Article
Agronomy
Priscila Ayumi Sybuia, Gabriela de Castro-Prado, William Mario de Carvalho Nunes, Carlos Alexandre Zanutto, Edilson Nobuyoshi Kaneshima, Dartanha Jose Soares, Claudineia Conationi da Silva Franco, Paulo Cezar de Freitas Mathias, Marialba Avezum Alves de Castro-Prado
Summary: This study evaluates the diversity, genetic variability, and occurrence of parasexual recombination in Brazilian isolates of the economically important fungal pathogens M. pseudophaseolina and M. euphorbiicola. The results suggest that these species have genetic variability and parasexual recombination may be the cause for the origin of new pathotypes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Cristina Luque, Ana Cepero, Gloria Perazzoli, Cristina Mesas, Francisco Quinonero, Laura Cabeza, Jose Prados, Consolacion Melguizo
Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and new treatment strategies are needed due to the side effects of current treatments. Fungi have gained attention as a potential source of antitumor compounds due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. A systematic review of the literature found that extracts and compounds from Ascomycota fungi showed promising antitumor activity against CRC cells. The study identified the most studied order of fungi, the most commonly used extraction method, and highlighted specific compounds with high cytotoxic activity. The review also focused on the mechanisms through which fungi extracts and compounds inhibit CRC cell proliferation and migration, suggesting their potential for developing new therapies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ami Shaumi, U-Cheng Cheang, Chieh-Yu Yang, Chic-Wei Chang, Sheng-Yu Guo, Chien-Hui Yang, Tin-Yam Chan, Ka-Lai Pang
Summary: The study investigated the culturable diversity of fungi on the carapace of Xenograpsus testudinatus, a marine shallow-water hydrothermal vent crab. A total of 12 fungal species were isolated, with Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida being the most dominant genera. While most of these fungi are typical terrestrial taxa, none have been reported as pathogens of crabs. Further research is needed to determine if X. testudinatus is a vehicle for marine fungal diseases.
Article
Microbiology
Zhengyu Luo, Yating Ning, Shuying Yu, Meng Xiao, Rongchen Dai, Xinfei Chen, Yao Wang, Wei Kang, Yan Jiang, Hua Yu, Hongjie Liang, Yingchun Xu, Tianshu Sun, Li Zhang
Summary: This study developed a microsatellite loci-based typing method for distinguishing among C. orthopsilosis isolates. Four highly reproducible and specific loci were identified for molecular typing. The method showed high discriminatory power and was valuable for strain relatedness determination and transmission monitoring in epidemiological studies.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Mycology
Min Qiao, Hua Zheng, Ji-Shu Guo, Rafael F. Castaneda-Ruiz, Jian-Ping Xu, Jie Peng, Ke-Qin Zhang, Ze-Fen Yu
Summary: The family Microthyriaceae is poorly understood due to limited mycelial cultures and DNA sequences. Through study of aquatic hyphomycetes in southern China, eight new taxa were discovered within Microthyriaceae, including two new genera and six new species. These new taxa were described, illustrated, and compared with similar taxa.
Article
Microbiology
Wenxin Su, Rong Xu, Chitrabhanu S. Bhunjun, Shangqing Tian, Yueting Dai, Yu Li, Chayanard Phukhamsakda
Summary: This study discovered new species in the family Cucurbitariaceae based on morphological and molecular data, and determined the importance of the beta-tubulin gene for species-level identification in this family.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elena Damm, Kristian K. Ullrich, William B. Amos, Linda Odenthal-Hesse
Summary: This study explores the evolution and diversity of Prdm9 in minke whales, focusing on the unusual genome reference allele in this mammal species. The results show that minke whales possess all the key features necessary for accurate recombination, with a rapidly evolving array of zinc-fingers and evidence of positive diversifying selection at DNA-recognizing positions. This study also identifies novel PRDM9 variants in minke whales, showcasing extensive diversity in Antarctic minke whales and a shared allele in Common minke whales.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jelle van Creij, Ben Auxier, Jianyong An, Raul Y. Wijfjes, Claudia Bergin, Anna Rosling, Ton Bisseling, Zhiyong Pan, Erik Limpens
Summary: This study reveals a highly dynamic and variable genetic variation in different isolates of Rhizophagus irregularis, including random fluctuations in nucleotype ratios upon spore formation, recombination events, high variability of non-tandemly repeated rDNA sequences, and host-dependent allele expression. These variations may contribute to the evolutionary success of this widespread symbiont.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kim B. Eustache, Emilie Boissin, Celine Tardy, Ian A. Bouyoucos, Jodie L. Rummer, Serge Planes
Summary: This study monitored and sampled blacktip reef sharks in nursery habitats to improve understanding of shark reproductive behavior and biology. The research revealed evidence of plastic philopatric behavior, with some female sharks changing parturition areas between seasons while others consistently returning to the same site. Additionally, resource allocation within some shark litters appeared to be unbalanced. These findings contribute to our knowledge of shark populations and can inform future conservation strategies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yerim Lee, Thomas Thieme, Hyojoong Kim
Summary: Aphids provide a good model system to understand ecological speciation, with host-specific species often being complexes of host-specialized biotypes. By investigating two closely related aphid species with multiple primary hosts, researchers found evidence of ecological specialization through primary host shift and introgression through hybridization. This study contributes to a new perspective in aphid evolution, identifying complex evolutionary trends in the gossypii sensu lato complex.
Article
Fisheries
Zhiqiang Liang, Li Zou, Lu Tian, Mingqiu Liu, Chuanwu Li, Guangming Xiao, Jiaoming Cai, Yanchun Zhang, Shaoming Li, Miao An, Jun Luo, Guoming Jiang, Xianwen Zeng, Ming Zeng, Xunhua Liu, Zhonggui Xie
Summary: This study collected 10 paddy field carp (PFC) strains in China and used mitochondrial and microsatellite loci to analyze their genetic origin and differentiation. The results revealed that PFC strains contained genetic material from two common carp subspecies, mostly from C. c. rubrofuscus. The Ruyuan Shili carp showed lower genetic diversity, possibly due to inbreeding or intensive selection. There was also significant genetic differentiation among the analyzed strains and populations within a strain, suggesting endemic genetic properties. Overall, this study provides important implications for the management of PFC and can improve monitoring programs for this aquaculture species.
Article
Mycology
Ying Gao, Tingfang Zhong, Jayarama D. Bhat, Antonio Roberto Gomes de Farias, Turki M. Dawoud, Kevin D. Hyde, Weiqiang Xiong, Yunju Li, Heng Gui, Xuefei Yang, Shixi Wu, Dhanushka N. Wanasinghe
Summary: In this study, various ascomycetous and coelomycetous fungi were isolated from grasslands and related vegetation types in Yunnan Province, China. The discovery of a new monophyletic lineage in Melanommataceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) was reported, named as Dematiomelanomma yunnanense gen. et sp. nov., which consists of both sexual and asexual morphs.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Michael N. Romanov, Yang Da, Leona G. Chemnick, Steven M. Thomas, Sugandha S. Dandekar, Jeanette C. Papp, Oliver A. Ryder
Summary: Scientists have made a preliminary step towards constructing a genetic lineage map for the critically endangered California condor. This research provides valuable information for genetic and genomic studies as well as conservation efforts for this iconic bird species.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Miki Hirose, Kazuya Yoshida, Eiji Inoue, Masami Hasegawa
Summary: The study identified the importance of establishing spatially explicit and feasible management units for effective population control of invasive raccoons. Through the examination of mitochondrial DNA and nuclear genetic groups, at least three independent introductions, range expansion, and genetic admixture were identified in the study area. It was suggested that monitoring DNA and establishing two management units for genetic exchange were crucial for feasible management of raccoon populations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Li Cao, Younes Hmimsa, Salama El fatehi, Bruno Buatois, Marie-Pierre Dubois, Mailys Le Moigne, Martine Hossaert-McKey, Yildiz Aumeeruddy-Thomas, Anne-Genevieve Bagneres, Magali Proffit
Summary: Humans have domesticated different plants by selecting for particular traits, but the effect of human-driven diversification on the VOCs emitted by plants is not well understood. This study analyzed the VOCs emitted by different varieties of fig trees and found that while there were significant differences in the quantity and relative proportions of all VOCs, the relative proportions of the four pollinator-attractive VOCs showed limited variation among varieties. Genetic analysis did not show a significant correlation between genetic markers and the chemical profiles of the different varieties. The study suggests that stabilizing selection has maintained a strong signal favoring pollinator attraction throughout the process of domestication and varietal diversification.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Kenneth A. Callicott, Peter J. Cotty
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Plant Sciences
A. L. Senghor, A. Ortega-Beltran, J. Atehnkeng, P. Jarju, P. J. Cotty, R. Bandyopadhyay
Summary: The study investigated aflatoxin contamination in groundnut and maize in The Gambia and Senegal, and found that a biocontrol product called Aflasafe SN01 significantly reduced aflatoxin levels in crops, potentially improving the quality and commercial value of agricultural products.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Md-Sajedul Islam, Kenneth A. Callicott, Charity Mutegi, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Peter J. Cotty
Summary: This study reports the distribution of active ingredients of Aflasafe KE01 in Kenyan soil, showing that these four haplotypes are commonly found in maize fields. These active ingredients are widely distributed across multiple regions and soils.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Bishwo N. Adhikari, Kenneth A. Callicott, Peter J. Cotty
Summary: Iron is an essential component for growth and development, but its bioavailability in filamentous fungi like Aspergillus flavus is limited due to oxidation by atmospheric oxygen. This study identified a putative iron utilization gene cluster in A. flavus and found that different genotypes exhibit diversity in the structure of the cluster, with lineage-specific loss of the iron utilization genes. Such divergence in iron acquisition capacity should be considered when selecting A. flavus active ingredients for biocontrol under changing climate conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yingchao Zhang, Peng Wang, Qing Kong, Peter J. Cotty
Summary: Lactobacillus helveticus FAM22155 was the most efficient in removing aflatoxin B-1 during solid-state fermentation on wheat bran substrate. The degradation of aflatoxin B-1 was mainly associated with proteins produced during fermentation. The protein extract obtained from the fermented bran could effectively degrade aflatoxin B-1, resulting in lower toxicity products.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lourena A. Maxwell, Kenneth A. Callicott, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Hillary L. Mehl, Marc J. Orbach, Peter J. Cotty
Summary: Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolates have the ability to degrade aflatoxin B1 under optimal temperature conditions, providing a potential biological control method to reduce aflatoxin contamination in crops.
Article
Agronomy
Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Ramon Jaime, Peter J. Cotty
Summary: Research has shown significant differences in resistance to aflatoxin-producing fungi among different maize landraces, as well as variations in resistance to aflatoxin accumulation and kernel rot. This suggests that breeding for aflatoxin resistance in maize should consider multiple factors in order to develop commercially acceptable resistant maize germplasm that can withstand a variety of fungal species over different time frames and conditions.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jia Xu, Peng Wang, Zehua Zhou, Peter John Cotty, Qing Kong
Summary: Aspergillus flavus is a common filamentous fungus that produces aflatoxins with strong teratogenic and carcinogenic properties. Atoxigenic strains PA04 and PA10 were found to significantly reduce aflatoxin B-1 levels in laboratory studies, suggesting their potential as biocontrol agents for preventing aflatoxin contamination in peanuts in Shandong Province.
Article
Plant Sciences
Pummi Singh, Hillary L. Mehl, Marc J. Orbach, Kenneth A. Callicott, Peter J. Cotty
Summary: The study investigated the genetic diversity of A. flavus associated with chilies in Nigeria and identified 123 nonaflatoxigenic isolates. It was found that nonaflatoxigenic isolates may serve as potential biocontrol agents for aflatoxin mitigation. These isolates showed genetic diversity and some were capable of producing high levels of aflatoxins, while others did not produce any. Co-infection of chili with nonaflatoxigenic isolates and another fungus resulted in a greater reduction in total aflatoxins compared to a commercial biocontrol product.
Article
Plant Sciences
Connel Ching'anda, Joseph Atehnkeng, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Kenneth Callicott, Marc J. Orbach, Peter J. Cotty, Hillary L. Mehl
Summary: Aspergillus flavus infects a wide range of crops, causing significant economic losses due to aflatoxin contamination. Biocontrol products based on nonaflatoxigenic strains of A. flavus are effective in controlling aflatoxins. The study evaluated the spatial and temporal population dynamics of A. flavus in pistachio orchards, showing that A. flavus inoculum increases during nut development periods, with biocontrol applications needing to be done before peak inoculum levels in June to August.
PLANT HEALTH PROGRESS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
G. Mahuku, A. Mauro, B. Pallangyo, E. Nsami, S. B. Boni, E. Koyano, O. Mponda, A. Ortega-Beltran, J. Atehnkeng, F. Aquiline, R. Samuel, J. Njela, P. J. Cotty, R. Bandyopadhyay
Summary: The use of biocontrol products containing atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus has been proven to effectively reduce aflatoxin levels in crops. Aflasafe TZ01 and Aflasafe TZ02, two biocontrol products developed and validated in Tanzania, have shown significant reduction of aflatoxin content in maize and groundnut over two years and in four regions of the country. The application of these products does not alter overall Aspergillus populations in the environment. These products have been officially registered and efforts are underway to make them available to farmers, providing health, income, and trade benefits by protecting crops from aflatoxin contamination.
WORLD MYCOTOXIN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Joseph Atehnkeng, Peter S. Ojiambo, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Joao Augusto, Peter J. Cotty, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay
Summary: Aflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus section Flavi species, pose a significant public health risk and hinder trade and development. Aflasafe, a registered biocontrol product, effectively reduces aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut crops in sub-Saharan Africa. Field evaluations showed that continuous treatment for 2 or 3 years significantly reduced aflatoxin levels in harvested maize, while treated maize subjected to poor storage had lower aflatoxin contamination compared to untreated maize. The active ingredient genotypes occurred at higher frequencies in treated fields and were correlated with aflatoxin concentration in grain. Caution is needed when considering discontinuing biocontrol use.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Mycology
Justin Temwani Ng'ambi, Joseph Atehnkeng, Maurice Monjerezi, Cosmo Ngongondo, Ephraim Vunain, Connel Ching'anda, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Peter J. Cotty, Limbikani Matumba, R. Bandyopadhyay
Summary: This study examines the levels of aflatoxin and fumonisin in maize samples from different agroecological zones in Malawi. The majority of the samples were contaminated with aflatoxin, and a significant proportion of them also had fumonisin contamination. The levels of aflatoxin varied across the agroecological zones, while the levels of fumonisin did not show significant variation. The study suggests that micro-climate plays a role in aflatoxin contamination in maize.
MYCOTOXIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mohamed Ali Ouadhene, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Martina Sanna, Peter J. Cotty, Paola Battilani
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term persistence of the non-aflatoxigenic strain VCG IT006 in the treated fields and the multi-year influence of the biocontrol application on the A. flavus population. The results showed that VCG IT006 was present in all the fields, especially in those treated for 1 year or 2 consecutive years. The densities of toxigenic isolates were lower in the treated fields compared to the untreated fields. The findings support the long-term durability of the biocontrol application and suggest that the yearly applications should continue.
Article
Microbiology
Gedeon Nsabiyumva, Charity K. Mutegi, John M. Wagacha, Asha B. Mohamed, Nancy K. Njeru, Privat Ndayihanzamaso, Marie Chantal Niyuhire, Joseph Atehnkeng, Emmanuel Njukwe, Kenneth A. Callicott, Peter J. Cotty, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay
Summary: This study investigated aflatoxin levels in maize and groundnut collected at harvest in Burundi, as well as the characteristics and aflatoxin-producing potentials of the associated fungi. Despite relatively low aflatoxin levels at harvest, the association of both crops with highly toxigenic fungi poses a significant risk of post-harvest aflatoxin contamination in Burundi.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
