proceeded only when the hyphae grew into the bacterial colony. S. marcescens cells initially migrated along the hyphae, forming attached microcolonies that grew and coalesced to generate a biofilm that covered and killed the mycelium. Flagellum-defective strains of S. marcescens were able to migrate along zygomycete hyphae, although they were significantly slower than the wild-type strain and were delayed in fungal killing. Bacterial attachment to the mycelium does not necessitate type 1 fimbrial adhesion, since mutants defective in this adhesin migrated equally well as or faster than the wild-type strain. Killing does not depend on the secretion of S. marcescens chitinases, as mutants in which all three chitinase genes were deleted retained wild-type killing abilities. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which S. marcescens binds to, spreads on, and kills fungal hyphae might serve as an excellent model system for such interactions in general; fungal killing could be employed in agricultural fungal biocontrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zygomycetes as well as many other fungi from different taxonomic groups develop sexual structures predominantly in the aerial mycelium. Interaction between complementary mating types requires communication via volatile substances as well as contact formation at the cell surface. In order to study the biochemical basis of contact formation, we developed a versatile and generally applicable biochemical tool, allowing targeted modification of surface components by covalent coupling to substances with known physical, chemical or enzymatic properties. After modification, the influence of these substances on sexual development is followed microscopically. The technique is based on controlled spraying of substances to developing hyphae under mild conditions that do not disturb the developmental program. In addition to simply covering hyphal surfaces, ligands can be coupled covalently with any substance, containing either amino- or carboxyl-groups, by carbodiimide (EDAC) mediated crosslinking. This technique does not inhibit fungal growth or development. In the experiments, stimulatory as well as inhibitory effects on sexual differentiation have been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apparent digestibility coefficients ( ADCs) for four protein-rich alternative feed ingredients, intact baker's yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae), extracted baker's yeast ( S. cerevisiae), zygomycetes ( Rhizopus oryzae) and blue mussel ( Mytilus edulis), were determined for Arctic charr ( Salvelinus alpinus) and Eurasian perch ( Perca fluviatilis). Diets contained 30% of test ingredients, and ADCs were compared to a reference diet containing fish meal. For Arctic charr, ADCs for dry matter ( DM, 71-99%), sum of amino acids ( SAA, 84-99%) and gross energy (70-99%) were significantly lower for intact S. cerevisiae than for extracted S. cerevisiae, R. oryzae and M. edulis. The ADCs for the indispensable amino acids ( IAA) in Arctic charr varied between 84% and 99%. Significant differences were found in ADCs for IAA between the test ingredients for Arctic charr, with higher values for extracted S. cerevisiae and M. edulis. The ADCs in Eurasian perch varied between 83% and 95% for DM, 89% and 98% for CP, 92% and 100% for SAA, 81% and 96% for gross energy. No significant differences were found for ADCs between the test ingredients in Eurasian perch, indicating a species effect on digestibility. Furthermore, the absence of intact cell walls had a positive effect on digestibility of S. cerevisiae for Arctic charr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Present study focuses on diversity and distribution analysis of endophytic fungi associated with different tissues of Eugenia jambolana. The influence of season and geographical location on diversity and distribution of endophytic fungi has been analyzed. Antibacterial activity of isolated fungal species has also been investigated against MDR bacterial strains. Result: A total of 1896 endophytic fungal isolates were obtained from healthy, surface sterilized tissues of leaf, stem and petiole tissues during summer, monsoon and winter season. Out of 24 fungal species isolated, 20 species belong to class Ascomycetes, 2 to Basidiomycetes and 2 to Zygomycetes. Maximum species diversity was in rainy season whereas colonization frequency was in winter. All the diversity indices showed maximum species diversity at site 5 (Yamunanager), rainy among the seasons and leaf among the tissues studied. Aspergillus genus was most frequently isolated. Aspergillus niger and Alternaria alternata were most dominant species. Three way ANOVA results showed that effect of season was highly significant on species diversity in relation to sites and tissues. 60 % endophytic fungal extracts showed significant antibacterial activity against one or more than one MDR bacterial strain. Conclusion: Different fungal species were recovered from different sites but the inter-site comparisons were not significant according to Jaccard similarity coefficient. Diversity of such fungal endophytes indicates that Eugenia jambolana plant acts as an ecosystem facilitating survival of many microbes with impressive antibacterial potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a biodiversity survey of undiscovered taxa in Korea, two zygomycetous fungal strains were isolated. The first strain, EML-FSDY6-1 was isolated from a soil sample collected at Dokdo Island in the East Sea of Korea in 2013, and the second strain, EML-DG-NH3-1 was isolated from a rat dung sample collected at Chonnam National University garden, Gwangju, Korea in 2014. Based on the morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer, 18S and 28S rDNA, actin and translation elongation factor-1α genes. EML-FSDY6-1 and EML-DG-NH3-1 isolates were confirmed as zygomycete species, Absidia pseudocylindrospora and Absidia glauca, respectively. Neither species has previously been described in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils are the main habitat of saprophytic and pathogenic fungi. Zygomycetes are one of the most parts of soil fungi and certain members are among opportunistic fungi and can cause systemic fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. The majority of human and animal infections are caused by members of the genera Rhizopus, Mucor, Rhizomucor, Absidia, Cunninghamella, Mortierella. The objective of this research was to isolate and identify the main genera of Zygomycetes, especially family Mucoraceae. A total of 340 soil samples were collected from seven different public parks and 14 municipality districts in Isfahan. All samples were cultured on appropriate media and incubated at 25-30° C for 2 weeks, examined daily for visible fungal growth. Five hundred fungal colonies belonging to various classes of filamentous fungi were obtained. Finally 400 pure colonies belonging to six genera of Zygomycetes including Absidia, Rhizopus, Rhizomucor, Mucor, Cunninghamella and Mortierella were identified. The genus Rhizopus (35.5%) was the most frequent isolate, followed by Mucor (32.25%) and Rhizomucor (27.5%). These finding may help us to understand about the importance of opportunistic fungi in public areas and the risk of exposure with immuno-compromised persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biosorption of cadmium (Cd2+) and nickel (Ni2+) using living and nonliving biomass ofMucoromycotesp. XLC as a biosorbent was investigated in this study. The optimum conditions were established with batch biosorption experiments. The data from equilibrium experiments showed that all kinds of biosorbents fitted the Langmuir model. For the living and nonliving biosorbent, the predicted maximum Cd2+uptake capacity was 79.65 mg g−1and 56.51 mg g−1, while the maximum Ni2+uptake capacity was 51.26 mg g−1and 44.32 mg g−1, respectively. Acid digestion results indicated that intracellular metal ions might be the main reason for the metal uptake capacity difference between living and nonliving biosorbents. FTIR analysis and potentiometric titration indicated freeze dehydration-autoclaving treatment of nonliving biomass slightly changed the surface structure of the cell wall and the functional groups involved in biosorption were carboxylic, phosphoryl, amine and hydroxyl groups. Our results suggest the living biosorbent had a second biosorption process by intracellularly accumulating metal ions, hence possessing a higher Cd2+or Ni2+uptake capacity than nonliving biosorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of literature data and personal observation, a list of 338 species (319 Basidiomycetes, 18 Ascomycetes and 1 Zygomycetes) belonging to 156 genera included in 70 families is here reported for Calabria. Comparing the literature data with our records we con- firmed the presence of 281 species while 57 are new for Calabria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background aims. Invasive fungal diseases caused by filamentous fungi and yeasts are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed hematology patients. We previously published a method to expand Aspergillus fumigatusspecific T cells for clinical cell therapy. In the present study, we investigated expansion of T cells specific for other fungal pathogens and creation of a broadly reactive panfungal T-cell product. Methods. Fungal strains selected were those frequently observed in the clinical hematology setting and included Aspergillus, Candida, Fusarium, Rhizopus and Lomentospora/ Scedosporium. Four T-cell cultures specific to each fungus were established. We selected lysates of Aspergillus terreus, Candida krusei and Rhizopus oryzae to expand panfungal T cells. Allelic restriction of anti-fungal activity was determined through the use of specific major histocompatibility complex class ILblocking antibodies. Results. Individual T-cell cultures specific to each fungus could be expanded in vitro, generating predominantly CD4+ T cells of which 8% to 20% were fungusspecific. We successfully expanded panfungal T cells from the peripheral blood ( n = 8) and granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor-primed stem cell products (w = 3) of normal donors by using a combination of lysates from Aspergillus terreus, Candida krusei and Rhizopus oryzae. Anti-fungal activity was mediated through human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR alleles and was maintained when antigen-presenting cells from partially HLA-DRBI-matched donors were used to stimulateT cells. Conclusions. We demonstrate a method to manufacture panfungal T-cell products with specificity against a range of clinical fungal pathogens by use of the blood and stem cells of healthy donors as the starting material. The safety and efficacy of these products will need to be tested clinically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a pollutant of soil andwater and it is very toxic to humans and aquatic life. The use of PCP is now restricted or prohibited in development countries, but many areas of the world remain contaminated. Fungi, mainly basidiomycetes, have been studied as ameans to remove PCP. However, little is known of themechanisms used by zygomycetes to remove PCP. The effect of two initial amounts of PCP and of two carbon and nitrogen sources on the metabolic response was assayed by determining kinetic and stoichiometric parameters of fungal growth, intermediates, sorption capacity, and abiotic losses of PCP. Independently from carbon sources, sorption was observed. Cultures with glucose-ammonium sulfate and 2 mg PCP yielded 0.116 µg of pentachloroanisole and 10.46 µg of chlorinated compounds. Cultures with glutamic acid-sodium nitrate and 2 mg PCP yielded 6.81 µg of pentachloroanisole and 2.89 µg of chlorinated compounds. Other unidentified metabolites were produced, some of them probably at high concentration. CONCLUSION: Sorption is the principal mechanism used by Rhizopus oryzae CDBB-H-1877 to remove PCP from culture broth. However, a small fraction of sorbed PCP is degraded by means ofmethylation and dechlorination reactions. This biodegradation is mainly intracellular and depends on the carbon source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 20th century, the sub-Antarctic islands have suffered an increasing number of biological invasions. Despite the large number of publications on this topic, there is a lack of knowledge on parasitism rates of invasive species and on the role of parasites and pathogens to regulate their populations. Six aphid species have been introduced in the archipelagos of Crozet (Île de la Possession, 46° 25' S–51° 51' E) and Kerguelen (49° 21' S–70° 13' E). Five of these species were found infected by entomopathogenic fungi of the order Entomophthorales. All these fungal species are cosmopolitan. Conidiobolus obscurus and Entomophthora planchoniana were the most frequently observed on Île de la Possession and in Archipel des Kerguelen, respectively. This is the first report of pathogenic fungi of aphids on the sub-Antarctic islands. We discuss these results in the light of our current knowledge of these insect pathogens. Their introduction by aphids surviving on plants during transportation is the most likely hypothesis to explain their presence on these remote islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Staparvata luera: Delphacidae), is a serious rice pest that easily develops resistance to chemical insecticides and resistant rice varieties. This study evaluated the infectivity of the BPH fungal pathogen, Pandora delphacis, and developed a novel formulation as an alternative means of BPH control. RESULTS: In a multiconidial concentration bioassay, P. delphacis-infected BPH cadavers were observed on day 4, but most occurred between days 5 and 8. BPH mortality depended on the inoculated conidial concentration. The cumulative mortality of adult BPHs reached 81.7% at 192 conidia mm-2 in 8 days. Inoculation with 40.9 conidia mm-2 was sufficient to induce 50% BPH death, based on analysis of a time-concentration-mortalitymodel. A floatable P. delphacis-based formulationwas made for use in paddy fields; mycelium-containing pellets mimicking mycosed cadavers could produce 7-15.7×104 infectious conidia pellet-1 at 11-28 °C. In the laboratory bioassay, three floating pellets in a BPH-rearing jar caused 75.5% BPH mortality within 8 days, similar to themortality level caused by direct conidial inoculation. CONCLUSION: P. delphacis is a potential biocontrol agent of BPHs for further research, and the novel floatable formulation holds promise as a method for BPH control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucormycosis caused by Apophysomyces variabilis is rarely reported in humans. A case of A. variabilis infection in an immunocompetent men after friction burns in a car accident is described. The infection presented as a rapidly progressive necrotizing infection of the skin and soft tissue, which required extensive surgical debridement and total colonic defunctioning colostomy associated with prolonged antifungal therapy. A. variabilis infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis of rapidly progressive necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections in immunocompetent individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucormycosis is an infection caused by fungi belonging to class zygomycetes, with high mortality and morbidity rate. Acquisition of mucormycosis is inhalation of spores or cutaneous route. The common risk factors for invasive mucormycosis consist of diabetes mellitus, high-dose glucocorticoid therapy, and neutropenia. The most clinical manifestation of mucormycosis is rhinocerebral lesions. Other manifestations are pulmonary, cutaneous, disseminated, and gastrointestinal. Ear involvement is extremely rare. The authors describe a case of mucormycosis cholesteatoma with concomitant central nervous system lesion in a patient with diabetes mellitus that responded to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaves today are inhabited by a wide variety of fungi, typically ascomycetes, but also some basidiomycetes and zygomycetes. Little is known to date regarding the fungi that colonized the leaves of fossil plants older than Cretaceous. In this paper we describe ascomycete fruiting bodies (ascomata) that are present on the adaxial surface of a Sphenobaiera (Ginkgophyta) leaf from a Middle Jurassic deposit near Daohugou village, Inner Mongolia, China. The ascomata are identified as imprints in the leaf cuticle, with only parts remaining of the actual body fossil. Fruiting bodies are scutate, spherical in outline, and consist of three distinct zones delimited by the size and arrangement of the hyphae. The morphology is suggestive of geologically younger microthyriaceous ascomata, especially Asterothyrites , Microthyriacites , and Trichothyrites . This discovery represents the oldest fossil evidence of microthyriaceous fungi inhabiting ginkgophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In fungi, heterotrimeric G proteins are key regulators of biological processes such as mating, virulence, morphology, among others. Mucor circinelloides is a model organism for many biological processes, and its genome contains the largest known repertoire of genes that encode putative heterotrimeric G protein subunits in the fungal kingdom: twelve Gα (McGpa1–12), three Gβ (McGpb1–3), and three Gγ (McGpg1–3). Phylogenetic analysis of fungal Gα showed that they are divided into four distinct groups as reported previously. Fungal Gβ and Gγ are also divided into four phylogenetic groups, and to our understanding this is the first report of a phylogenetic classification for fungal Gβ and Gγ subunits. Almost all genes that encode putative heterotrimeric G subunits in M. circinelloides are differentially expressed during dimorphic growth, except for McGpg1 (Gγ) that showed very low mRNA levels at all developmental stages. Moreover, several of the subunits are expressed in a similar pattern and at the same level, suggesting that they constitute discrete complexes. For example, McGpb3 (Gβ), and McGpg2 (Gγ), are co-expressed during mycelium growth, and McGpa1, McGpb2, and McGpg2, are co-expressed during yeast development. These findings provide the conceptual framework to study the biological role of these genes during M. circinelloides morphogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of nails seen frequently in immune competent and immune compromised patients due to dermatophytes, Candida spp., Fusarium spp., Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Penicillium spp., and Aspergillus spp. We report a case of onychomycosis in a young immunocompetent male who presented onycholysis of a solitary nail without inflammation. The etiological agent was diagnosed to be Cunninghamella bertholletiae, a fungus pertaining to the order Mucorales (subdivision Mucoromycotina) and known for some of the invasive lesions among immunocompromised patients. This case demonstrates the association of onychomycosis with Cunninghamella bertholletiae in an immune competent individual, not reported so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coinciding with the continually increasing population of immunocompromised patients worldwide, the incidence of invasive fungal infections has grown over the past 4 decades. Unfortunately, infections caused by both yeasts such as Candida and molds such as Aspergillus or Mucorales remain associated with unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. In addition, the available antifungals with proven efficacy in the treatment of these infections remain severely limited. Although previously available second-generation triazole antifungals have significantly expanded the spectrum of the triazole antifungal class, these agents are laden with shortcomings in their safety profiles as well as formulation and pharmacokinetic challenges. Isavuconazole, administered as the prodrug isavuconazonium, is the latest second-generation triazole antifungal to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. Approved for the treatment of both invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis, and currently under investigation for the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis, isavuconazole may have therapeutic advantages over its predecessors. With clinically relevant antifungal potency against a broad range of yeasts, dimorphic fungi, and molds, isavuconazole has a spectrum of activity reminiscent of the polyene amphotericin B. Moreover, clinical experience thus far has revealed isavuconazole to be associated with fewer toxicities than voriconazole, even when administered without therapeutic drug monitoring. These characteristics, in an agent available in both a highly bioavailable oral and a β-cyclodextrin-free intravenous formulation, will likely make isavuconazole a welcome addition to the triazole class of antifungals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zygomycetes cause different patterns of infection in immunosuppressed individuals, including sino-orbito-cerebral, pulmonary, skin/soft tissue infection and disseminated disease. Infections with Zygomycetes have a high mortality rate, even with prompt treatment, which includes anti-fungal agents and surgical debridement. In some centers, clear margins are monitored by serial frozen sections, but there are no specific guidelines for the use of frozen sections during surgical debridement. Studies in fungal rhinosinusitis found 62.5-85 % sensitivity of frozen section analysis in margin assessment. However, the utility of frozen section analysis for margin evaluation in debridement of skin/soft tissue infection has not been published. Methods: We present a case of zygomycosis of decubitus ulcers in which we assessed statistical measures of performance of frozen section analysis for presence of fungal organisms on the margin, compared with formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sections as gold standard. A total of 33 specimens (94 blocks) were sectioned, stained with H&E and evaluated by both frozen and FFPE analysis. Negative interpretations were confirmed by Gomori methenamine silver stain on FFPE sections. Results: H&E staining of frozen sections had 68.4 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity for assessing margins clear of fungal organisms. The negative and positive predictive values were 70.0 % and 100 %, respectively. Using presence of acute inflammation and necrosis as markers of fungal infection improved sensitivity (100 %) at the expense of specificity (42.9 %). Conclusion: Use of intraoperative assessment of skin and soft tissue margins for fungal infection is a valuable tool in the management of skin and soft tissue fungal infection treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhibitory effects of high glucose and ethanol concentrations on ethanol production from wheat enzymatic hydrolysate by the zygomycetes fungus Mucor hiemalis were investigated and modeled. The ethanol yield was reduced by increasing the glucose concentration. Among different kinetic models, i.e., linear, Emerson, and modified Williams models, the latter successfully described the fungal growth kinetics. Considering the inhibitory effect of glucose, a model was developed for expressing the rate of ethanol production. In addition, the inhibitory effect of ethanol on ethanol yield was modeled. The model prediction satisfactorily covered the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on maximum growth temperatures, morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenies (partial 18S and 28S, internal transcribed spacer regions of nuc rDNA and a fragment of an actin gene), Umbelopsis roseonana and U. versiformis are treated as heterotypic synonyms of U. nana, while the phylogenetically closely related U. dimorpha is retained as a separate species. Mortierella longicollis is reclassified as a new combination, U. longicollis. In addition, lectotypes and epitypes for the basionyms of U. longicollis and U. nana are designated here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Out of 107 fungal strains belonging to three phyla (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Zygomycota) and 46 genera, 86 exhibited Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO) activity against racemic bicyclo[3.2.0]heptenone. The strains were classified into three “profiles” based on regio- and enantioselectivity. Statistical analyses of our results, extended by literature data, showed that these profiles could be related to the taxonomic classification of the strains, and suggest that the BVMOs from the Zygomycota phylum may be different in their primary structures from established ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulolytic, lipolytic and proteolytic enzyme production of zygomycetes Mucor corticolus, Rhizomucor miehei, Gilbertella persicaria and Rhizopus niveus were investigated using agro-industrial wastes as substrates. Solid-state cultures were carried out on untreated corn residues (stalk and leaf) as single substrate (SSF1) or corn residues and wheat bran in mixed fermentation (SSF2). Rapid production of endoglucanase (CMCase) was observed with maximal activity reaching after about 48-h fermentation, while cellobiohydrolase (CBH) and β-glucosidase enzymes generally had their peak after 72-h incubation. Highest filter paper degrading (FPase), CMCase, CBH and β-glucosidase activities obtained were (U g-1 dss) 17.3, 74.1, 12.2 and 158.3, for R. miehei, G. persicaria, M. corticolus and Rh. niveus, respectively. M. corticolus proved to be the best lipolytic enzyme producer in SSF1 presenting 447.6 U g-1 dss yield, while R. miehei showed 517.7 U g-1 dss activity in SSF2. Rh. niveus exhibited significantly greater protease production than the other strains. Suc-AAPF-pNA hydrolyzing activities of this strain were 1.1 and 1.96 U g-1 dss in SSF1 and SSF2, respectively. We conclude that the used corn stalk and leaf residues could potentially be applicable as strong inducers for cellulase and lipase production by Mucoromycotina fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi have been recognized as a frequent colonizer of subseafloor basalt but a substantial understanding of their abundance, diversity and ecological role in this environment is still lacking. Here we report fossilized cryptoendolithic fungal communities represented by mainly Zygomycetes and minor Ascomycetes in vesicles of dredged volcanic rocks (basanites) from the Vesteris Seamount in the Greenland Basin. Zygomycetes had not been reported from subseafloor basalt previously. Different stages in zygospore formation are documented in the studied samples, representing a reproduction cycle. Spore structures of both Zygomycetes and Ascomycetes are mineralized by romanechite-like Mn oxide phases, indicating an involvement in Mn(II) oxidation to form Mn(III,VI) oxides. Zygospores still exhibit a core of carbonaceous matter due to their resistance to degradation. The fungi are closely associated with fossiliferous marine sediments that have been introduced into the vesicles. At the contact to sediment infillings, fungi produced haustoria that penetrated and scavenged on the remains of fragmented marine organisms. It is most likely that such marine debris is the main carbon source for fungi in shallow volcanic rocks, which favored the establishment of vital colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]