Article
Microbiology
Shlomit Dor, Dov Prusky, Livnat Afriat-Jurnou
Summary: Penicillium expansum is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen that produces virulence factors to kill host cells. Bacteria-fungal communication plays a crucial role in pathogenicity, with quorum-sensing being a key regulatory mechanism in pathogen control.
Article
Soil Science
Teng Yang, Luyao Song, Han-Yang Lin, Ke Dong, Xiao Fu, Gui-Feng Gao, Jonathan M. Adams, Haiyan Chu
Summary: The study found that plant phylogenetic relationships significantly influence fungal community structure in tree roots and surrounding soils. However, little research has been done on whether plant phylogenetic relationships within a single species can also affect fungal communities. The researchers surveyed ectomycorrhizal (EcM) and saprotrophic (SAP) fungal community structure in the fine roots and neighboring soils of Betula ermanii along the Changbai Mountain timberline. They found that within-species plant phylogeny was the main driver of EcM fungal community composition in roots, while geographic distance had the strongest influence on SAP fungal community composition in both soils and roots. Overall, the study shows that within-species plant phylogeny plays a crucial role in shaping EcM fungal communities in roots, and the assembly of fungal communities is dependent on both guild and habitat.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Andrea Muras, Ana Parga, Celia Mayer, Ana Otero
Summary: Interfering with quorum sensing systems of bacteria is a promising strategy to control biofilm formation, and the xCELLigence(R) system is proposed as an efficient method for quantifying biofilm formation.
Article
Immunology
Melanie Gonzales, Laure Plener, Jean Armengaud, Nicholas Armstrong, Eric Chabriere, David Daude
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of Quorum sensing in Burkholderia thailandensis using an enzyme-based quorum quenching strategy. The disruption of quorum sensing greatly affects bacterial behavior, including motility, proteolytic activity, and antimicrobial molecule production. Furthermore, the study shows that quorum sensing disruption significantly enhances the bactericidal activity against fungi and yeast. These findings are of prime interest for understanding the virulence of Burkholderia species and developing alternative treatments.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Syeda Javariya Khalid, Quratul Ain, Sher Jamal Khan, Amna Jalil, Muhammad Faisal Siddiqui, Tahir Ahmad, Malik Badshah, Fazal Adnan
Summary: Finding novel biological strategies to mitigate bacterial biofilms is crucial for combating bacterial infections as biofilm-forming bacteria are highly resistant to antibiotics. This study investigated the potential of quorum quenching (QQ) enzymes, which interfere with the quorum sensing (QS) mechanism, to mitigate biofilms. Bacterial strains with QQ activity were identified and tested against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results showed that certain QQ strains were able to reduce biofilm formation by up to 60%. The presence of AHL-degrading enzymes was confirmed, providing insights into the mechanism of biofilm mitigation.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Marta Gil-Martinez, Alvaro Lopez-Garcia, Maria T. Dominguez, Rasmus Kjoller, Carmen M. Navarro-Fernandez, Soren Rosendahl, Teodoro Maranon
Summary: Soil biodiversity loss due to pollution can be mitigated through phytoremediation, which enhances soil fungal diversity and functionality. Different tree species used in afforestation have species-specific effects on soil fungal diversity, with ectomycorrhizal fungi being more abundant under host trees. Phytoremediation leads to increased spatial heterogeneity in soil properties and recruitment of a wider variety of fungi, improving overall soil health and functionality.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Issac Abraham Sybiya Vasantha Packiavathy, Arunachalam Kannappan, Sivaprakasam Thiyagarajan, Ramanathan Srinivasan, Danaraj Jeyapragash, John Bosco John Paul, Pazhanivel Velmurugan, Arumugam Veera Ravi
Summary: Quorum sensing is a communication mechanism used by bacteria through small self-produced chemicals to regulate virulence factors' production and biofilm formation. The study identifies a marine bacterium, Psychrobacter sp., with potent quorum quenching activity against bacterial pathogenesis. This bacterium shows promise in controlling biofilm formation and virulence factors, leading to potential applications in combating multidrug resistant bacterial infections.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Johannes Ballauff, Dominik Schneider, Nur Edy, Bambang Irawan, Rolf Daniel, Andrea Polle
Summary: The conversion of diverse tropical lowland rainforests to monocultures of oil palm and rubber causes significant changes in fungal community structures. The effects of changes in root or soil properties on different trophic groups of fungi remain unknown. Root chemistry, especially the C/N ratio, strongly influences root-associated fungal communities, while root vitality affects soil-residing fungi. Changes in root and soil chemistry drive divergent responses in different functional groups and have a stronger impact on fungal community structures than geographic distance.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Changjiang Huang, Xiaoqing Wu, Xiaoyu Liu, Yuting Fang, Lei Liu, Chuansheng Wu
Summary: The exposure situation and litter removal did not significantly affect wood decomposition, but there were differences among tree species. Fungal abundance had an impact on microbial respiration, and wood density was influenced by water content.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Reham A. Hosny, Zeinab A. El-badiea, Dalia M. A. Elmasry, Mai A. Fadel
Summary: The efficiency of ceftiofur N-acyl homoserine lactonase niosome against multi-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in broilers was evaluated in this study. The lactonase enzyme was extracted from quorum-quenching isolates and formulated into niosome. The niosome showed good inhibitory effects and low cytotoxicity, effectively controlling K. pneumoniae infections in poultry.
VETERINARY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Eneko Santos-Fernandez, Leire Martin-Souto, Aitziber Antoran, Maialen Areitio, Leire Aparicio-Fernandez, Jean-Philippe Bouchara, Carsten Schwarz, Aitor Rementeria, Idoia Buldain, Andoni Ramirez-Garcia
Summary: This review article discusses the interactions between fungi and bacteria in the respiratory tract of cystic fibrosis patients and their potential effects on the disease. It highlights the various molecules involved, such as quorum sensing-regulated molecules and fungal compounds, and their role in colonization, inflammation, and infection. Despite competition between microorganisms, co-colonization rates suggest that multiple factors influence the interactions. Therefore, further scientific and economic efforts are needed to intensify studies on bacterial-fungal inter-kingdom interactions in cystic fibrosis.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuan-Yuan Li, Margaux Boeraeve, Yu-Hsiu Cho, Hans Jacquemyn, Yung- Lee
Summary: Mycorrhizal associations play a crucial role in orchid germination and seedling establishment, potentially impacting the distribution and abundance of orchids in natural conditions. The mycoheterotrophic orchid Gastrodia confusoides displays random aboveground spatial patterns of distribution within bamboo forests, possibly due to the scattered distribution of litter-decaying fungi. Our study provides evidence that the abundance of litter-decaying fungi varies randomly within the bamboo forest and independently from G. confusoides adults.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhixuan Feng, Xin Lu, Congli Chen, Yang Huo, Dandan Zhou
Summary: Fungal bulking can be controlled by regulating intercellular communication between fungi and bacteria. In this study, three signal molecules related to Penicillium fungal bulking under low-pH stress were identified. The addition of these molecules successfully inhibited mycelial formation and improved the settleability of activated sludge. Transcriptome analysis revealed the regulation of genes related to signal transduction, mycelium synthesis, and metabolic pathways.
Article
Soil Science
Qi Ning, Lin Chen, Congzhi Zhang, Donghao Ma, Daming Li, Xiaori Han, Zejiang Cai, Shaomin Huang, Jiabao Zhang
Summary: The study demonstrates that long-term application of chemical combined with organic fertilizers can significantly increase soil fertility, promote the growth of saprotrophic fungi, and improve the C:N and N:P ratios in soil. The composition of saprotrophic fungi is closely related to the C:N and N:P ratios in soil, indicating that nitrogen status is an important factor influencing saprotrophic fungal communities.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Avishag Yehuda, Einav Malach, Shahar Vanunu Ofri, Leyla Slamti, Shanny Hsuan Kuo, Jonathan Z. Lau, Myung Whan Oh, John Adeoye, Neta Shlezinger, Didier Lereclus, Gee W. Lau, Zvi Hayouka
Summary: This study reports on how interception of quorum sensing communication in Bacillus cereus (Bc) eliminates its ability to affect the host immune system. A peptide-based quorum sensing inhibitor was designed, which attenuated Bc infectivity in mouse models by suppressing virulence factor expression. These findings reveal a novel strategy to limit Bc virulence and enhance host defense.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Aboubakr Moradi, Tina Austerlitz, Paul Dahlin, Christelle Am Robert, Corina Maurer, Katja Steinauer, Cong van Doan, Paul Anton Himmighofen, Krzysztof Wieczorek, Markus Kuenzler, Felix Mauch
Summary: The study demonstrates that the fungal lectin MOA has significant nematocidal and insecticidal effects on two plant-parasitic nematodes and one herbivorous insect, showing promise for effective pest control in genetically modified crops.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miha Renko, Tanja Zupan, David F. Plaza, Stefanie S. Schmieder, Milica Perisic Nanut, Janko Kos, Dusan Turk, Markus Kuenzler, Jerica Sabotic
Summary: This article introduces a new family of fungal protease inhibitors called cocaprins, which can inhibit both cysteine and aspartic proteases. Cocaprins are small proteins with specific structure and biological functions, derived from the mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ioana M. Marian, Peter Jan Vonk, Ivan D. Valdes, Kerrie Barry, Benedict Bostock, Akiko Carver, Chris Daum, Harry Lerner, Anna Lipzen, Hongjae Park, Margo B. P. Schuller, Martin Tegelaar, Andrew Tritt, Jeremy Schmutz, Jane Grimwood, Luis G. Lugones, In-Geol Choi, Han A. B. Wosten, Igor Grigoriev, Robin A. Ohm
Summary: Wood-degrading fungi play a crucial role in nutrient recycling by breaking down all components of wood. The transcription factor Roc1 has been identified as a key regulator of cellulose degradation in the wood-decaying fungus Schizophyllum commune. This discovery provides important insights into the metabolic mechanism of wood-decaying fungi.
Article
Cell Biology
Maximilian Julius Lautenbach, Victor Yman, Carolina Sousa Silva, Nadir Kadri, Ioanna Broumou, Sherwin Chan, Sina Angenendt, Klara Sonden, David Fernando Plaza, Anna Farnert, Christopher Sundling
Summary: This study comprehensively profiles the immune system of patients with acute symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria over a year. The results indicate that a dampened inflammatory response is associated with reduced expansion of gamma delta T cells, early expansion of CD16(+) monocytes, and production of specific antibodies. This control of infection and reduction of inflammation suggest a potential mechanism for the establishment of tolerance following repeated malaria exposure.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Eva Vogt, Christopher M. Field, Lukas Sonderegger, Markus Kuenzler
Summary: In recent years, various fungal cyclic peptides with interesting bioactivities have been discovered. The biosynthetic pathways of these peptides often hold surprises, with potential NRPS gene clusters being identified as candidates responsible for their biosynthesis, showing high research value.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sjoerd J. Seekles, Maarten Punt, Niki Savelkoel, Jos Houbraken, Han A. B. Wosten, Robin A. Ohm, Arthur F. J. Ram
Summary: The mating-type distribution, heterokaryon compatibility, and diploid formation were studied in 24 Aspergillus niger sensu stricto strains. Genome sequencing and analysis revealed 3 distinct clades with both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 mating types present in each clade. Only a highly genetically similar cross resulted in successful heterokaryotic mycelium and subsequent diploid formation. Additionally, a diploid strain with two different mating types was isolated.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Orane Guillaume-Gentil, Christoph G. Gaebelein, Stefanie Schmieder, Vincent Martinez, Tomaso Zambelli, Markus Kuenzler, Julia A. Vorholt
Summary: Guillaume-Gentil et al. present a method that utilizes a modified AFM tip to selectively sample and inject into fungal cells of different morphology. The authors made extensive modifications on their existing system for mammalian cells to overcome challenges encountered when working on single fungal cells. They demonstrate the effectiveness of fluidic force microscopy in injecting solutions and extracting cytoplasmic fluid from individual fungal cells, providing new opportunities for manipulating and analyzing fungi.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jonathan M. Plett, Jerica Sabotic, Eva Vogt, Fridtjof Snijders, Annegret Kohler, Uffe N. Nielsen, Markus Kuenzler, Francis Martin, Claire Veneault-Fourrey
Summary: Fungivory of mycorrhizal hyphae has a significant impact on fungal fitness and nutrient transfer. Mycorrhizal fungi have evolved mycocypins to protect their hyphal tissues from being eaten. The ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor has a high number of mycocypin-encoding genes. This study characterizes the evolution and properties of L. bicolor mycocypins, showing their differential expression during symbiosis and their toxic effects on nematodes and collembolans.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Maarten Punt, Sjoerd J. Seekles, Jisca L. van Dam, Connor de Adelhart Toorop, Raithel R. Martina, Jos Houbraken, Arthur F. J. Ram, Han A. B. Wosten, Robin A. Ohm
Summary: This study investigates the resistance of Penicillium roqueforti strains to food preservatives and identifies a specific genetic region (SORBUS) associated with resistance. By removing this region using genetic engineering tools, it was confirmed that the mutant lost its resistance to preservatives. The study also identifies other genes that may be linked to sorbic acid resistance. This finding is important for identifying and understanding the resistance mechanisms in P. roqueforti strains.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emmanuel Matabaro, Hannelore Kaspar, Paul Dahlin, Daniel L. V. Bader, Claudia E. Murar, Florian Staubli, Christopher M. Field, Jeffrey W. Bode, Markus Kunzler
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Eva Vogt, Lukas Sonderegger, Ying-Yu Chen, Tina Segessemann, Markus Kuenzler
Summary: Fungal peptides derived from KEPs have potential bioactivities and are of interest for drug development. This study provides the first detailed analysis of KEPs in a basidiomycete, showing their presence in different species of mushrooms and suggesting their role in fungal interactions with the environment and in mycelial growth and differentiation.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marie-Estelle Losfeld, Ernesto Scibona, Chia-wei Lin, Markus Aebi
Summary: Glycoprotein processing is a complex and compartmentalized pathway in eukaryotic cells. We studied the kinetics of glycan processing of a model protein and developed a mathematical model of the secretory pathway. Our model revealed the importance of phosphorylated glycan structures in lysosomal sorting and showed that the model protein can take different routes of the cellular secretory pathway, resulting in increased glycan complexity of the secreted protein.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Severin Martz, Matthias Wittwer, Chia-Wei Tan-Lin, Christian G. Bochet, Maximilian Brackmann, Christophe Curty
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different chlorinating and oxidizing agents on human hair and identified unambiguous markers to verify chlorine intoxication. These markers showed long-term stability in the biological matrix and were able to discriminate between different intoxicants.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Mycology
L. G. Nagy, P. J. Vonk, M. Kunzler, C. Foldi, M. Viragh, R. A. Ohm, F. Hennicke, B. Balint, A. Csernetics, B. Hegedus, Z. Hou, X. B. Liu, S. Nan, M. Pareek, N. Sahu, B. Szathmari, T. Varga, H. Wu, X. Yang, Z. Merenyi
Summary: This study aims to comprehensively identify conserved genes related to fruiting body morphogenesis and propose novel functional hypotheses. Through analysis, 921 conserved developmentally expressed gene families were identified, only a few dozens of which have previously been reported to be involved in fruiting body development. Based on literature data, conserved expression patterns and functional annotations, hypotheses on the potential role of these gene families in fruiting body development were provided, yielding the most complete description of molecular processes in fruiting body morphogenesis to date. This gene compendium provides a roadmap for guiding functional analyses of fruiting related genes in the Agaricomycetes.
STUDIES IN MYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Bleuler-Martinez, Annabelle Varrot, Vincent Olieric, Mario Schubert, Eva Vogt, Celine Fetz, Therese Wohlschlager, David Fernando Plaza, Martin Waelti, Yannick Duport, Guido Capitani, Markus Aebi, Markus Kuenzler
Summary: CML1 is a novel fucose-specific lectin that inhibits larval development of bacterivorous nematodes. Its crystal structure and hexameric arrangement were determined using X-ray crystallography and small-angle X-ray scattering. The carbohydrate-binding site per protomer contributes to ligand binding, forming a hexavalent lectin.