Article
Microbiology
Renato Daniel La Torre, Daniel Ramos, Mayra Doris Mejia, Edgar Neyra, Edwin Loarte, Gisella Orjeda
Summary: DNA barcoding is effective for identifying well-represented lichenized fungi groups, but its effectiveness is limited in understudied regions. A study on King George Island in Antarctica used a fungal barcode marker to survey lichenized fungi diversity. The majority of samples were accurately identified using the barcode marker, and subsequent morphological evaluations led to the identification of unknown species. These results contribute to the understanding of lichenized fungi diversity in understudied regions and provide valuable guidance for taxonomy efforts in species recognition and discovery.
Article
Plant Sciences
Girme Aoudumbar Ramesh, Deepu Mathew, K. Joseph John, V Ravisankar
Summary: This study utilized DNA barcoding to identify seven species of Momordica and determine their relationships. Analysis of matK gene sequences resulted in distinct barcodes that could differentiate the species. The study also confirmed M. cymbalaria as a member of the Momordica genus.
HORTICULTURAL PLANT JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ricardo Franco-Duarte, Isabel Fernandes, Vladislav Gulis, Fernanda Cassio, Claudia Pascoal
Summary: Aquatic hyphomycetes play an important role in decomposing organic matter in freshwater ecosystems. This study used the ITS rDNA barcodes database to explore their molecular diversity and distribution patterns. The findings showed an increase in the number of aquatic hyphomycete species, providing insights into their taxonomic placement and biogeographical origins. Future research should focus on expanding the ITS sequence database for species with unclear phylogenetic relationships and limited sequences.
Article
Zoology
Francesco H. Janzen, William G. R. Crampton, Nathan R. Lovejoy
Summary: Researchers have created a barcode reference library for the Neotropical electric knifefish and found that many of the existing barcodes in public databases are mis- or unidentified.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shu-Hua Jiang, Robert Luecking, Hua-Jie Liu, Xin-Li Wei, Amanda Barreto Xavier-Leite, Carlos Vinas Portilla, Qiang Ren, Jiang-Chun Wei
Summary: In this study, molecular phylogenetics was used to investigate the potential cryptic speciation in foliicolous members of Strigula s.lat. in tropical areas of Asia. The study identified several new species and revealed a high degree of diversification in this group of lichenized fungi, indicating that the current understanding of their diversity is likely incomplete.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jong-Hwa Oh, Sora Kim, Seunghwan Lee
Summary: Leptonetidae are small spiders mainly found in moist environments. Due to their specific habitat requirements, most species are endemic and rarely coexist. Identifying these spiders is difficult due to their small size, simple morphology, and reproductive organ structure. DNA barcoding is an effective tool for species identification in Leptonetidae. In this study, DNA barcoding was performed on Korean Leptonetidae specimens, revealing cryptic diversity and common sympatry among species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justine Siegwald, Trond R. Oskars, Yasunori Kano, Manuel Antonio E. Malaquias
Summary: We present the most comprehensive phylogeny of a globally distributed deep-sea group of gastropods published to date, which includes over 80% of recognized diversity of the Scaphandridae family. Through molecular phylogenetics and morpho-anatomical characters, we redefine the Scaphandridae and propose a new classification with the genera Nipponoscaphander, Sabatia, and Scaphander. We found notable differences between genera in terms of shell shape and male reproductive system. Biogeographically, there are multiple speciation events between Indo-Pacific and Atlantic lineages in the genus Scaphander, with a few species confirmed to have a broad distribution spanning different ocean realms.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hao Zhou, Meijun Guo, Lan Zhuo, Huifang Yan, Xiaonan Sui, Yue Gao, Chenglin Hou
Summary: Based on morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses, this study described three new Amanita species and reported nine known species for the first time in the Yanshan Mountains. These findings highlight the high diversity of Amanita species in China and their significance in Amanita toxin research and ecological conservation.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Feng-Ming Yu, Lei Lei, Thatsanee Luangharn, Qi Zhao, Ying-An Zhu
Summary: This report analyzed the genetic markers of 11 newly collected saddle-like fungi from northern Thailand and confirmed their classification as species of Helvella. Two new species and two previously unreported species were described, along with details and illustrations of their characteristics. A key for identifying Helvella species in Thailand was provided.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paula C. Rodriguez Flores, Kareen E. Schnabel
Summary: The Hawaiian Archipelago is a potential hotspot for marine invertebrate research, but there is limited sampling of squat lobsters in this region. A new species, Munidopsis hawaii sp. nov., has been discovered and described using an integrative approach including micro-CT 3D imaging. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this species diverges from morphologically similar ones, and genetic distance analysis reveals differences between Hawaiian and West Pacific populations of the same species.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Arun Richard Chandrasekaran, Molly MacIsaac, Javier Vilcapoma, Clinton H. Hansen, Darren Yang, Wesley P. Wong, Ken Halvorsen
Summary: Molecular biomarkers are crucial in clinical settings and research labs, with the challenge of detecting multiple biomarkers providing a comprehensive overview. Programmable DNA nanoswitches enable the multiplexed detection of up to 6 biomarkers simultaneously, showcasing the potential for diverse biomolecular detection in a single assay.
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)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marco Potowski, Verena B. K. Kunig, Lukas Eberlein, Alexandros Vakalopoulos, Stefan M. Kast, Andreas Brunschweiger
Summary: DNA-encoded compound libraries are widely used in small molecule screening, aiming to cover chemical space with diverse molecules. By substituting purines with 7-deazaadenine in DNA barcodes, stability and reactivity of the barcodes are enhanced for a wider range of reactions in library design.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weiqian Zhang, Qingchun Zhang, Kirsty F. Smith, Limei Qiu, Chao Liu, Xiaoting Yin, Qing Liu
Summary: This study successfully distinguished three common genera and different geographical strains within the Kareniaceae family using molecular markers and high-throughput sequencing, and discovered new species in the South China Sea. The newly developed molecular barcodes will provide technical support for the effective warning and monitoring of Kareniaceae harmful algal blooms.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Simin Ren, Xiaojian Lu, Ziming Hu, Jiaxi Liu
Summary: The morphology of stigma in Rosaceae plants was studied in detail using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The research revealed both similarities among genera and differences among species within genera, which has implications for plant systematics and pollination biology.
MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zongkui Wang, Huiwen Xiao, Jiali Dong, Yuan Li, Bin Wang, Zhiyuan Chen, Xiaozhou Zeng, Jia Liu, Yanxi Dong, Li Ma, Jun Xu, Lu Cheng, Changqing Li, Xingzhong Liu, Ming Cui
Summary: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been investigated as a potential treatment for radiation injuries. The results showed that IVIg can protect against radiation-induced hematopoietic and gastrointestinal toxicity in female mice but not in males. In addition, IVIg can modulate gut microbiota configurations in both females and males. Overall, IVIg shows potential as a sex-specific therapeutic avenue to improve the prognosis of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Mycology
Peng Zhao, Yan Li, Yuanjie Li, Fang Liu, Junmin Liang, Xin Zhou, Lei Cai
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of 160 species belonging to 16 genera in Melampsorineae, revealing the monophyly of 13 genera and the polyphyly of Pucciniastrum. It also proposes the establishment of three new families and highlights the importance of considering morphological characteristics in higher rank taxonomy.
MYCOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON FUNGAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paopit Siriarchawatana, Panyapon Pumkaeo, Piyanun Harnpicharnchai, Somsak Likhitrattanapisal, Sermsiri Mayteeworakoon, Worawongsin Boonsin, Xin Zhou, Junmin Liang, Lei Cai, Supawadee Ingsriswang
Summary: With increasing urban population, more and more people rely on subway systems for transportation. Analyzing the temporal distribution of air microbiomes in subway environments is important for assessing air quality and public health. This study used culture-independent metabarcode sequencing to analyze bacterial diversity in a Bangkok subway station, finding variations in bacterial compositions among different samples over a four-month period. The bacteria primarily came from outside environments and human body sources and showed correlations with air quality variables including ambient temperature and particulate matters quantity.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junmin Liang, Yuanjie Li, Peter N. Dodds, Melania Figueroa, Jana Sperschneider, Shiling Han, Clement K. M. Tsui, Keyu Zhang, Leifu Li, Zhanhong Ma, Lei Cai
Summary: This study presents a pipeline using HiFi reads and Hi-C data to assemble the genome of the fungal pathogen Puccinia polysora f.sp. zeae, achieving haplotype-phased and chromosome-level assembly. The high-quality assembly provides valuable genomic resources for future studies on disease management and the evolution of P. polysora.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Correction
Biology
Wenjia Li, Jinming Xia, Quanping Li, Zongyao Zhang, Weiwei Zhang, Caihong Dong, Jiangchun Wei, Xingzhong Liu
Summary: This paper contains errors in the authors' affiliations. Wenjia Li is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, while Jiangchun Wei and Xingzhong Liu are professors at the same university, which was missing in the original version. The affiliations have been corrected.
SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Mycology
Shunxian Wang, Xingzhong Liu
Summary: This paper summarizes the development and progress of gene manipulation tools in nematode-trapping fungi (NTF), including transformation methods and strategies, random gene mutagenesis methods, and target gene mutagenesis methods. It provides a clear reference and instruction for researchers working on NTF as well as other groups of fungi.
MYCOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON FUNGAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Mycology
Jingzu Sun, Shuang Yu, Yongzhong Lu, Hongwei Liu, Xingzhong Liu
Summary: During a field survey, two causal agents of mushroom diseases - Diploospora longispora and Paecilomyces penicillatus - were identified, causing up to 80% of yield losses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these fungi belong to a distinct clade in Hypocreales. Two new genera, Pseudodiploospora and Zelopaecilomyces, were introduced based on their morphological characteristics and phylogenetic relationships. Five new combinations were proposed.
MYCOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON FUNGAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Wenqing Zhou, Xin Zhou, Lei Cai, Qi Jiang, Rong Zhang
Summary: Mulching is important for increasing watermelon productivity and land-use efficiency, but little is known about its effects on soil fungal communities. This study found that gravel-sand mulch significantly affected the diversity and composition of soil fungal communities, and that long-term continuous monoculture decreased abundance of Fusarium species.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Mycology
Xin Li, Shi-Ling Han, Yin-Yin Zhang, Lei Cai, Peng Zhao
Summary: In December 2021, Dalian Customs in China inspected a postal parcel from Togo containing mature nuts of Phytelephas macrocarpa and isolated four strains of a new species from symptomatic tissues of the nuts. These strains were identified as a new genus Heteroverticillium, mainly characterized by verticillately branching conidiophores. This is the first interception of a new fungal genus by Chinese customs. Additionally, an updated backbone tree for the generic relationships in Nectriaceae was provided, which will greatly assist in identifying nectriaceous fungi in quarantine inspections.
MYCOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON FUNGAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Zhi-Feng Zhang, Li-Rui Liu, Yue-Ping Pan, Jie Pan, Meng Li
Summary: This study investigated the microbial and metabolic profiles of prokaryotic and fungal communities in mangrove sediments using PacBio single-molecule real time (SMRT) and Illumina sequencing techniques. The results showed that the microbial communities in mangrove sediment have versatile metabolic potentials for carbon cycling and organic compound degradation. Additionally, a new candidate bacterial phylum with the ability to utilize various types of organic substrates is proposed.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shuangping Liu, Zhi-Feng Zhang, Jieqi Mao, Zhilei Zhou, Jing Zhang, Caihong Shen, Songtao Wang, Maria L. Marco, Jian Mao
Summary: Identification of core functional microorganisms is crucial for understanding the ecological and functional processes in food fermentations. This study explored the role of Saccharopolyspora in huangjiu fermentation and discovered its significant contributions to the metabolites of huangjiu. Co-fermentation of Saccharopolyspora with Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in improved fermentation rate and flavor quality compared to other combinations. Moreover, Saccharopolyspora was found to have the ability to degrade biogenic amines, reducing their content in fermented food products.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Zhi-Feng Zhang, Jian Mao, Lei Cai
Summary: This study explores the assembly patterns of fungal communities in Karst caves based on research conducted in eight representative caves in Southwest China. The results indicate that dispersal limitation is a crucial factor in shaping fungal communities in rock, sediment, and water samples, while undominated processes play a larger role in air samples. Interestingly, the dominant assembly processes vary between caves. Environmental selection has a minor impact on fungal community assembly, with latitude, longitude, altitude, and temperature significantly influencing fungal communities regardless of substrate type.
Article
Mycology
L. W. Hou, A. Giraldo, J. Z. Groenewald, T. Raemae, R. C. Summerbell, G. Z. Huang, L. Cai, P. W. Crous
Summary: Acremonium is a widely distributed genus of fungi that produce bioactive secondary metabolites. Through systematic analysis, it was found that Acremonium belongs to three different orders of Sordariomycetes, including 63 genera, 14 families, and 65 new species. For the family Bionectriaceae, rpb2 and tef-1a are proposed as potential DNA barcodes for classification.
STUDIES IN MYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Mycology
S. L. Han, M. M. Wang, Z. Y. Ma, M. Raza, P. Zhao, J. . M. Liang, M. Gao, Y. J. Li, J. W. Wang, D. M. Hu, L. Cai
Summary: This study used a citizen science initiative to investigate diseased cereal crops in China and identified 43 different species of Fusarium, including eight novel species. It also confirmed 18 species as pathogens of maize stalk rot and supported the narrow generic concept of Fusarium through phylogenetic analysis. Overall, this study provides important insights into the diversity and distribution of cereal-associated Fusarium species.
STUDIES IN MYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min Gao, Chao Xiong, Clement K. M. Tsui, Lei Cai
Summary: Soil and plant-associated protistan communities, as top-down predators, play an important role in shaping bacterial and fungal communities. However, little is known about how pathogen invasion affects these protistan communities and their interactions with bacteria and fungi. In this study, we investigated the protistan communities in healthy and Fusarium wilt disease (FWD)-affected chilli pepper plants, and integrated the bacterial and fungal community data. The results showed that FWD enrichmented phagotrophic protists in the roots, and increased the proportion and connectivity of these protists (particularly Cercozoa and Ciliophora) in intra- and inter-kingdom networks. The microbiome of diseased plants exhibited a higher abundance of functional genes related to bacterial anti-predator responses and contained more metagenome-assembled genomes involved in this response. These findings suggest that FWD can enhance the associations between protists and their microbial prey, highlighting the potential role of protists in shaping microbial assembly and functionality under pathogenic stress.