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Acremonium and the recently separated acremonium-like genera, such as Sarocladium, are emerging causes of opportunistic disease in humans, mainly post-traumatic infections in immunocompetent hosts, but also invasive infections in immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing transplantation. Acremonium egyptiacum has emerged as the major pathogenic Acremonium species in humans, implicated mainly in nail but also in disseminated and organ specific infections. In this first study of acremonium-like clinical isolates in Greece, 34 isolates were identified and typed by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer, and their antifungal susceptibility was determined by a modified CLSI standard M38 3rd Edition method for filamentous fungi. A. egyptiacum was the primary species (18 isolates) followed by Sarocladium kiliense (8), Acremonium charticola, Gliomastix polychroma, Proxiovicillium blochii, Sarocladium terricola, Sarocladium zeae, and Stanjemonium dichromosporum (all with one isolate). Two isolates, each with a novel ITS sequence, possibly represent undescribed species with an affinity to Emericellopsis. All three A. egyptiacum ITS barcode types described to date were identified, with 3 being the major type. Flutrimazole, lanoconazole, and luliconazole presented the lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against A. egyptiacum, with a geometric mean (GM) MIC of 2.50, 1.92, and 1.57 μg/mL, respectively. Amphotericin B, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, terbinafine, amorolfine, and griseofulvin MICs were overall high (GM 12.79–29.49 μg/mL). An analysis of variance performed on absolute values showed that flutrimazole, lanoconazole, and luliconazole were equivalent and notably lower than those of all the other drugs tested against A. egyptiacum. Antifungal susceptibility of the three different A. egyptiacum genotypes was homogeneous. Overall, the high MICs recorded for all systemically administered drugs, and for some topical antifungals against the tested A. egyptiacum and other acremonium-like clinical isolates, justify the routine susceptibility testing of clinical isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine holothurian-derived fungal strain KMM 4401 has been identified as Paragliomastix luzulae using 28S rDNA, ITS regions and the partial TEF1 gene sequences. The metabolite profile of the fungal culture was studied by UPLC-MS technique. The strain KMM 4401 is a source of various virescenoside-type isopimarane glycosides suggested as chemotaxonomic feature for this fungal species. Also Px. luzulae KMM 4401 was proposed as possible source of new bioactive secondary metabolites especially antimicrobials. Moreover, the co-cultures of Px. luzulae KMM 4401 with another marine fungus Penicillium hispanicum KMM 4689 inoculated simultaneously or after two weeks were investigated by same way. It was shown, that P. hispanicum KMM 4689 suppressed the production of most of Px. luzulae KMM 4401 metabolites. On the other hand, the co-cultivation of P. hispanicum KMM 4689 and Px. luzulae KMM 4401 resulted in increasing of production of main deoxyisoaustamide alkaloids of P. hispanicum KMM 4689 on 50–190%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phenomenon of pathogenicity attenuation of Plasmopara viticola was consistently observed during its subculture on grape. To clarify the causes of attenuated pathogenicity of P. viticola, culturable microbes were isolated from the P. viticola mass (mycelia, sporangiophores, and sporangia) in each generation and tested for their biocontrol efficacies on grape downy mildew (GDM). The results showed that the incidence of GDM decreased with the increase in the number of subculture times on both vineyard-collected leaves and grape leaves from in vitro-grown seedlings. The number of culturable microbial taxa on the surface of P. viticola decreased, whereas the population densities of four specific strains (i.e., K2, K7, P1, and P5) increased significantly with the increase in subculture times. Compared with the control, the biocontrol efficacies of the bacterial strain K2 reached 87.5%, and those of both fungal strains P1 and P5 reached 100.0%. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular sequences, strains K2, P1, and P5 were identified as Curtobacterium herbarum, Thecaphora amaranthi, and Acremonium sclerotigenum, respectively, and these three strains survived very well and multiplied on the surface of P. viticola. As the number of times P. viticola was subcultured increased, all three of these strains became the predominant strains, leading to greater P. viticola inhibition, attenuated P. viticola pathogenicity, and effective GDM biological control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. herbarum and T. amaranthi having biological control activity against GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit shape is an important character of watermelon. And the compositions of rhizospheric and endophytic microorganisms of watermelon with different fruit shape also remains unclear. To elucidate the biological mechanism of watermelon fruit shape formations, the rhizospheric and endophytic microbial community compositions between oval (OW) and circular watermelons (CW) were analyzed. The results showed that except of the rhizospheric bacterial richness (P < 0.05), the rhizospheric and endophytic microbial (bacterial and fungal) diversity were not statistically significant between OW and CW (P > 0.05). However, the endophytic microbial (bacterial and fungal) compositions were significantly different. Firstly, Bacillus, Rhodanobacter, Cupriavidus, Luteimonas, and Devosia were the unique soil dominant bacterial genera in rhizospheres of circular watermelon (CW); In contrast, Nocardioides, Ensifer, and Saccharomonospora were the special soil dominant bacterial genera in rhizospheres of oval watermelons (OW); Meanwhile, Cephalotrichum, Neocosmospora, Phialosimplex, and Papulaspora were the unique soil dominant fungal genera in rhizospheres of circular watermelon (CW); By contrast, Acremonium, Cladosporium, Cryptococcus_f__Tremellaceae, Sodiomyces, Microascus, Conocybe, Sporidiobolus, and Acremonium were the unique soil dominant fungal genera in rhizospheres of oval watermelons (OW). Additionally, Lechevalieria, Pseudorhodoferax, Pseudomonas, Massilia, Flavobacterium, Aeromicrobium, Stenotrophomonas, Pseudonocardia, Novosphingobium, Melittangium, and Herpetosiphon were the unique dominant endophytic bacterial genera in stems of CW; In contrast, Falsirhodobacter, Kocuria, and Kineosporia were the special dominant endophytic genera in stems of OW; Moreover, Lectera and Fusarium were the unique dominant endophytic fungal genera in stems of CW; By contrast, Cercospora only was the special dominant endophytic fungal genus in stems of OW. All above results suggested that watermelons with different fruit shapes exactly recruited various microorganisms in rhizospheres and stems. Meanwhile, the enrichments of the different rhizosphric and endophytic microorganisms could be speculated in relating to watermelon fruit shapes formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While endophytic fungi offer promising avenues for bolstering plant resilience against abiotic stressors, the molecular mechanisms behind this biofortification remain largely unknown. This study employed a multifaceted approach, combining plant physiology, proteomic, metabolomic, and targeted hormonal analyses to illuminate the early response of Brassica napus to Acremonium alternatum during the nascent stages of their interaction. Notably, under optimal growth conditions, the initial reaction to fungus was relatively subtle, with no visible alterations in plant phenotype and only minor impacts on the proteome and metabolome. Interestingly, the identified proteins associated with the Acremonium response included TUDOR 1, Annexin D4, and a plastidic K+ efflux antiporter, hinting at potential processes that could counter abiotic stressors, particularly salt stress. Subsequent experiments validated this hypothesis, showcasing significantly enhanced growth in Acremonium‐inoculated plants under salt stress. Molecular analyses revealed a profound impact on the plant's proteome, with over 50% of salt stress response proteins remaining unaffected in inoculated plants. Acremonium modulated ribosomal proteins, increased abundance of photosynthetic proteins, enhanced ROS metabolism, accumulation of V‐ATPase, altered abundances of various metabolic enzymes, and possibly promoted abscisic acid signaling. Subsequent analyses validated the accumulation of this hormone and its enhanced signaling. Collectively, these findings indicate that Acremonium promotes salt tolerance by orchestrating abscisic acid signaling, priming the plant's antioxidant system, as evidenced by the accumulation of ROS‐scavenging metabolites and alterations in ROS metabolism, leading to lowered ROS levels and enhanced photosynthesis. Additionally, it modulates ion sequestration through V‐ATPase accumulation, potentially contributing to the observed decrease in chloride content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fermentation of a soil-derived fungus Acremonium sp. led to the isolation of thirteen ascochlorin congeners through integrated genomic and Global Natural Product Social (GNPS) molecular networking. Among the isolated compounds, we identified two unusual bicyclic types, acremochlorins O (1) and P (2), as well as two linear types, acremochlorin Q (3) and R (4). Compounds 1 and 2 contain an unusual benzopyran moiety and are diastereoisomers of each other, the first reported for the ascochlorins. Additionally, we elucidated the structure of 5, a 4-chloro-5-methylbenzene-1,3-diol with a linear farnesyl side chain, and confirmed the presence of eight known ascochlorin analogs (6–13). The structures were determined by the detailed interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, MS, and ECD calculations. Compounds 3 and 9 showed potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, with MIC values ranging from 2 to 16 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fungus, Acremonium strictum KR21-2, produces biogenic manganese oxides (BMOs) that can oxidize exogenous Mn2+ ions to form different BMO phases. When other guest ions are present during the BMO formation, it can strongly affect the mineralogical characteristics of the resultant BMO phase. The impact of coexisting Ni2+ ions on the mineralogy of BMO phases formed through enzymatic Mn(II) oxidation and its sequestration ability is not yet fully understood. To better understand it, repeated sequestration experiments were conducted using BMOs in Ni2+/Mn2+ binary, single Ni2, and single Mn2+ solution systems with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It was observed that simultaneous sequestration of Ni2+ and Mn2+ was efficient, with irreversible Ni2+ incorporation at pH values above 7.0. The resultant BMO phases showed that Ni2+-bearing Mn oxides resembling feitknechitite (β-MnOOH) were developed through enzymatic Mn(II) oxidation. At pH values below 6.5, the turbostratic birnessite structure was maintained even in Ni2+/Mn2+ binary solutions, and subsequently, the Ni2+ sequestration efficiency was low. The pseudo-first-order rate constants of enzymatically inactivated BMOs for Mn2+ sequestration were two orders of magnitude lower than those of active BMOs, indicating the crucial role of the enzymes in precipitating Ni2+-bearing Mn oxide phases. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of Ni2+ interaction with Mn oxide through microbial activity under circumneutral pH conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cases of phaeohyphomycotic infections were caused by Phaeoacremonium tuscanicum, not previously identified in human infections, and one new species, Phaeoacremonium indicum, respectively. Morphological and cultural investigation as well as phylogenetic analysis was constructed based on maximum likelihood analyses using actin and -tubulin sequences to identify the fungal isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verticillium dahliae is a notorious soil-borne pathogen that enters hosts through the roots and proliferates in the plant water-conducting elements to cause Verticillium wilt. Historically, Verticillium wilt symptoms have been explained by vascular occlusion, due to the accumulation of mycelia and plant biomacromolecule aggregation, and also by phytotoxicity caused by pathogen-secreted toxins. Beyond the direct cytotoxicity of some members of the secretome, this review systematically discusses the roles of the V. dahliae secretome in vascular occlusion, including the deposition of polysaccharides as an outcome of plant cell wall destruction, the accumulation of fungal mycelia, and modulation of plant defence responses. By modulating plant defences and hormone levels, the secretome manipulates the vascular environment to induce Verticillium wilt. Thus, the secretome of V. dahliae colludes with plant defence responses to modulate Verticillium wilt symptoms, and thereby bridges the historical concepts of both toxin production by the pathogen and vascular occlusion as the cause of wilting symptoms.

The arms race between fungal pathogens and plant hosts involves recognition of fungal effectors to induce host immunity. Although various fungal effectors have been identified, the effector functions of ribonucleases are largely unknown. Herein, we identified a ribonuclease secreted by Verticillium dahliae (VdRTX1) that translocates into the plant nucleus to modulate immunity. The activity of VdRTX1 causes hypersensitive response (HR)-related cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana and cotton. VdRTX1 possesses a signal peptide but is unlikely to be an apoplastic effector because its nuclear localization in the plant is necessary for cell death induction. Knockout of VdRTX1 significantly enhanced V. dahliae virulence on tobacco while V. dahliae employs the known suppressor VdCBM1 to escape the immunity induced by VdRTX1. VdRTX1 homologs are widely distributed in fungi but transient expression of 24 homologs from other fungi did not yield cell death induction, suggesting that this function is specific to the VdRTX1 in V. dahliae. Expression of site-directed mutants of VdRTX1 in N. benthamiana leaves revealed conserved ligand-binding sites that are important for VdRTX1 function in inducing cell death. Thus, VdRTX1 functions as a unique HR-inducing effector in V. dahliae that contributes to the activation of plant immunity.

Two cases of phaeohyphomycotic infections were caused by Phaeoacremonium tuscanicum, not previously identified in human infections, and one new species, Phaeoacremonium indicum, respectively. Morphological and cultural investigation as well as phylogenetic analysis was constructed based on maximum likelihood analyses using actin and -tubulin sequences to identify the fungal isolates.

A new ascochlorin glycoside (1) and 8 known ascochlorin derivatives (2-9), and ilicicolin H (10) were purified from brittlestar derived fungus Acremonium sp. GXIMD02024. Their structural elucidations were carried out by analyses of 1D and 2D NMR, high resolution mass spectrometry, and CD spectroscopic data and comparison of those with literature data. Compound 1 was a rare fungal polyketide-sesquiterpenoid possessing sugar moiety. The antibacterial and cytotoxicity activities of compounds 1-10 have been performed in vitro. Compounds 1-3, 7, 8, and 10 were measured for their inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase. Compound 1 exhibited poor activity or was inactive, but the detail analysis indicated sugar moiety in 1 maybe play an important role in effect on biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acremonium fungi is one of the greatest and most complex genera in Hyphomycetes, comprising 130 species of marine and terrestrial sources. The past decades have witnessed substantial chemical and biological investigations on the diverse secondary metabolites from the Acremonium species. To date, over 600 compounds with abundant chemical types as well as a wide range of bioactivities have been obtained from this genus, attracting considerable attention from chemists and pharmacologists. This review mainly summarizes the sources, chemical structures, and biological activities of 115 recently reported new compounds from the genus Acremonium from December 2016 to September 2023. They are structurally classified into terpenoids (42%), peptides (29%), polyketides (20%), and others (9%), among which marine sources are predominant (68%). Notably, these compounds were primarily screened with cytotoxic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This paper provides insights into the exploration and utilization of bioactive compounds in this genus, both within the scientific field and pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a substantial increase in the number of cases of invasive fungal infections worldwide, which is associated with a growing number of immunosuppressed patients and a rise in antifungal resistance. Some fungi that were previously considered harmless to humans have become emerging pathogens. One of them is Purpureocillium lilacinum, a ubiquitous filamentous fungus commonly found in the environment, especially in the air and soil. P. lilacinum belongs to a bigger group of hyaline fungi that cause hyalohyphomycosis, a fungal infection caused by fungi with colorless hyphae. Although this is a heterogeneous group of fungi, there are similarities regarding their ubiquity, ways of transmission, affected patients, and difficulties in diagnostics and treatment. In hyalohyphomycosis, the skin is one of the most affected organs, which is why the involvement of dermatologists is crucial for the initial assessment, since the timely recognition and early diagnosis of this condition can prevent life-threatening infections and death. In this review, we covered cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis caused by P. lilacinum and other fungi in the same group, including Fusarium, Penicilium, Scedosporium, Scopulariopsis, Acremonium, and Trichoderma genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most antibiotics now used in clinical practice are cephalosporins. Acremonium (A.) chrysogenum W42-I is an intermediate strain out of W42 strain improvement program whose productivity is above that of the wild-type strain to produce the broad-spectrum antibacterial cephalosporin C (CPC). As a result, fermentation process optimization is considered because it offers the ideal environment for strains to reach their full potential. Our research aimed to combine a rational design to regulate the fermentation process environment and culture media as well as to develop mutants with high productivity. Different media were tested to obtain maximum CPC production. To maximize the production of CPC, some environmental parameters were experimentally optimized via the Box-Behnken design used for response surface methodology (RSM). There were 17 tests conducted, and each experiment's reaction was recorded. Improvement of the CPC production was further achieved via mutagenesis using gamma radiation. Results revealed that a pH of 4, an incubation period of 4 days, and an inoculum size of 1% v/v using the optimized media (CPC2) were the optimum conditions for enhancing the CPC production by 4.43-fold. In addition, gamma irradiation further enhanced production to reach 3.46-fold using an optimum dose of 2 KGy. In conclusion, in comparison to initial production levels, CPC production increased 4.43-fold because of nutritional and environmental optimization. The mutant AC8 demonstrated a roughly 3.46-fold increase in activity against its parent type. Moreover, subsequent AC8 mutant culture demonstrated excellent genetic stability. Keypoints: Production of Cephalosporin C was statistically optimized using the Box-Behnken design. Optimum environmental conditions resulted in 4.43-fold increase in CPC production. Gamma irradiation further enhanced production to reach 3.46-fold using an optimum dose of 2 KGy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is a rare case of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis associated with Acremonium sp. infection. Case presentation: Symptoms of Acremonium infection peritonitis are hidden and atypical, leucocytes in ascites are moderately elevated, and general bacterial culture difficulty obtains positive results. In this report, a patient with peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis caused by Acremonium species was successfully treated without catheter removal in our hospital. The organism species was cultured from a catheter and PD effluent fluid. The patient's peritonitis did not relapse within 6 months. Conclusions: Once a patient on peritoneal dialysis was infected with fungal peritonitis, the outcome was usually to remove the tube and stop peritoneal dialysis. In this case, our experience is that using a catheter-salvage therapy method, we can successfully cure PD-related peritonitis associated with Acremonium sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A subcutaneous infection in the form of pseudomycetoma is rare. Acremonium species are rarely considered to be pathogenic in subcutaneous infections due to their ubiquitous nature. We report a case of subcutaneous pseudomycetoma over the dorsolateral aspect of the left knee caused by Acremonium species in a 55-year-old diabetic male who was treated successfully with oral itraconazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocontrol microorganisms are important tools for the control of root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). Endophytic fungi have shown great potential as biocontrol agents in such applications. We here isolated an endophytic fungus from tomato root galls infected with M. incognita and identified the isolate as Acremonium sclerotigenum based on morphology and the internal transcribed spacer sequence. The biocontrol potential of this fungus was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, in vitro analyses were conducted to determine the potential of A. sclerotigenum to increase Meloidogyne incognita juvenile (J2 stage) mortality and decrease M. incognita egg hatching rates. The results revealed that A. sclerotigenum culture filtrates caused high J2 mortality rates (up to 95.5%) and significantly inhibited egg hatching (by up to ~ 43%). Furthermore, eggs treated with the culture filtrate were disaggregated and could not develop into nematodes. An in vivo experiment showed that treatment of tomato plants with A. sclerotigenum suppressed root knot nematode populations and significantly reduced the galling index. Both A. sclerotigenum treatment and exposure to the nematicide abamectin had good control effects, with efficacy rates of 55.43% and 70.58%, respectively. In summary, the endophytic fungus A. sclerotigenum here showed excellent potential for biocontrol of M. incognita. Further studies should be conducted to identify the nematicidal compounds produced by this fungus and to establish the molecular mechanism of action associated with the observed biocontrol effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fermentation of a soil-derived fungus Acremonium sp. led to the isolation of thirteen ascochlorin congeners through integrated genomic and Global Natural Product Social (GNPS) molecular networking. Among the isolated compounds, we identified two unusual bicyclic types, acremochlorins O (1) and P (2), as well as two linear types, acremochlorin Q (3) and R (4). Compounds 1 and 2 contain an unusual benzopyran moiety and are diastereoisomers of each other, the first reported for the ascochlorins. Additionally, we elucidated the structure of 5, a 4-chloro-5-methylbenzene-1,3-diol with a linear farnesyl side chain, and confirmed the presence of eight known ascochlorin analogs (6–13). The structures were determined by the detailed interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, MS, and ECD calculations. Compounds 3 and 9 showed potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, with MIC values ranging from 2 to 16 μg/mL.

Sesquiterpene synthases convert farnesyl diphosphate into various sesquiterpenes, which find wide applications in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Although numerous putative sesquiterpene synthases have been identified in fungal genomes, many lack biochemical characterization. In this study, we identified a putative terpene synthase AcTPS3 from Acremonium chrysogenum. Through sequence analysis and in vitro enzyme assay, AcTPS3 was identified as a sesquiterpene synthase. To obtain sufficient product for NMR testing, a metabolic engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae was constructed to overproduce the product of AcTPS3. The major product of AcTPS3 was identified as (+)-cubenene (55.46%) by GC-MS and NMR. Thus, AcTPS3 was confirmed as (+)-cubenene synthase, which is the first report of (+)-cubenene synthase. The optimized S. cerevisiae strain achieved a biosynthesis titer of 597.3 mg/L, the highest reported for (+)-cubenene synthesis. • A metabolic engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to overproduce the product of AcTPS3. • A (+)-cubenene synthase was reported for the first time. • (+)-Cubenene was biosynthesized at a titer of 597.3 mg/L, which provides a sustainable synthesis route for this compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to characterize a new fungal species, Acremonium conglutinatum, isolated from air samples collected in Wando, South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer and large subunit regions revealed its unique position within the genus Acremonium. The isolated strain displayed distinct morphological characteristics, including ellipsoid or bent-ellipsoid conidia formed in clusters on the phialides. These features differentiate the new species from closely related species within the genus. This study describes the morphological and molecular characteristics of A. conglutinatum and emphasizes its phylogenetic relationships with other Acremonium spp. The identification of this novel species contributes to our understanding of the diversity and ecological role of Acremonium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Good health of grapevine plants is important for productivity and sustainability of newly established vineyards, and accurate detection of bacterial and fungal pathogens is a prerequisite for managing the diseases they cause in nurseries. This study screened marketable, bare-rooted grapevine plants, obtained from different geographical regions of Türkiye, for fungal pathogens associated with grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs). In 2021, 43 grapevine nurseries located in eight provinces were surveyed to reveal the status of GTD pathogens on asymptomatic marketable plants. Fungal pathogens isolated from the roots and basal parts of asymptomatic dormant grapevines were identified using with morphological characteristics and molecular markers, and were subjected to pathogenicity tests. Six species; Cytospora viticola, Diaporthe ampelina, Diplodia seriata, Lasiodiplodia brasiliensis, Neofusicoccum parvum, and Truncatella angustata (associated with dieback), and six species; Cadophora ferruginea, Cadophora luteo-olivacea, Cadophora malorum, Phaeoacremonium minimum, Phaeoacremonium tuscanicum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (associated with Petri disease) were identified based on DNA sequencing of ITS and TEF1-α genes. GTD pathogens were detected in 12 and 14 of the 43 nurseries, respectively. Pathogenicity tests on 1103P vines revealed that all species were pathogenic (N. parvum and C. luteo-olivacea being the most virulent), and caused significant wood necroses when compared to non-inoculated experimental controls. This is the first report of C. ferruginea, C. malorum, L. brasiliensis, and P. tuscanicum associated with GTDs in Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hirsutellones are fungal natural products containing a macrocyclic para-cyclophane connected to a decahydrofluorene ring system. We have elucidated the biosynthetic pathway for pyrrocidine B (3) and GKK1032 A2 (4). Two small hypothetical proteins, an oxidoreductase and a lipocalin-like protein, function cooperatively in the oxidative cyclization of the cyclophane, while an additional hypothetical protein in the pyrrocidine pathway catalyzes the exo-specific cycloaddition to form the cis-fused decahydrofluorene.

Abstract Patulin is a toxic secondary metabolite synthesized by various fungal strains. This mycotoxin is generally toxic to microorganisms as well as mammals due to its reactivity with the important cellular antioxidant glutathione. In this study, we explored the presence of microorganisms capable of degrading patulin. Microorganisms were screened for the ability to both grow in culture medium containing patulin and reduce its concentration. Screening of 510 soil samples resulted in the isolation of two filamentous fungal strains, one of which, Acremonium sp. TUS‐MM1 was characterized in detail. Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses revealed that TUS‐MM1 cells degraded patulin to desoxypatulinic acid. In addition, extracellular components of strain TUS‐MM1 also exhibited patulin‐transforming activity. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the extracellular components generated several products from patulin. Disc diffusion assay using Escherichia coli cells revealed that the patulin‐transformation products by the extracellular components are less toxic than patulin. We also demonstrated that a thermostable, low‐molecular‐weight compound within the extracellular components was responsible for the patulin‐transforming activity. These results suggest that strain TUS‐MM1 transforms patulin into less‐toxic molecules by secreting a highly reactive compound. In addition, once patulin enters the cells, strain TUS‐MM1 can transform it into desoxypatulinic acid to reduce its toxicity.

Acremonium (Cephalosporium) species are environmentally widespread saprophytes and considered ubiquitous fungal organisms found in soil and air, but in recent years they have been described increasingly as opportunistic microorganisms in immunocompetent patients that have sustained skin injuries. In recent years, the incidence of invasive infections caused by Acremonium species (spp.) has increased probably as a result of more aggressive modern medical modalities such as chemotherapy, transplantation, intravascular central line insertion, prosthetic valves, and dialysis access grafts and more frequent and widespread use of immunosuppressive agents. An intriguing report of a large cutaneous ulcerative lesion by Acremonium spp. is discussed on the ground of the existing literature in this field. The literature search showed only three cases of ulcerative lesions of the skin due to Acremonium spp. infection. There are no standard therapy guidelines for the treatment of these infections, so we aim to summarize and discuss the currently available data on the promising results obtained with voriconazole for the treatment of these ulcerative skin infections. Clinical experience with other drugs, such as VRC is very encouraging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new genera, six new species, three combinations, six epitypes, and 25 interesting new host and / or geographical records are introduced in this study. New genera: Neoleptodontidium (based on Neoleptodontidium aquaticum), and Nothoramularia (based on Nothoramularia ragnhildianicola). New species: Acremonium aquaticum (from cooling pad water, USA, Cladophialophora laricicola (on dead wood of Larix sp., Netherlands), Cyphellophora neerlandica (on lichen on brick wall, Netherlands), Geonectria muralis (on moss growing on a wall, Netherlands), Harposporium illinoisense (from rockwool, USA), and Neoleptodontidium aquaticum (from hydroponic water, USA). New combinations: Cyphellophora deltoidea (based on Anthopsis deltoidea), Neoleptodontidium aciculare (based on Leptodontidium aciculare), and Nothoramularia ragnhildianicola (based on Ramularia ragnhildianicola). Epitypes: Cephaliophora tropica (from water, USA), Miricatena prunicola (on leaves of Prunus serotina, Netherlands), Nothoramularia ragnhildianicola (on Ragnhildiana ferruginea, parasitic on Artemisia vulgaris, Germany), Phyllosticta multicorniculata (on needles of Abietis balsamea, Canada), Thyronectria caraganae (on twigs of Caragana arborescens, Ukraine), and Trichosphaeria pilosa (on decayed Salix branch, Netherlands). Furthermore, the higher order phylogeny of three genera regarded as incertae sedis is resolved, namely Cephaliophora (Ascodesmidaceae, Pezizales), Miricatena (Helotiales, Leotiomycetes), and Trichosphaeria (Trichosphaeriaceae, Trichosphaeriales), with Trichosphaeriaceae being an older name for Plectosphaerellaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are the main microbiological control agents of insect pests. One of the key factors in the pathogenicity of EPF is the production of insecticidal bioactive compounds. Therefore, the metabolites of two isolates of EPF, Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fresen.) G.A. de Vries (AF98) and Acremonium zeylanicum (Petch) W. Gams & H.C. Evans (IR87), were analyzed. The presence of insecticidal toxic cyclic peptides such as Bassianolide in C. cladosporioides AF98 metabolites was detected by HPLC. Moreover, GC–MS analysis showed some toxic compounds, including 3,4-Dihydro-7,12-Dihydroxy-7,12-Imethylbenz[A]Anthracene, 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-1,1,4,4,6-Pentamethyl-5,7-Dinitronaphthalene, and 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-1,1,4,4,6-Pentamethyl-5,7-Dinitronaphthalene in the metabolites purified from A. zeylanicum IR87. Also, a few hazardous compounds, including 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-trimethylsiloxytoluene, bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate, di-n-octyl phthalate, 1-pentadecene, and 1-eicosene were found which might be toxic against insects. This is the first report on the detection of toxic peptides from C. cladosporioides. These results showed that multiple compounds are likely contributed to the insecticidal effects of the EPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Acremonium is acknowledged as a highly ubiquitous genus including saprobic, parasitic, or endophytic fungi that inhabit a variety of environments. Species of this genus are extensively exploited in industrial, commercial, pharmaceutical, and biocontrol applications, and proved to be a rich source of novel and bioactive secondary metabolites. Acremonium has been recognised as a taxonomically difficult group of ascomycetes, due to the reduced and high plasticity of morphological characters, wide ecological distribution and substrate range. Recent advances in molecular phylogenies, revealed that Acremonium is highly polyphyletic and members of Acremonium s. lat. belong to at least three distinct orders of Sordariomycetes, of which numerous orders, families and genera with acremonium-like morphs remain undefined. To infer the phylogenetic relationships and establish a natural classification for acremonium-like taxa, systematic analyses were conducted based on a large number of cultures with a global distribution and varied substrates. A total of 633 cultures with acremonium-like morphology, including 261 ex-type cultures from 89 countries and a variety of substrates including soil, plants, fungi, humans, insects, air, and water were examined. An overview phylogenetic tree based on three loci (ITS, LSU, rpb2) was generated to delimit the orders and families. Separate trees based on a combined analysis of four loci (ITS, LSU, rpb2, tef-1α) were used to delimit species at generic and family levels. Combined with the morphological features, host associations and ecological analyses, acremonium-like species evaluated in the present study are currently assigned to 63 genera, and 14 families in Cephalothecales, Glomerellales and Hypocreales, mainly in the families Bionectriaceae, Plectosphaerellaceae and Sarocladiaceae and five new hypocrealean families, namely Chrysonectriaceae, Neoacremoniaceae, Nothoacremoniaceae, Pseudoniessliaceae and Valsonectriaceae. Among them, 17 new genera and 63 new combinations are proposed, with descriptions of 65 new species. Furthermore, one epitype and one neotype are designated to stabilise the taxonomy and use of older names. Results of this study demonstrated that most species of Acremonium s. lat. grouped in genera of Bionectriaceae, including the type A. alternatum. A phylogenetic backbone tree is provided for Bionectriaceae, in which 183 species are recognised and 39 well-supported genera are resolved, including 10 new genera. Additionally, rpb2 and tef-1a are proposed as potential DNA barcodes for the identification of taxa in Bionectriaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylose‐rich undefined broth, extracted from the dilute acid pretreatment wastes of barley straw, serves as resourceful media for Acremonium chrysogenum M35 culture and production of cephalosporin C (CPC). Concentrating the extract with proper reprocessing enables to prepare various concentrations of xylose broth (2%–8%). The undefined xylose media were prepared for CPC production from A. chrysogenum M35 by the addition of other nutrients. Cell growth and CPC production were the most effective at 6% xylose and additional 2% glycerol, with maximum CPC production of 9.07 g/L after 6 days, which is higher production than that in defined media prepared with laboratory‐level nutrients and reagents. Investigation of autotrophic and reverse trans‐sulfuration pathways for cysteine synthesis, a limited element of three precursors for CPC synthesis, supports the enhanced CPC production in undefined media. Abundance of xylose ensures a maintained NADPH concentration required for sulfate reduction and synthesis of amino sulfide such as cysteine. Cystathionine‐γ‐lyase activity profiling indicated more efficient biosynthesis in undefined media than in other cultures use glycerol and glucose, and the biosynthesis pathway of CPC production by the cephalosporin gene cluster (i.e. pcbC and cefG genes) was investigated. The process using undefined xylose media was designed, and process simulation program confirmed our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two spotted spider mite (TSSM) Tetranychus urticae is one of the most economically key mite pests of fields and greenhouse crops over the world. In order to clarify the control efficacy of Neoseiulus barkeri on Tetranychus urticae in the presence of entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Acremonium hansfodii. This study was conducted to evaluate the control of combining N. barkeri with A. hansfodii against T. urticae. The results showed that the functional response of N. barkeri treated with Ahy1 strain to T. urticae was Holling type II equation. Among these, the highest predation number and the shortest attack time were obtained for the predator feeding on eggs, then followed by feeding on nymphs, female adults ranked as the lowest. That of N. barkeri to T. urticae treated with Ahy1 strain was also Holling type II equation. The predation capacity of N. barkeri on nymphs and female adults of T. urticae treated by Ahy1 strain increased with the increase of the concentration of Ahy1 strain, but that when feeding eggs had no significant difference. Therefore, the combination of EPF with N. barkeri on control of TSSM had synergistic effects, which will provide the guidance to carry out combined utilization of entomogenous fungi with predatory mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acremonium is a large fungal genus that is comprised of approximately 150 species, found ubiquitously in nature. Although the majority are recognized as being saprophytes in soil and pathogens of plants, several species are emerging as causative agents of a variety of human infections, including mycetomas. Herein, we present a young man that was referred to our department with a painful subungual mass that developed following traumatic inoculation of Acremonium spp. In recent years, the role of Acremonium spp. has been increasingly recognized in localized infections, such as mycetoma, in humans. Other locally invasive as well as disseminated infections are also described. Optimal treatment of Acremonium spp. mycetoma is not well defined owing to the rarity of cases, thus posing a therapeutic challenge.

A subcutaneous infection in the form of pseudomycetoma is rare. Acremonium species are rarely considered to be pathogenic in subcutaneous infections due to their ubiquitous nature. We report a case of subcutaneous pseudomycetoma over the dorsolateral aspect of the left knee caused by Acremonium species in a 55-year-old diabetic male who was treated successfully with oral itraconazole.

Abstract Unusual fungal agents that exist environmentally as saprophytes can often lead to opportunistic infections, hyalohyphomycosis is a group of fungal infections caused by fungi characterized by hyaline septate hyphae and can infect both immunocompetent as well as immunocompromised patients, and Acremonium has drawn the attention of clinicians and microbiologists, as a potential pathogen in patients with and without underlying risk factors. It has also been increasingly implicated in systemic fungal diseases. Herein, we describe a case presentation of an immunocompromised patient with fungal brain abscesses due to Acremonium species.

A 6-year-old male leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) was presented with a 2-year history of recurrent dysecdysis involving the ocular surface of both eyes. Ophthalmic examination revealed ocular surface desiccation and multifocal superficial ulcerative keratitis with patchy remnants of retained shed. Other abnormalities included stomatitis and mandibular and maxillary osteomyelitis. Topical and systemic antibiotic therapy, oral vitamin A, and improved husbandry conditions resolved the stomatitis and osteomyelitis but did not improve the ocular surface. Corneal cytology collected with a cytobrush revealed branching hyphae and budding yeast consistent with fungal keratitis. Fungal culture grew Acremonium sp. and Trichosporon sp. The addition of topical antifungal therapy improved the ocular surface health, but the patient was euthanized 7 weeks after initial presentation for persistent vomiting and dyspnea. Necropsy was declined. This case describes the first case of fungal keratitis caused by Acremonium sp. and Trichosporon sp. in a reptile.

Abstract Background Fungal periprosthetic joint infections are rare. Acremonium osteoarticular infections are scarcely reported. Variable susceptibility to antifungal agents have been reported and optimal pharmacotherapy has yet to be established. Here we illustrate an Acremonium osteoarticular infection involving a prosthetic joint and present an antifungal regimen that had led to treatment success. Case presentation A 60-year-old female with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 had left total knee arthroplasty done in 2012 with a cementless implant for knee osteoarthritis. In 2019, the patient had asymptomatic, progressive osteolysis with fracture and migration of the femoral component warranting replacement. Eleven months later, the patient developed significant pain, redness, and swelling in the left leg and knee concerning for periprosthetic joint infection that failed outpatient antibiotic treatment. Further investigation revealed infection by Acremonium species. A revision of the joint was successfully completed, and the patient was placed on voriconazole for one year. Subsequent cultures did not yield any fungal growth. Conclusion While an optimal antifungal regimen for periprosthetic joint infections has not been well established, voriconazole is a relatively safe and effective agent that can be used as a long-term therapy. With variable susceptibility testing in reported isolates, individualized antifungal susceptibility should be used to guide therapy for Acremonium infections.

Fungi pollution in water can lead to serious problems, such as turbidity, odor, food pollution, mycotoxin production, and increased opportunistic infections among people with an immune deficiency. Few studies have reported the fungi community composition, quantity of fungi, and origin of fungi in groundwater. To study the change of quantity and community composition of fungi in groundwater at different times of year, this study evaluated the number of fungi and dominant fungi genera in groundwater and the factors affecting fungi quantity. The results showed that 18 genera of fungi were observed in the study area's groundwater, among which Penicillium (18–27%), Aspergillus (17–26%), Acremonium (12–28%) were the three most dominant. The numbers of dominant fungi genera were as follows: Penicillium (21–62 CFU/100 mL), Aspergillus (18–43 CFU/100 mL), and Acremonium (15–38 CFU/100 mL). The number of fungi in water closely correlates with environmental variables such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, and total organic carbon (TOC). Various genera of fungi were affected differently by unique environmental variables. The fungi in the water were also affected by components of the external environment, such as rainfall, surface farming, surface water sources, and so on. This study aims to provide meaningful information for understanding fungi pollution in groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Photosensitizing ability of compounds is implicated in singlet oxygen (1O2) generation, a ROS nonradical able to oxidize biomolecules affecting the cellular integrity, the increase in ROS levels derived in oxidative stress that is associated to the toxicity mechanisms of mycotoxins. Herein, the photosensitizing ability to generate 1O2 of 5-methoxysterigmatocystin, a mycotoxin isolated from aquatic fungus Acremonium persicinum, was evaluated. Photosensitizing ability was determined through photooxidation of ergosterol method and corroborated by theoretical studies using Gaussian 16 programs, the M06-2X functional and the 6-311++G (d,p) basis set. Results: 5-methoxysterigmatocystin exhibited efficient photosensitizing ability because it transformed 100% of ergosterol into ergosterol peroxide. Theoretical studies confirmed the experimental results showing that 5-methoxysterigmatocystin satisfied the energy requirements and is able to generate 1O2 corroborating their photosensitizing ability. Conclusions: The identification of the photosensitizing ability of fungal compounds, such as 5-methoxysterigmatocystin and the use of visible light, could be useful in the implementation of fungi control strategies through the inactivation by self-destruction of fungi that produce photosensitizer mycotoxins in food and feed through the generation of 1O2 under light and thereby to contribute toward the improvement of food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of invasive sino-pulmonary diseases due to non-Aspergillus hyaline molds is increasing due to an enlarging and evolving population of immunosuppressed hosts as well as improvements in the capabilities of molecular-based diagnostics. Herein, we review the following opportunistic pathogens known to cause sinopulmonary disease, the most common manifestation of hyalohyphomycosis: Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp., Lomentospora prolificans, Scopulariopsis spp., Trichoderma spp., Acremonium spp., Paecilomyces variotii, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Rasamsonia argillacea species complex, Arthrographis kalrae, and Penicillium species. To facilitate an understanding of the epidemiology and clinical features of sino-pulmonary hyalohyphomycoses in the context of host immune impairment, we utilized a host-based approach encompassing the following underlying conditions: neutropenia, hematologic malignancy, hematopoietic and solid organ transplantation, chronic granulomatous disease, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and healthy individuals who sustain burns, trauma, or iatrogenic exposures. We further summarize the pre-clinical and clinical data informing antifungal management for each pathogen and consider the role of adjunctive surgery and/or immunomodulatory treatments to optimize patient outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was focused on lichenicolous fungi from the Antarctic region whose diversity is not yet well known. The sampling was carried out in the maritime Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, Livingston Island, during a trip in 2018. In total, more than one hundred species of lichenicolous fungi were collected, of which a selection has been studied here. The remaining species will be studied in future papers. As a result of our morphological and molecular studies (based on ITS rDNA, LSU rDNA, and mtSSU), three new species are proposed: Arthonia olechiana on Steinera olechiana, Sphaeropezia neuropogonis on Usnea, and Sphinctrina sessilis on Pertusaria excludens. Moreover, the new combinations Bryostigma excentricum on Lepraria and Raesaenenia usneae on Usnea are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acremonium fungi is one of the greatest and most complex genera in Hyphomycetes, comprising 130 species of marine and terrestrial sources. The past decades have witnessed substantial chemical and biological investigations on the diverse secondary metabolites from the Acremonium species. To date, over 600 compounds with abundant chemical types as well as a wide range of bioactivities have been obtained from this genus, attracting considerable attention from chemists and pharmacologists. This review mainly summarizes the sources, chemical structures, and biological activities of 115 recently reported new compounds from the genus Acremonium from December 2016 to September 2023. They are structurally classified into terpenoids (42%), peptides (29%), polyketides (20%), and others (9%), among which marine sources are predominant (68%). Notably, these compounds were primarily screened with cytotoxic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This paper provides insights into the exploration and utilization of bioactive compounds in this genus, both within the scientific field and pharmaceutical industry.

Unusual fungal agents that exist environmentally as saprophytes can often lead to opportunistic infections, hyalohyphomycosis is a group of fungal infections caused by fungi characterized by hyaline septate hyphae and can infect both immunocompetent as well as immunocompromised patients, and Acremonium has drawn the attention of clinicians and microbiologists, as a potential pathogen in patients with and without underlying risk factors. It has also been increasingly implicated in systemic fungal diseases. Herein, we describe a case presentation of an immunocompromised patient with fungal brain abscesses due to Acremonium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Beibu Gulf represents an underexplored reservoir of marine micro-/organisms and secondary metabolites. Three uncommon 4-hydroxy-2-pyridone alkaloids and one phenazine alkaloid were obtained from the Beibu Gulf coral-associated fungus Acremonium sclerotigenum GXIMD 02501 via OSMAC approach. They were identified as campyridones D (1) and A (2), ilicicolin H (3), and phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (4), respectively, by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature values. All of them were evaluated for cytotoxic, anti-Vibrio, and NF-κB luciferase inhibitory activities. Compounds 2 and 3 showed cytotoxicity against two prostate cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 17.6 ± 1.3 and 5.5 ± 1.2 µM for PC-3, while 25.4 ± 1.7 and 11.9 ± 1.3 µM for 22Rv1, respectively. Besides, compound 4 showed promising anti-Vibrio activity with MIC values of 0.047-0.067 mg/mL and also displayed inhibition of LPS-induced NF-κB activation at 10 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species, Acremonium capsici and A. guizhouense, isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Capsicum annuum, are described and illustrated. Two-locus DNA sequences based on phylogeny, in combination with the morphology of the asexual morph, were used to characterize these species. In the phylogenetic tree, both new species clustered into a monophyletic clade with strong support, distinct from other previously known species of Acremonium. The new species differed from their allied species in their morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of East China University of Science & Technology is the property of Journal of East China University of Science & Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Fungal periprosthetic joint infections are rare. Acremonium osteoarticular infections are scarcely reported. Variable susceptibility to antifungal agents have been reported and optimal pharmacotherapy has yet to be established. Here we illustrate an Acremonium osteoarticular infection involving a prosthetic joint and present an antifungal regimen that had led to treatment success. Case presentation: A 60-year-old female with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 had left total knee arthroplasty done in 2012 with a cementless implant for knee osteoarthritis. In 2019, the patient had asymptomatic, progressive osteolysis with fracture and migration of the femoral component warranting replacement. Eleven months later, the patient developed significant pain, redness, and swelling in the left leg and knee concerning for periprosthetic joint infection that failed outpatient antibiotic treatment. Further investigation revealed infection by Acremonium species. A revision of the joint was successfully completed, and the patient was placed on voriconazole for one year. Subsequent cultures did not yield any fungal growth. Conclusion: While an optimal antifungal regimen for periprosthetic joint infections has not been well established, voriconazole is a relatively safe and effective agent that can be used as a long-term therapy. With variable susceptibility testing in reported isolates, individualized antifungal susceptibility should be used to guide therapy for Acremonium infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are antibacterial compounds that interfere with bacterial growth, without harming the infected eukaryotic host. Among the clinical agents, beta-lactams play a major role in treating infected humans and animals. However, the ever-increasing antibiotic resistance crisis is forcing the pharmaceutical industry to search for new antibacterial drugs to combat a range of current and potential multi-resistant bacterial pathogens. In this review, we provide an overview of the development, innovation, and current status of therapeutic applications for beta-lactams with a focus on semi-synthetic cephalosporins. Cephalosporin C (CPC), which is a natural secondary metabolite from the filamentous fungus Acremonium chrysogenum, plays a major and demanding role in both producing modern antibiotics and developing new ones. CPC serves as a core compound for producing semi-synthetic cephalosporins that can control infections with different resistance mechanisms. We therefore summarize our latest knowledge about the CPC biosynthetic pathway and its regulation in the fungal host. Finally, we describe how CPC serves as a key lead generation source for the in vitro and better, in vivo synthesis of 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (7-ACA), the major core compound for the pharmaceutical synthesis of current and future semi-synthetic cephalosporins. Key points: •Latest literature on cephalosporin generations •Biotechnical production of cephalosporins •In vivo production of 7-ACA [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of exogenous polyamines increases the production of antibiotic cephalosporin C (CPC) in Acremonium chrysogenum high-yielding (HY) strain during fermentation on a complex medium. However, the molecular basis of this phenomenon is still unknown. In the current study, we developed a special synthetic medium on which we revealed the opposite effect of polyamines. The addition of 1,3-diaminopropane resulted in an increase in the yield of CPC by 12–15%. However, the addition of spermidine resulted in a decrease in the yield of CPC by 14–15% and accumulation of its metabolic pathway precursor, deacetylcephalosporin C (DAC); the total amount of cephems (DAC and CPC) was the same as after the addition of DAP. This indicates that spermidine, but not 1,3-diaminopropane, affects the final stage of CPC biosynthesis, associated with the acetylation of its precursor. In both cases, upregulation of biosynthetic genes from beta-lactam BGCs occurred at the same level as compared to the control; expression of transport genes was at the control level. The opposite effect may be due to the fact that N1-acetylation is much more efficient during spermidine catabolism than for 1,3-diaminopropane. The addition of spermidine, but not 1,3-diaminopropane, depleted the pool of acetyl coenzyme A by more than two-fold compared to control, which could lead to the accumulation of DAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of the culture of Acremonium terrestris on growth performance, immunity and antioxidant function of meat sheep. A total of 100 healthy 80-day-old male small-tailed Han sheep with similar body weight were randomly divided into two groups, with five replicates in each group and ten lambs in each replicate. The lambs in control group were fed with a basal diet, and lambs in experimental group were fed with a basal diet supplemented with 0.2% culture of Acremonium terrestris. The pre-test lasted for 10 d and the formal test lasted for 60 d. The results showed that the average daily gain of lambs in experimental group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The antibody production rate of experimental group was faster and the qualified rate of antibody was higher. The content of IgG, IL-6 and IL-10 in serum of experimental group were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05). The content of IgA, IgM and IL-2 in serum of lambs were extremely higher than those of control group (P<0.01). The activity of CAT, GSH-Px and T-SOD in serum of experimental group were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05), and the content of MDA was extremely lower than that of control group (P<0.01). The experiment indicates that the supplementation of 0.2% culture of Acremonium terrestris culture in diet can improve the growth performance of mutton sheep, promote the rate of antibody production, improve the antibody level, enhance the immunity and antioxidant capacity of body, and increase the economic benefit of breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]