Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xuetong Zhao, Hui Zhang, Qianqian Zhang, Zhishuai Qu, Alan Warren, Di Wu, Xiangrui Chen
Summary: Three Dysteria species were collected and studied based on their morphology, infraciliature, and molecular data. A new species, D. paracrassipes, was identified and found to be very similar to D. crassipes in most features, except for the preoral kinety. The genetic diversity between D. crassipes populations was high, indicating potential cryptic species. Additionally, morphological differences were observed in populations of D. brasiliensis, despite having identical molecular sequences.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vedprakash G. Hurdeal, Joyce E. Longcore, E. B. Gareth Jones, D. Rabern Simmons, Kevin D. Hyde, Eleni Gentekaki
Summary: In this study, three chytrids were isolated from northern Thailand and placed into three monotypic genera within Rhizophydiales. The study suggests the existence of multiple species within each genus. This research contributes to the understanding of chytrids, an understudied group in Thailand and worldwide.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Heng Zhao, Yong Nie, Tongkai Zong, Yucheng Dai, Xiaoyong Liu
Summary: This article proposes three new species of Absidia from Xinjiang and Yunnan in China based on phylogenetic, morphological and physiological evidence. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that these new species are closely related to other known Absidia species. The characteristics distinguishing these new species from their close relatives are described and illustrated in the article.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hongru Su, Eri Onoda, Hitoshi Tai, Hiromi Fujita, Shigetoshi Sakabe, Kentaro Azuma, Shigehiro Akachi, Saori Oishi, Fuyuki Abe, Shuji Ando, Norio Ohashi
Summary: This study conducted a molecular-based taxonomic and ecological characterization of uncultured Ehrlichia species or genotypes from ticks in Japan, discovering potentially new Ehrlichia species through PCR screening and gene sequencing. From an ecological viewpoint, the amounts of ehrlichiae in a single tick were found to be variable.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yasamin Tabatabaee, Kowshika Sarker, Tandy Warnow
Summary: This article presents Quintet Rooting (QR), a method for rooting species trees based on a proof of identifiability of the rooted species tree under the multi-species coalescent model. The method is shown to be generally more accurate than other rooting methods, except under extreme levels of gene tree estimation error.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Siwanon Paphatmethin, Chirasak Sutcharit, Peng Bun Ngor, Khamla Inkhavilay, Pongpun Prasankok
Summary: In this study, the genus Pilsbryoconcha in Indochina was taxonomically revised through an integrative analysis of shell morphology, biogeography, and molecular data. The revision led to the recognition of four previously known species and the description of four new species. Divergent time estimation and historical biogeography analysis revealed the origin and diversification process of Pilsbryoconcha in the region.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masashi A. Ikeda, Hideto Nakamura, Ken Sawada
Summary: The hydrocarbons of eight lichen species isolated in Japan were analyzed, revealing diverse mono-, di-, and triunsaturated alkenes. Mass spectrometry was used to determine the locations of double bonds in C17 alkadienes and C17-C20 alkenes. Lichens with green algal photobionts were distinguished by specific alkenes, while those with cyanobacterial photobionts had different major alkene components.
Article
Microbiology
Yanliu Chen, Mengya An, Jingying Liang, Weijie Li, Chunying Deng, Jing Wang, Yangkun Li, Junfeng Liang
Summary: In this study, four new species of Russula subg. Brevipedum collected from China were described based on morphological characteristics and molecular evidence. These species include Russula brevispora, Russula flavescens, Russula longicollis, and Russula pseudojaponica. Detailed descriptions of their external features and spore morphology were provided, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arielli Fabricio Machado, Camila Duarte Ritter, Cleuton Lima Miranda, Yennie Katarina Bredin, Maria Joao Ramos Pereira, Leandro Duarte
Summary: The study suggests that Amazonia and the Atlantic Forest were connected through multiple dispersion routes in the past, and assesses the potential of mammal species for investigating these connections. The present-day distribution of mammal species in both regions indicates potential for studying past connections between the two forests.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Huiyin Song, Yang Chen, Kate Gibson, Shuya Liu, Zhiming Yu, Nansheng Chen
Summary: Accumulated evidence suggests that the haptophyte species Phaeocystis globosa, crucial for climate control and potentially causing harmful algal blooms, exhibits a rich genetic diversity. COX1 can effectively differentiate different P. globosa strains due to low intra-genome variations and high resolution. Analysis of 57 P. globosa strains and seven field samples revealed at least seven distinct genetic clades, demonstrating high genetic diversity in this species.
Article
Microbiology
Mei-Xiang Li, Gang Wu, Zhu L. Yang
Summary: In this study, four new species of the genus Hemileccinum were identified based on morphological and molecular evidence, expanding the diversity within the genus. The study also provided insights into the pileipellis structure and basidiospore surface characteristics of the studied species.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nuwan Gunarathna, Anjalie Amarasinghe, Sunil Wijesundara, Devika Iddawela, Susiji Wickramasinghe
Summary: This study determined the presence and prevalence of Naegleria species in the water bodies of North-Western Province of Sri Lanka through molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis. The prevalence of Naegleria species and N. fowleri in the study area were 23.07% and 1.92%. Bayesian analysis revealed different clade formations among the isolates, indicating the need for further investigations to confirm these findings.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eduardo P. Barbosa, Noemy Seraphim, Gorky Valencia, Ana Maria L. Azeredo-Espin, Andre V. L. Freitas
Summary: Increasing species losses may impact our understanding of evolutionary patterns and phylogenetic relationships. Studies of butterfly systematics have revealed taxonomic chaos in the nymphalid subtribe Euptychiina. This research provides a phylogenetic hypothesis supporting the non-monophyly of Yphthimoides and proposes taxonomic rearrangements to resolve the issue.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shu-Hua Jiang, Chao Zhang, Xian-Dong Xue, Andre Aptroot, Jiang-Chun Wei, Xin-Li Wei
Summary: This study investigated the species diversity of Astrothelium in Southern China using morphological and molecular phylogenetic approaches, and identified five new species.
Article
Immunology
Qiu-Yue Zhang, Can Jin, Hong-Min Zhou, Zi-Yan Ma, Yi-Zhe Zhang, Jia-Qi Liang, Jing Si, Hai-Jiao Li
Summary: Through re-examination of Chinese Cortinarius specimens, three new species, C. cinnamomeolilacinus, C. subclackamasensis, and C. tropicus, belonging to the sect. Anomali, were described in China based on morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Isabel Urena-Vacas, Elena Gonzalez-Burgos, Divakar Pradeep Kumar, M. Pilar Gomez-Serranillos
Summary: Lichens are a symbiotic association between a fungus and a green algae/cyanobacterium, with dibenzofurans from lichens showing antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities. In the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the pharmacological activity of dibenzofurans, providing future research directions.
CURRENT TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Isabel Urena-Vacas, Elena Gonzalez-Burgos, Pradeep Kumar Divakar, M. Pilar Gomez-Serranillos
Summary: This paper provides an overview of the potential biological interest of lichen depsidones as abundant secondary metabolites produced by lichens, showcasing their activities as antioxidants, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic agents. Future research should focus on investigating the mechanism of action of depsidones, evaluating new potential actions, and conducting clinical trials for the most promising depsidones.
Article
Microbiology
Pradeep K. Divakar
Summary: Mucormycosis, caused by fungi in the Mucorales order, primarily infects sinuses, brain, lungs, stomach and skin. During the second wave of COVID-19 in India, there was a surge in cases, with over 45,374 reported cases and 4300 deaths. Accurate and rapid species identification is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Article
Microbiology
Patricia Moya, Arantzazu Molins, Pavel Skaloud, Pradeep K. Divakar, Salvador Chiva, Cristina Dumitru, Maria Carmen Molina, Ana Crespo, Eva Barreno
Summary: A study on the lichen-forming genus Parmelia revealed two main groups of mycobionts, PSULgp and PSAXgp, with 13 fungal and 15 algal species-level lineages. The research also showed high specificity of Parmelia species for specific Trebouxia clades, with PSAXgp having interactions with a greater diversity of Trebouxia species.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Isabel Urena-Vacas, Elena Gonzalez-Burgos, Simona De Vita, Padreep K. Divakar, Giuseppe Bifulco, M. Pilar Gomez-Serranillos
Summary: This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibitory activities of 14 lichen extracts belonging to the cetrarioid clade. The results showed that certain lichens exhibited strong antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibitory activities, suggesting their potential use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The study also identified several promising secondary metabolites in these lichen extracts.
EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ayoub Stelate, Ruth Del-Prado, David Alors, Hikmat Tahiri, Pradeep K. Divakar, Ana Crespo
Summary: This study evaluates the phylogenetic relationship and species boundaries of Parmotrema crinitum and Parmotrema perlatum. The results indicate that they belong to the same lineage, but their specific phylogenetic relationships remain unresolved.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Sanchez, Isabel Urena-Vacas, Elena Gonzalez-Burgos, Pradeep Kumar Divakar, Maria Pilar Gomez-Serranillos
Summary: The genus Cetraria consists of cosmopolitan lichen species, primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere. Cetraria islandica, in particular, has been widely used in folk medicine and has been validated by pharmacological studies. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the taxonomy, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties of the genus Cetraria. Importance: 8/10.
Article
Neurosciences
Soumi Srimani, Cosima Xenia Schmidt, Maria Pilar Gomez-Serranillos, Henrik Oster, Pradeep K. Divakar
Summary: Lichen secondary metabolites EA and UA can alter cellular circadian clocks through reducing amplitude and increasing rhythm dampening.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Elisa Garrido-Huescar, Elena Gonzalez-Burgos, Paul M. Kirika, Joel Boustie, Solenn Ferron, M. Pilar Gomez-Serranillos, Helge Thorsten Lumbsch, Pradeep K. Divakar
Summary: This study used molecular data to address species delineation in the parmelioid genus Canoparmelia and identified two clades with distinct pharmacological properties. The phylogenetic analysis supported the separation of these two clades as distinct species, with the proposal of a new species C. kakamegaensis. This study highlights the importance of using molecular data to detect potential species with overlooked pharmacological properties.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alfredo Torres-Benitez, Jose Erick Ortega-Valencia, Marta Sanchez, Pradeep Kumar Divakar, Mario J. Simirgiotis, Maria Pilar Gomez-Serranillos
Summary: This study reports the chemical composition, antioxidant and cholinesterase enzyme inhibitory activity, and molecular docking analysis of three lichen species found in the Antarctic territory. The results show that these species contain different compounds and exhibit high inhibition potential on the cholinesterase enzymes. The study provides evidence for the chemical fingerprint of these lichens and supports further research on their other biological activities and potential for medical research.
Review
Microbiology
Isabel Urena-Vacas, Elena Gonzalez-Burgos, Pradeep Kumar Divakar, Maria Pilar Gomez-Serranillos
Summary: This review discusses the research findings on the biological effects and mechanisms of action of lichen depsides and tridepsides, which are secondary metabolites found in lichens. Various studies have demonstrated antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities of these compounds. However, clinical trials have not been conducted yet, and future research should focus on in vivo studies, clinical trials, and evaluating other activities. Additionally, there are many compounds that have yet to be investigated in terms of their pharmacology.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ram Sharan Dani, Pradeep Kumar Divakar, Chitra Bahadur Baniya
Summary: Studies on species richness patterns along elevation gradients have been conducted to estimate the patterns and determinants of species richness. More than half of the studies found unimodal hump-shaped richness patterns, followed by a monotonic decline, in different plant taxa. Both hemispheres showed similar patterns of species richness. Some taxa showed bimodality or multi-model patterns. The mid-domain effect and elevation range influenced the patterns. More regional research focusing on specific taxa and factors is needed.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
David Alors, Pradeep Kumar Divakar, Anjuli Calchera, Imke Schmitt, Ana Crespo, Maria Carmen Molina
Summary: Lichens produce bioactive compounds, but their slow growth rate and environmental damage make massive collection impractical. Cultivation of lichens in the lab is an alternative, and our study focused on two lichen species cultured for over 550 days. We found that the mycobiont cultures produced different secondary metabolites than those found in natural lichen thalli, indicating their potential for bioactive compound production.
Article
Plant Sciences
Paul M. Kirika, H. Thorsten Lumbsch, Elisa Garrido Huescar, Taylor S. Quedensley, Pradeep K. Divakar
Summary: Recent studies have found cryptic species in lichen-forming fungi, especially in parmelioid lichens. This study focuses on Canoparmelia texana, a sorediate species, and finds that it actually consists of two distinct lineages.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Isabel Urena-Vacas, Elena Gonzalez-Burgos, Pradeep Kumar Divakar, Maria Pilar Gomez-Serranillos
Summary: This study evaluates the neuroprotective role of methanol extracts from Dactylina arctica, Nephromopsis stracheyi, Tuckermannopsis americana, and Vulpicida pinastri in an oxidative stress model. The results show that these lichen extracts can prevent cell death and morphological changes, and increase antioxidant enzyme activities.
