Article
Microbiology
Zichen Zhang, Aabid Manzoor Shah, Hassan Mohamed, Yao Zhang, Nino Tsiklauri, Yuanda Song
Summary: Cerrena unicolor is a basidiomycete with high lignocellulose degrading ability. The genome sequence of C. unicolor SP02 was reported in this study, revealing its potential application in lignocellulosic biomass conversion. The genetic basis and molecular mechanisms for lignocellulosic degradation were explored, providing insights for industrial biotechnology.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hao Zhang, Xiaoyu Zhang, Anli Geng
Summary: This study successfully developed a CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing platform for Cerrena unicolor BBP6. By disrupting specific genes, the laccase and MnP activities were reduced in the strain. This research is important for further understanding of ligninolytic enzyme biosynthesis in this fungus.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Abigail Ferson-Mitchell, Lynn Carta, John-Erich Haight, George Newcombe
Summary: Wood-decay fungi have been traditionally thought to be nematophagous due to the limited nitrogen supply in wood. However, this study found that nematophagy was much less common in Fomitopsis fungi compared to Pleurotus fungi. Instead, all 20 nematode species tested in the study were capable of mycophagy and dominated interactions with Fomitopsis fungi. These findings suggest that not all wood-decay fungi exhibit strong nematophagous behavior and that arboreal nematodes may prefer mycophagy due to the limited nitrogen in wood.
Article
Microbiology
Byoungnam Min, Steven Ahrendt, Anna Lipzen, Cristina E. Toapanta, Robert A. Blanchette, Dan Cullen, David S. Hibbett, Igor V. Grigoriev
Summary: Brown-rot fungi lack certain enzymes associated with complete wood degradation, but have alternative mechanisms for rapid wood breakdown. The study found that wood species had a limited effect on gene expression, but different growth conditions activated different enzymes during the decay process.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monika Prendecka-Wrobel, Dominika Pigon-Zajac, Magdalena Jaszek, Anna Matuszewska, Dawid Stefaniuk, Grzegorz Opielak, Katarzyna Piotrowska, Mansur Rahnama-Hezavah, Teresa Malecka-Massalska
Summary: This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of an active substance obtained from the medicinal fungus Cerrena unicolor at different concentrations. The results showed that the substance had no significant effects on normal cells, but exhibited inhibitory effects on colon cancer cells.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jiri Hulcr, Demian F. Gomez, James Skelton, Andrew J. Johnson, Sawyer Adams, You Li, Michelle A. Jusino, Matthew E. Smith
Summary: The recent invasion and rapid spread of Ambrosiodmus minor and its fungal associate Flavodon subulatus in the Southeastern US has impacted the wood decay community, previously considered immune to non-native ambrosia beetles.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Minzhen Bao, Weigang Zhang, Lihui He, Yongjie Bao, Zaixing Wu, Wenji Yu, Yuhe Chen, Neng Li
Summary: Wood fiber mat-reinforced composite (WFMRC) is a new type of wood-based polymer composite used for decorative and building purposes. Fungal decay significantly affects the durability of WFMRCs in outdoor conditions. This study investigated the effects of white-rot and brown-rot fungi on the chemical composition, crystallinity, and morphology of WFMRCs made from poplar and larch. The results showed that the poplar WFMRC lost more mass and experienced increased crystallinity, while the larch WFMRC had decreased crystallinity after fungal decay. Cell wall degradation and bore hole formation were observed, particularly in the poplar WFMRC. Although WFMRCs are resistant to fungal decay, protective measures should be implemented for better outdoor durability.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shalu Dwivedi, Christina Glock, Sebastian Germerodt, Heiko Stark, Stefan Schuster
Summary: This study uses game theory to understand the decision-making process of tumors to stay at the primary site or form metastases. The authors analyze different models and find that the choice between staying or migrating depends on factors such as nutrient supply. The findings may aid in the development of treatments to prevent metastasis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Lisa Fagerli Lunde, Lynne Boddy, Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson, Rannveig M. Jacobsen, Havard Kauserud, Tone Birkemoe
Summary: Wood decay fungi can be dispersed by both wind and animals, including beetles. The study found that beetles can transport viable spores of the keystone species Fomitopsis pinicola on their exoskeleton and in their feces. This directed dispersal by beetles could potentially contribute to the persistence of wood decay fungi in fragmented forests.
Article
Forestry
Tomoko Osawa, Kei Maeda, Yuko Tsunetsugu
Summary: Keeping outdoor wood products dry is crucial to prevent degradation, as prolonged exposure to weathering can result in surface checks and accumulation of moisture, leading to wood decay. Research findings show that, under no airflow conditions, the risk of moisture trapping in surface checks persists for 48 hours or longer, regardless of the depth of the slit. In contrast, under forced-air conditions, the wood reaches an air-dried state within 24 hours. Additionally, the redrying rate of a 10 mm slit depth is influenced by ambient humidity levels, whereas the redrying rate of a 20 mm slit depth remains unaffected.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Marta Pedzik, Anna Przybylska-Balcerek, Lidia Szwajkowska-Michalek, Tomasz Szablewski, Tomasz Rogozinski, Maciej Busko, Kinga Stuper-Szablewska
Summary: The study found that storage conditions, particularly temperature, the degree of dust fragmentation resulting from sanding paper grit, and the antioxidant activity of the wood have a significant impact on the development of microscopic fungi.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Huseyin Sivrikaya, Ahmet Can, Barbaros Yaman, Sabrina Palanti, Jeffrey J. Morrell
Summary: Beef tallow can be used to enhance water resistance of wood and improve durability by slowing water uptake, but not completely preventing wood swelling; Tallow treatment slightly improves decay resistance of wood, but cannot fully replace wood preservatives.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Ismaeil Zahedi Tajrishi, Reza Oladi, Asghar Tarmian, Ehsan Bari
Summary: This study compared the wood destruction patterns of fungus and bacteria and found that bacteria showed more selective consumption of wood components, making them a better choice for controlled wood destruction.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Yasuyuki Komagata, Yu Fukasawa, Kenji Matsuura
Summary: There is a unique symbiotic relationship between subterranean termites and the sclerotium-forming fungus Athelia termitophila, where the fungus forms termite-egg-mimicking sclerotia called 'termite balls'. The research shows that Athelia termitophila is competitive against other wood-decay fungi at low temperatures. Further studies are needed to understand this relationship.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wilber Montejo-Mayo, Eduardo Dias-Rivera, Mauro Martinez-Pacheco, Abril Munro-Rojas, Enrique Ambriz-Parra, Crisanto Velaquez-Becerra
Summary: The study demonstrated the significant inhibitory effect of DMHDA on the growth of T. versicolor when exposed to wood, resulting in reduced mass loss of the wood. The use of toxic compounds like DMHDA as wood preservatives could be a promising strategy to mitigate economic losses caused by wood-rot fungi.
PHYTON-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mateusz Macik, Agata Gryta, Lidia Sas-Paszt, Magdalena Frac
Summary: The use of phosphorus biofertilizer can improve deteriorated soil by enhancing enzymatic activity, increasing crop yield, bacterial diversity, and availability of phytoavailable phosphorus. It also promotes the occurrence of plant growth promoting microorganisms and improves soil microbiome quality.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Anna Piotrowska-Dlugosz, Jacek Dlugosz, Agata Gryta, Magdalena Frac
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate how soil microbial and enzymatic properties vary with depth in soil profiles formed by different soil-forming processes. The study found that enzymatic activity and microbial properties were highest in the Ap horizons and decreased with depth. Soil-forming processes and cultivated plants had a significant impact on enzymatic activity and nitrogen substrate utilization. Nitrogen substrate utilization decreased with increasing soil depth and was higher in specific soil profiles.
Article
Microbiology
Magdalena Frac, Joanna Kaczmarek, Malgorzata Jedryczka
Summary: In this study, the metabolic capacities of Plenodomus lingam and P. biglobosus were compared, revealing significant differences in the utilization of carbon sources. P. lingam showed a lower number of utilized substrates compared to P. biglobosus. Additionally, cluster analysis results indicated substantial differences in metabolic capacities between the two species.
Article
Agronomy
Malgorzata Wozniak, Anna Galazka, Grzegorz Siebielec, Magdalena Frac
Summary: This study assessed the microbial and biochemical properties of bioenergy crops on abandoned land and found that planting Paulownia can significantly increase microbial activity, proving its value in recultivation and soil quality improvement.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anna M. Stefanowicz, Magdalena Frac, Karolina Oszust, Malgorzata Stanek
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of extracts from the invasive plant Reynoutria japonica on soil microbial activity, biomass, and community structure. The results showed that the addition of extracts led to a decrease in certain microbial parameters, but also had a positive effect on saprotrophic fungi and certain bacteria. The study also found that the concentration of phenolic compounds in the soil increased with the concentration of extracts.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Wozniak, Anna Galazka, Anna Marzec-Grzadziel, Magdalena Frac
Summary: This study evaluated the structure and functional profiles of endophytic bacterial communities associated with Paulownia elongata x fortunei, revealing a preference for carboxylic acids and amino acids. Main phyla identified were Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The analysis highlights the importance of understanding the plant endophytic microbiome for health control and management strategies in bioenergy tree plantations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wiktoria Maj, Giorgia Pertile, Magdalena Frac
Summary: Soil-borne Neosartorya spp. are highly resilient fungi that can excrete mycotoxins and have great resistance to high temperatures. They easily transfer between soil and crops, posing a threat to horticulture and food production. Despite being a cause of spoilage in fruit produce, juices, and pulps, these fungi can also participate in carbon transformation, sequestration, and plant protection in drought conditions. The taxonomical controversy surrounding Neosartorya spp. and its resemblance to its anamorph leads to uncertain data in research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Marczak, Kamil Zebracki, Piotr Koper, Aleksandra Horbowicz, Magdalena Wojcik, Andrzej Mazur
Summary: The study analyzed the features of PssA protein and confirmed its specificity for UDP-glucose. It also provided evidence that PssA is a monotopic inner membrane protein and showed its interactions with some GTs involved in EPS synthesis. The transcriptome analysis of the Delta pssA mutant indicated a complex cell response, mainly attributed to the lack of exopolysaccharide and downstream effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Pawlik, Sylwia Stefanek, Grzegorz Janusz
Summary: This review discusses the role of yeast alcohol oxidase (AO) and basidiomycetous AO in wood degradation. The physicochemical and kinetic properties of alcohol oxidases from white and brown rot fungi are described, as well as the analysis of AO-encoding gene promoter regions. It is suggested that basidiomycetous AO is important in secondary reactions during lignin decomposition and may serve as a detoxifying enzyme and carbon source for fungal mycelium.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kamil Zebracki, Aleksandra Horbowicz, Malgorzata Marczak, Anna Turska-Szewczuk, Piotr Koper, Klaudia Wojcik, Marceli Romanczuk, Magdalena Wojcik, Andrzej Mazur
Summary: This study analyzed the function of glycosyltransferases PssG and PssI in the biosynthesis of exopolysaccharides in Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii TA1. It was found that PssG and PssI complemented each other in this process. Moreover, PssI also interacted with other glycosyltransferases involved in subunit assembly and polymerization/export proteins. PssG and PssI interacted with the inner membrane through their C-terminal amphipathic helices.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giorgia Pertile, Magdalena Frac
Summary: In recent years, climate change has led to increased presence of phytopathogenic fungi due to the intensified harsh periods of rain and drought. In this study, the antifungal properties of pyroligneous acid against Botrytis cinerea were analyzed. Through inhibition tests, it was observed that different dilutions of pyroligneous acid inhibited the growth of the fungal mycelium. Metabolic profile analyses revealed that B. cinerea was unable to utilize pyroligneous acid as a resource or grow in close contact with it. Furthermore, pre-incubation of the fungus in pyroligneous acid resulted in reduced biomass production. These findings suggest the potential use of pyroligneous acid as a natural substance for protecting plantations from pathogen attacks.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Grzegorz Janusz, Andrzej Mazur, Anna Pawlik, Dorota Kolodynska, Bogdan Jaroszewicz, Anna Marzec-Grzadziel, Piotr Koper
Summary: Deadwood plays a crucial role in forest ecology, and the degradation and carbon assimilation of deadwood are carried out by fungi and bacteria. This study investigated the abundance and distribution of microbial taxa in dead spruce logs and the soil below over a 50-year period. The results showed differences in microbial diversity and relative abundance between the samples from 1974 and 2014, with certain taxa being more predominant in each time period.
Article
Environmental Studies
Julie Ingram, Jane Mills, Jasmine E. Black, Charlotte-Anne Chivers, Jose A. Aznar-Sanchez, Annemie Elsen, Magdalena Frac, Belen Lopez-Felices, Paula Mayer-Gruner, Kamilla Skaalsveen, Jannes Stolte, Mia Tits
Summary: This paper investigates the capacity of Agricultural Advisory Services (AAS) in Europe to support the transition to healthy soils. The study finds that limited funding arrangements, advisor training and professional development, as well as advisor motivations and professional cultures determined by institutional conditions, constrain the capacities to provide soil health management advice. This results in reduced access and content of soil advice and limited support for the transition to healthy soils in farming.
