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Other Fungi (other + fungus)
Selected AbstractsInterspecific hybridization in plant-associated fungi and oomycetes: a reviewMOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 11 2003C. L. Schardl Abstract Fungi (kingdom Mycota) and oomycetes (kingdom Stramenopila, phylum Oomycota) are crucially important in the nutrient cycles of the world. Their interactions with plants sometimes benefit and sometimes act to the detriment of humans. Many fungi establish ecologically vital mutualisms, such as in mycorrhizal fungi that enhance nutrient acquisition, and endophytes that combat insects and other herbivores. Other fungi and many oomycetes are plant pathogens that devastate natural and agricultural populations of plant species. Studies of fungal and oomycete evolution were extraordinarily difficult until the advent of molecular phylogenetics. Over the past decade, researchers applying these new tools to fungi and oomycetes have made astounding new discoveries, among which is the potential for interspecific hybridization. Consequences of hybridization among pathogens include adaptation to new niches such as new host species, and increased or decreased virulence. Hybrid mutualists may also be better adapted to new hosts and can provide greater or more diverse benefits to host plants. [source] Role of the two type II myosins, Myo2 and Myp2, in cytokinetic actomyosin ring formation and function in fission yeastCYTOSKELETON, Issue 3 2003Daniel P. Mulvihill Abstract The formation and contraction of a cytokinetic actomyosin ring (CAR) is essential for the execution of cytokinesis in fission yeast. Unlike most organisms in which its composition has been investigated, the fission yeast CAR contains two type II myosins encoded by the genes myo2+ and myp2+. myo2+ is an essential gene whilst myp2+ is dispensable under normal growth conditions. Myo2 is hence the major contractile protein of the CAR whilst Myp2 plays a more subtle and, as yet, incompletely documented role. Using a fission yeast strain in which the chromosomal copy of the myo2+ gene is fused to the gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP), we analysed CAR formation and function in the presence and absence of Myp2. No change in the rate of CAR contraction was observed when Myp2 was absent although the CAR persisted longer in the contracted state and was occasionally observed to split into two discrete rings. This was also observed in myp2, cells following actin depolymerisation with latrunculin. CAR contraction in the absence of Myp2 was completely abolished in the presence of elevated levels of chloride ions. Thus, Myp2 appears to contribute to the stability of the CAR, in particular at a late stage of CAR contraction, and to be a component of the signalling pathway that regulates cytokinesis in response to elevated levels of chloride. To determine whether the presence of two type II myosins was a feature of cytokinesis in other fungi that divide by septation, we searched the genomes of two filamentous fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus and Neurospora crassa, for myosin genes. As in fission yeast, both A. fumigatus and N. crassa contained myosins of classes I, II, and V. Unlike fission yeast, both contained a single type II myosin gene that, on the basis of its tail structure, was more reminiscent of Myp2 than Myo2. The significance of these observations to our understanding of septum to formation and cleavage is discussed. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 54:208,216, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Pseudallescheria: An underdiagnosed fungus?DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2001Ann E. Walts M.D. Abstract Pseudallescheria has been identified as one of the "clinically significant emerging mycoses" but has received little attention in the cytology literature. Recognition of this fungus is of particular importance clinically, because unlike most other fungi (including Aspergillus, with which it is most frequently confused), Pseudallescheria is not effectively treated with amphotericin B, the most frequently and often the only antifungal agent administered. Features helpful in the diagnosis of Pseudallescheria in cytologic material are presented. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2001;25:153,157. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Exploring the Phospholipid Biosynthetic Pathways of Aspergillus fumigatus by Computational Genome AnalysisENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 6 2005H. Do Abstract Aspergillus fumigatus causes a wide range of diseases that include mycotoxicosis, allergic reactions and systematic diseases (invasive aspergillosis) with high mortality rates. In recent years, considerable progress in the genome sequencing of this fungus has been made by an international consortium, which includes the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (UK) and the Institute for Genome Research (USA). A tenfold whole genome shotgun sequence assembly of A. fumigatus has been made publicly available. In this study, it was attempted to identify the genes related to the phospholipid biosynthesis from the A. fumigatus genome by a gene prediction program (GlimmerM) and to reconstruct the metabolic pathway for phospholipids of A. fumigatus. Fifteen genes related to phospholipid pathway were identified in the A. fumigatus genomic sequence. The open reading frames predicted by GlimmerM showed a high amino acid sequence similarity with the other fungal phospholipid biosynthetic genes and well-conserved functional domains. The obtained results also demonstrated that the reconstructed pathway of A. fumigatus in phospholipid biosynthesis was very similar to that of other fungi such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Candida albicans, and Neurospora crassa. Therefore it is postulated that the antifungal drugs targeted for the biosynthesis of phospholipids could also be effective against A. fumigatus. [source] Novel ,-1,3-, 1,6-oligoglucan elicitor from Alternaria alternata 102 for defense responses in tobaccoFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 11 2006Tomonori Shinya A novel elicitor that induces chitinases in tobacco BY-2 cells was isolated from Alternaria alternata 102. Six other fungi, including A. alternata IFO 6587, could not induce, or weakly induce chitinase activity. The purified elicitor was soluble in 75% methanol and showed the chitinase-inducing activity when applied at concentrations of as low as 25 ng·mL,1. Structural determination by methylation analysis, reducing-end analysis, MALDI-TOF/MS, and NMR spectroscopy indicated that the elicitor was a mixture of ,-1,3-, 1,6-oligoglucans mostly with a degree of polymerization of between 8 and 17. Periodate oxidation of the elicitor suggested that the 1,6-linked and nonreducing terminal residues are essential for the elicitor activity. Further analysis of the elicitor responses in BY-2 cells indicated that the activity of this ,-1,3-, 1,6-glucan elicitor was about 1000 times more potent than that of laminarin, which is a known elicitor of defense responses in tobacco. Analyzing the expression of defense-related genes indicated that a phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene and a coumaroyl-CoA O -methyltransferase gene were transiently expressed by this ,-1,3-, 1,6-glucan elicitor. The elicitor induced a weak oxidative burst but did not induce cell death in the BY-2 cells. In the tissue of tobacco plants, this ,-1,3-, 1,6-glucan elicitor induced the expression of basic PR-3 genes, the phenylpropanoid pathway genes, and the sesquiterpenoid pathway genes. In comparison with laminarin and laminarin sulfate, which are reported to be potent elicitors of defense responses in tobacco, the expression pattern of genes induced by the purified ,-1,3-, 1,6-glucan elicitor was more similar to that induced by laminarin than to that induced by laminarin sulfate. [source] Purification and cDNA cloning of nitric oxide reductase cytochrome P450nor (CYP55A4) from Trichosporon cutaneumFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 11 2001Li Zhang Cytochrome P450nor is involved in fungal denitrification as nitric oxide (NO) reductase. Although the heme protein has been known to occur in restricted species of fungi that belong to ascomycotina, we have previously suggested that it would also occur in the yeast Trichosporon cutaneum, which is phylogenetically far from those P450nor-producing ascomycetous fungi. Here we isolated and characterized the heme protein from the basidiomycetous yeast T. cutaneum. P450nor of the yeast (TcP450nor) exhibited properties in terms of catalysis, absorption spectrum and molecular mass that are almost identical to those of its counterparts in ascomycetous fungi. We also isolated and sequenced its cDNA. The predicted primary structure of TcP450nor showed high sequence identities (around 65%) to those of other P450nors, indicating that they belong to the same family. TcP450nor protein cofractionated with cytochrome c oxidase by subcellular fractionation and its predicted primary structure contained an extension on its amino terminus that is characteristic of a mitochondrial-targeting signal, indicating that it is a mitochondrial protein like some of the isoforms of other fungi. On the other hand, TcP450nor was unique in that inducers such as nitrate, nitrite, or NO were not required for its production in the cells. The occurrence of P450nor across the subdivisions of eumycota suggests that P450nor and denitrification are distributed more universally among fungi than was previously thought. [source] Terpene response of Picea abies and Abies alba to infection with Heterobasidion s.l.FOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2007L. Zamponi Summary The monoterpene composition of Picea abies and Abies alba resin was analysed in relation to growth by Heterobasidion spp. Fifteen-year-old P. abies and A. alba trees were inoculated on branches with three species of Heterobasidion annosum s.l. After 4 months of incubation, each host was colonized to a significantly greater degree by the pathogen specific to that host (H. parviporum on P. abies, H. abietinum on A. alba) than by the other fungi. Analysis of the enantiomeric monoterpene profiles in the spruce and fir showed that the response in terms of the relative proportions of the monoterpene compounds in the resin differed between tree species. Following challenge with Heterobasidion spp., A. alba trees did not show changes in monoterpene composition in addition to those in the wounding response (increase in (,)- , -pinene and (,)-camphene, and decrease in , -phellandrene). In P.abies, (,)- , -pinene, (+)- , -pinene and , -3-carene increased following Heterobasidion attack but not after wounding alone. [source] A medium to enhance identification of Septoria musiva from poplar cankersFOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2002J. C. STANOSZ A series of experiments was conducted to determine the relative tolerance in vitro of an isolate of Septoria musiva (a fungus that causes a severely damaging stem canker disease of poplars) for selected chemicals. Inhibition of diameter growth of this fungus on a V-8 vegetable juice-based medium with captan, chlorothalonil, iprodione, mancozeb and streptomycin sulphate at concentrations, respectively, of 50, 1, 10, 10, and 100 mg l,1 was relatively low compared to inhibition of eight other fungi cultured from cankers on poplars. In addition, the presence of captan stimulated profuse sporulation of the fungus. These properties assisted in the identification of S. musiva from cankers resulting from artificial inoculation of poplar branches in the field. Un milieu de culture pour aider à l'identification de Septoria musiva isolé de chancres sur peuplier Un isolat de Septoria musiva, champignon responsable de chancres de tronc sur peupliers, àété testéin vitro pour sa tolérance à un certain nombre de substances. L'inhibition de la croissance en diamètre a été déterminée sur milieu V8 additionné de captan, chlorothalonil, iprodione, mancozèbe et sulfate de streptomycine aux concentrations respectives de 50, 1, 10, 10, et 100 mg par litre; l'inhibition était relativement faible comparée à celle de huit autres champignons isolés de chancres de peuplier. La présence de captan stimulait la sporulation du champignon. Ces propriétés ont aidéà l'identification du S. musiva réisoléà partir de chancres obtenus au champ par inoculation artificielle de branches de peuplier. Ein Medium zur Verbesserung der Identifikation von Septoria musiva aus Pappelkrebsen Es wurde eine Serie von Experimenten zur Bestimmung der relativen Toleranz eines Septoria musiva Isolats (ein Erreger ausserordentlich schädlicher Stammkrebse an Pappeln) gegenüber ausgewählten Chemikalien durchgeführt. Das Wachstums des Pilzes auf einem auf V-8 Gemüsesaft basierenden Medium mit 50 mg l,1 Captan, 1 mg l,1 Chlorothalonil, 10 mg l,1 Iprodion, 10 mg l,1 Mancozeb und 100 mg l,1 Streptomycinsulfat wurde im Vergleich zum Wachstum von acht anderen Pilzarten, die ebenfalls aus Pappelkrebsen isoliert wurden, nur schwach gehemmt. Zudem regte Captan den Pilz zu intensiver Sporulation an. Als hilfreich erwiesen sich diese Eigenschaften in Feldversuchen bei der Identifikation von S. musiva aus Krebsen, die sich nach künstlicher Inokulation von Pappelzweigen entwickelten. [source] Approaching risk assessment of complex disease development in horse chestnut trees: a chemical ecologist's perspectiveJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 5 2008A. B. Johne Abstract The chemo-ecological predispositions were investigated for the development of a complex disease on the basis of an insect,fungus mutualism using the system of horse chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum and Aesculus x carnea), the horse chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella) and the biotrophic powdery mildew (Erysiphe flexuosa). Both C. ohridella and E. flexuosa can appear on the same horse chestnut leaf tissue simultaneously. The olfactory detection of fungal infection by the insect, its ability to discriminate the potentially mutualistic fungus from other fungi and the impact of fungal infection on insect oviposition were examined. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopic and electroantennographic detection by C. ohridella (GC-MS/EAD) was used to assess the olfactory detection of fungal-infected A. hippocastanum and A. x carnea leaves by C. ohridella. Infection-related compounds, such as benzyl alcohol, dodecane, tridecane and methyl salicylate as well as fungus-related C8 compounds, are perceived by C. ohridella. The discrimination of E. flexuosa from another phytopathogenic fungus, such as Guignardia aesculi, is based primarily on the differing pattern of C8 compounds of these fungi. Oviposition on fungal-infected leaves of A. hippocastanum and leaves treated with fungal-related compounds showed that C. ohridella is able to respond to the modifications in the leaf volatile profiles of horse chestnuts caused by the different fungal infections. Thus, from the perception point of view, the necessary predispositions for the development of a close insect,fungus relation between the biotrophic fungus E. flexuosa and the leaf-mining insect C. ohridella are fulfilled. However, decreased oviposition on infected leaves does not enhance the selective contact between the species. As a consequence, an important predisposition for forming an insect,fungus mutualism is not fulfilled by these two species and, according to this approach, the risk of forming a complex disease can be assessed as low. [source] Fungal tyrosinases: new prospects in molecular characteristics, bioengineering and biotechnological applicationsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006S. Halaouli Abstract Tyrosinases are type-3 copper proteins involved in the initial step of melanin synthesis. These enzymes catalyse both the o -hydroxylation of monophenols and the subsequent oxidation of the resulting o -diphenols into reactive o -quinones, which evolve spontaneously to produce intermediates, which associate in dark brown pigments. In fungi, tyrosinases are generally associated with the formation and stability of spores, in defence and virulence mechanisms, and in browning and pigmentation. First characterized from the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus because of undesirable enzymatic browning problems during postharvest storage, tyrosinases were found, more recently, in several other fungi with relevant insights into molecular and genetic characteristics and into reaction mechanisms, highlighting their very promising properties for biotechnological applications. The limit of these applications remains in the fact that native fungal tyrosinases are generally intracellular and produced in low quantity. This review compiles the recent data on biochemical and molecular properties of fungal tyrosinases, underlining their importance in the biotechnological use of these enzymes. Next, their most promising applications in food, pharmaceutical and environmental fields are presented and the bioengineering approaches used for the development of tyrosinase-overproducing fungal strains are discussed. [source] Detection of Heterobasidion annosum s. l. [(Fr.) Bref.] in Norway Spruce by Polymerase Chain ReactionJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2002G. Bahnweg Abstract Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of the rDNA repeat unit of Heterobasidion annosum were used to design specific primers for the detection and quantification of this important forest pathogen by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Specificity of detection was cross-checked against a variety of other fungi (saprophytes, root pathogens, mycorrhizal fungi) which may occur in the same environment. As little as 1 pg fungal DNA (equiv. to 10,40 genomes) could be detected in 200 ng spruce root DNA (from 1 mg fresh spruce root). The Heterobasidion -specific primers allowed simultaneous detection of Armillaria spp. in multiplex PCR. The method was successfully applied to increment cores of Norway spruce from the forest region Tharandter Wald (Saxonia, Germany), Oberbärenburg (East Ore Mountains, Saxonia) and Oberschleissheim (north of Munich, Bavaria). [source] Characterization of Aspergillus flavus strains from Brazilian Brazil nuts and cashew by RAPD and ribosomal DNA analysisLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008G.E.O. Midorikawa Abstract Aims:, The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variability in Aspergillus flavus populations from Brazil nut and cashew and develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method. Methods and Results:, Chomatography analysis of 48 isolates identified 36 as aflatoxigenic (75%). One hundred and forty-one DNA bands were generated with 11 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers and analysed via unweighted pair group analysis, using arithmetic means (UPGMA). Isolates grouped according to host, with differentiation of those from A. occidentale also according to geographical origin. Aspergillus flavus -specific PCR primers ASPITSF2 and ASPITSR3 were designed from ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS 1 and 2), and an internal amplification control was developed, to prevent false negative results. Specificity to only A. flavus was confirmed against DNA from additional aspergilli and other fungi. Conclusions:, RAPD-based characterization differentiated isolates according to plant host. The PCR primer pair developed showed specificity to A. flavus, with a detection limit of 10 fg. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Genetic variability observed in A. flavus isolates from two Brazilian agroecosystems suggested reproductive isolation. The PCR detection method developed for A. flavus represents progress towards multiplex PCR detection of aflatoxigenic and nonaflatoxigenic strains in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point systems. [source] DNA extraction method for PCR in mycorrhizal fungiLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2001S. Manian Aims: To develop a simple and rapid DNA extraction protocol for PCR in mycorrhizal fungi. Methods and Results: The protocol combines the application of rapid freezing and boiling cycles and passage of the extracts through DNA purification columns. PCR amplifiable DNA was obtained from a number of endo- and ecto-mycorrhizal fungi using minute quantities of spores and mycelium, respectively. Conclusions: DNA extracted following the method, was used to successfully amplify regions of interest from high as well as low copy number genes. The amplicons were suitable for further downstream applications such as sequencing and PCR-RFLPs. Significance and Impact of the Study: The protocol described is simple, short and facilitates rapid isolation of PCR amplifiable genomic DNA from a large number of fungal isolates in a single day. The method requires only minute quantities of starting material and is suitable for mycorrhizal fungi as well as a range of other fungi. [source] SEPH, a Cdc7p orthologue from Aspergillus nidulans, functions upstream of actin ring formation during cytokinesisMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2001Kenneth S. Bruno In the filamentous fungus, Aspergillus nidulans, multiple rounds of nuclear division occur before cytokinesis, allowing an unambiguous identification of genes required specifically for cytokinesis. As in animal cells, both an intact microtubule cytoskeleton and progression through mitosis are required for actin ring formation and contraction. The sepH gene from A. nidulans was discovered in a screen for temperature-sensitive cytokinesis mutants. Sequence analysis showed that SEPH is 42% identical to the serine,threonine kinase Cdc7p from fission yeast. Signalling through the Septation Initiation Network (SIN), which includes Cdc7p and the GTPase Spg1p, is emerging as a primary regulatory pathway used by fission yeast to control cytokinesis. A similar group of proteins comprise the Mitotic Exit Network (MEN) in budding yeast. This is the first direct evidence for the existence of a functional SIN,MEN pathway outside budding and fission yeast. In addition to SEPH, potential homologues were also identified in other fungi and plants but not in animal cells. Deletion of sepH resulted in a viable strain that failed to septate at any temperature. Interestingly, quantitative analysis of the actin cytoskeleton revealed that sepH is required for construction of the actin ring. Therefore, SEPH is distinct from its counterpart in fission yeast, in which SIN components operate downstream of actin ring formation and are necessary for ring contraction and later events of septation. We conclude that A. nidulans has components of a SIN,MEN pathway, one of which, SEPH, is required for early events during cytokinesis. [source] New functions for the ancient globin family: bacterial responses to nitric oxide and nitrosative stressMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000MicroReview Globin-like oxygen-binding proteins occur in bacteria, yeasts and other fungi, and protozoa. The simplest contain protohaem as sole prosthetic group, but show considerable variation in their similarity to the classical animal globins and plant globins. Flavohaemoglobins comprise a haem domain homologous to classical globins and a ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (FNR)-like domain that converts the globin into an NAD(P)H-oxidizing protein with diverse reductase activities. In Escherichia coli, the prototype flavohaemoglobin (Hmp) is clearly involved in responses to nitric oxide (NO) and nitrosative stress: (i) the structural gene hmp is upregulated by NO and nitrosating agents; (ii) purified Hmp binds NO avidly, but also converts it to nitrate (aerobically) or nitrous oxide (anaerobically); (iii) hmp mutants are hypersensitive to NO and nitrosative stresses. Here, we review recent advances in E. coli and the growing number of microbes in which globins are known, draw particular attention to the essential chemistry of NO and related reactive species and their interactions with globins, and suggest that microbial globins have additional functions unrelated to ,NO' stresses. [source] Antifungal activity of Pterocaulon alopecuroides (Asteraceae) against chromoblastomycosis agentsMYCOSES, Issue 3 2010Tatiane Caroline Daboit Summary Plants of the genus Pterocaulon (Asteraceae) are popularly used in the treatment of skin diseases caused by fungi and bacteria. The aim of this work was to investigate the in vitro activity of the crude methanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of Pterocaulon alopecuroides (Lam.) against some agents of chromoblastomycosis, a chronic fungal infection of the skin and of the subcutaneous tissue caused by traumatic inoculation of the aetiological agent. The extract was active against all the strains tested showing a minimum inhibitory concentration between 625 and 2500 ,g ml,1. The assessment of fungistatic/fungicidal activity demonstrated that the extract was fungistatic against Fonsecaea spp. and fungicidal against all the other fungi. Our results indicate that the identification of bioactive components present in the crude methanolic extract of P. alopecuroides against chromoblastomycosis agents can be an important strategy to manage this mycosis in the future. [source] Interaction of amphotericin B lipid formulations and triazoles with human polymorphonuclear leucocytes for antifungal activity against ZygomycetesMYCOSES, Issue 2 2008Maria Simitsopoulou Summary The frequency of zygomycosis has increased considerably over recent years mainly in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. Little is known about the effects of host innate immunity against different Zygomycetes especially under the influence of antifungal agents. The antifungal activity of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) in combination with liposomal amphotericin B (LAMB), amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC), voriconazole (VRC) and posaconazole (PSC) against Rhizopus oryzae and Rhizopus microsporus, frequently isolated Zygomycetes, were studied and compared with Absidia corymbifera, a less pathogenic Zygomycete. Antifungal activity was evaluated as per cent of hyphal damage using the XTT metabolic assay. While A. corymbifera was more susceptible to PMN than the other two Zygomycetes, R. microsporus appeared to be the most susceptible to combined effects of amphotericin B formulations and VRC with PMN. LAMB exhibited synergistic activity with PMN in inducing hyphal damage to R. microsporus but not to the other fungi. In contrast, ABLC exhibited synergistic or additive activity with PMN against all three fungi. Among triazoles, only VRC exhibited additive effect with PMN against R. microsporus. Lipid formulations of amphotericin B and particularly ABLC interact with PMN predominantly in inducing augmented hyphal damage to three different species of Zygomycetes. [source] Dermatophytoses in cats and humans in central Italy: epidemiological aspectsMYCOSES, Issue 6 2007R. Iorio Summary Two hundred hair/skin samples were collected from 2002 to 2004 from two groups of cats (privately owned and stray cats from a shelter) and 165 samples were obtained during the same period from persons in whom dermatophyte infection was highly suspected. The epidemiological data were statistically evaluated. Thirteen of the 100 privately owned cats (13%) and 100% of the stray cats were positive; of the 165 human samples examined 109 (66%) were positive for dermatophytes. Microsporum canis was the most common dermatophyte isolated in both cat groups while Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most common in humans. Interestingly, a geophylic dermatophyte species (Microsporum gypseum) was found to be present and associated with clinical signs. Living in the countryside proved to be a risk factor for dermatophytoses in privately owned cats while in humans the main risk factor for M. canis was contact with animals followed by young age. None of the variables considered was associated with positivity for T. mentagrophytes while positivity for other fungi was correlated with life in the countryside. [source] The plant pathogenic fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici improves bacterial growth and triggers early gene regulations in the biocontrol strain Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf29ArpNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 2 2009M. Barret Summary ,,In soil, some antagonistic rhizobacteria contribute to reduce root diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi. Direct modes of action of these bacteria have been largely explored; however, commensal interaction also takes place between these microorganisms and little is known about the influence of filamentous fungi on bacteria. ,,An in vitro confrontation bioassay between the pathogenic fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt) and the biocontrol bacterial strain Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf29Arp was set up to analyse bacterial transcriptional changes induced by the fungal mycelium at three time-points of the interaction before cell contact and up until contact. For this, a Pf29Arp shotgun DNA microarray was constructed. Specifity of Ggt effect was assessed in comparison with one of two other filamentous fungi, Laccaria bicolor and Magnaporthe grisea. ,,During a commensal interaction, Ggt increased the growth rate of Pf29Arp. Before contact, Ggt induced bacterial genes involved in mycelium colonization. At contact, genes encoding protein of stress response and a patatin-like protein were up-regulated. Among all the bacterial genes identified, xseB was specifically up-regulated at contact by Ggt but down-regulated by the other fungi. ,,Data showed that the bacterium sensed the presence of the fungus early, but the main gene alteration occurred during bacterial,fungal cell contact. [source] Do nutrient additions alter carbon sink strength of ectomycorrhizal fungi?NEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 2 2001M. I. Bidartondo Summary ,,Carbon sink strength differences are examined here between ectomycorrhizal fungi in interaction with additions of ammonium and apatite (a phosphorus- and calcium-containing mineral). ,,Pinus muricata associated with Paxillus involutus and four suilloid isolates (Suillus pungens and members of three Rhizopogon section Amylopogon species groups) were used in microcosm nutrient addition experiments. ,,The associations differed in ectomycorrhizal biomass, mycelial growth rate, biomass and respiration. P. involutus produced the lowest biomass of ectomycorrhizal connections to P. muricata, but it consumed proportionally more carbon per connection and transferred more than twice as much ammonium to the host per unit mycorrhizal biomass. Paxillus also colonized the soil more rapidly and intensely than the other fungi, but its mycelial respiration was lowest. Ammonium and apatite addition resulted in a marked increase in respiration and mycelial biomass, respectively, by the suilloid fungi. ,,The high carbon cost of ammonium uptake is suggested as one explanation for reduced sporocarp production and mycelial growth by ectomycorrhizal fungi commonly found after high levels of nitrogen addition. [source] Transfer of the ,-tubulin gene of Botrytis cinerea with resistance to carbendazim into Fusarium graminearumPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 5 2010Sheng-Ming Liu Abstract BACKGROUND: Resistance to carbendazim and other benzimidazole fungicides in Botrytis cinerea (Pers. ex Fr.) and most other fungi is usually conferred by mutation(s) in a single chromosomal ,-tubulin gene, often with several allelic mutations. In Fusarium graminearum Schwade, however, carbendazim resistance is not associated with a mutation in the corresponding ,-tubulin gene. RESULTS: The ,-tubulin gene conferring carbendazim resistance in B. cinerea was cloned and connected with two homologous arms of the ,-tubulin gene of F. graminearum by using a double-joint polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This fragment was transferred into F. graminearum via homologous double crossover at the site where the ,-tubulin gene of F. graminearum is normally located (the ,-tubulin gene of F. graminearum had been deleted). The transformants were confirmed and tested for their sensitivity to carbendazim. CONCLUSION: The ,-tubulin gene conferring carbendazim resistance in B. cinerea could not express this resistance in F. graminearum, as transformants were still very sensitive to carbendazim. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Functional Complementation of the Yeast P-type H+ -ATPase, PMA1, by the Pneumocystis carinii P-type H+ -ATPase, PCA1THE JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006DANIELA GRIGORE ABSTRACT. The opportunistic fungus Pneumocystis is the etiologic agent of an interstitial plasma cell pneumonia that primarily afflicts immunocompromised individuals. Like other fungi Pneumocystis maintains a H+ plasma membrane gradient to drive nutrient uptake and regulates intracellular pH by ATP-dependent proton efflux. Previously, we identified a Pneumocystis gene, PCA1, whose predicted protein product was homologous to fungal proton pumps. In this study, we show by functional complementation in a Saccharomyces strain whose endogenous PMA1 proton pump activity is repressed that the Pneumocystis PCA1 encodes a H+ -ATPase. The properties of PCA1 characterized in this system closely resemble those of yeast PMA1. Yeast expressing PCA1 grow at low pH and are able to acidify the external media. Maximal enzyme activity (Vmax) and efficiency of substrate utilization (Km) in plasma membranes were nearly identical for PCA1 and PMA1. PCA1 contains an inhibitory COOH-terminal domain; removal of the final 40 amino acids significantly increased Vmax and growth at pH 6.5. PCA1 activity was inhibited by proton pump inhibitors omeprazole and lansoprazole, but was unaffected by H+/K+ -ATPase inhibitor SCH28080. Thus, H+ homeostasis in Pneumocystis is likely regulated as in other fungi. This work also establishes a system for screening PCA1 inhibitors to identify new anti- Pneumocystis agents. [source] Accounting for periods of wetness in displacement of Fusarium pseudograminearum from cereal strawANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010D.P.S. Lakhesar Displacement of pathogenic Fusarium species from cereal residues by other fungi is an important mechanism for the effectiveness of fallows and crop rotations on disease management, as well as in potential biological control. The effect of fluctuating environmental conditions on the rate of displacement was assessed using two different approaches. In the first, wetness durations between 4 and 10 h were simulated by spraying water onto straw inoculated with Fusarium pseudograminearum and antagonists in a greenhouse. For a given cumulative period of wetness, displacement of F. pseudograminearum was generally higher for short (4 h) than longer (10 h) wetting durations, indicating that it was the number of wetting events, rather than their individual durations, that determined the rate of displacement. In the second approach, exponential decay models using thermal time adjusted for rainfall were fitted to published data on survival of Fusarium species in residues. Heat sums calculated from the mean temperature of days on which rain fell, or rainday-degrees (RDD), gave good fits to data from short-term experiments on displacement of F. pseudograminearum by antagonists under natural conditions. RDD and two other indices, decomposition days (DCD) and corrected degree-days (CDD), were equally satisfactory for modelling straw decomposition and mortality of Fusarium in longer term data sets. Such models could be useful for predicting the effects of environmental variation on rotations and biocontrol for Fusarium management in cereals. [source] Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of 1-Aryl-3-phenethylamino-1-propanone Hydrochlorides and 3-Aroyl-4-aryl-1-phenethyl-4-piperidinolsARCHIV DER PHARMAZIE, Issue 5 2010Ebru Mete Abstract Mono-Mannich bases, 1-aryl-3-phenethylamino-1-propanone hydrochlorides, 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, and semi-cyclic mono-Mannich bases, 3-aroyl-4-aryl-1-phenethyl-4-piperidinols, 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, were synthesized by a non-classical Mannich reaction. The aryl part was: C6H5 for 1a, 1b; 4-CH3C6H4 for 2a, 2b; 4-CH3OC6H4 for 3a, 3b; 4-ClC6H4 for 4a, 4b; 4-FC6H4 for 5a, 5b; 4-BrC6H4 for 6a, 6b; 2,4-(Cl)2C6H3 for 7a, 7b; 4-NO2C6H4 for 8a, 8b; and C4H3S(2-yl) i. e., 2-thienyl for 9a, 9b. Piperidinol compounds 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 7b, 8b, and 9b are reported here for the first time. The synthesized compounds were tested against seven types of plant pathogenic fungi and three types of human pathogenic fungi using the agar dilution assay. Itraconazole was tested against Candida parapsilosis as the reference compound, while Nystatin was tested as the reference compound against the other fungi. Compounds 1a, 1b, 2a, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, and 9b can be selected as model compounds to develop new antifungal agents against the human pathogen Microsporum canis. Compounds 8a and 8b, which had a similar antifungal activity compared with the reference compound Nystatin against the plant pathogen Aspergillus flavus, can serve as model compounds to develop new antifungal agents to solve agricultural problems. [source] Secondary metabolite production by the fungal pathogen Eutypa lata: Analysis of extracts from grapevine cultures and detection of those metabolites in plantaAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF GRAPE AND WINE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2006RICHARD LARDNER Eutypa dieback of grapevines is caused by the fungal pathogen Eutypa lata and reduces vineyard longevity worldwide. Early detection could reduce losses due to this disease, so our aim was to identify acetylenic phenol metabolites of E. lata that could prove suitable as chemical markers in an early diagnostic test for the pathogen. Accordingly, secondary metabolite production by 30 isolates of E. lata grown on media derived from canes of three grapevine cultivars was analysed using HPLC. Six metabolites, namely eutypinol, methyl eutypinol, eulatachromene, eutypine, 2- iso -propenyl-5-formylbenzofuran and eulatinol, were detected in culture filtrates. Most abundant were eutypinol and methyl eutypinol, produced by 97 and 83% of isolates, respectively. There was no apparent correlation between secondary metabolite production on media containing milled canes from the three cultivars of grapevine, and the field tolerance of these same cultivars to Eutypa dieback. When various other fungi commonly isolated from grapevine trunks in Australia were grown on milled cane, no secondary metabolites characteristic of E. lata were detected, suggesting such compounds are specific to E. lata. To examine the detection of secondary metabolites in planta, micropropagated grapevine plantlets were treated with purified or crude culture filtrates from nine isolates of E. lata grown on malt yeast broth. Various secondary metabolites were identified in treated plantlets, however, no single compound was detected consistently. Eutypinol was detected in micropropagated grapevine plantlets inoculated with mycelium of E. lata, however, no metabolites were detected in the sap of vines which had been artificially inoculated with the pathogen. [source] Potentiation of Histamine Release by Microfungal (1,3)- and (1,6)-,-D-GlucansBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Peter Holck The mechanisms by which they induce these effects are, however, not clear. In the present study, mediator release and its potentiation by the (1,3)-,-D-glucan as well as by the (1,6)-,-D-glucan found in yeast and other fungi were therefore examined. Blood leucocytes from healthy volunteers and from patients allergic to house dust mite were incubated with (1,3)-,-D-glucans with increasing 1,6-branchings: curdlan [a linear (1,3)-,-D-glucan], laminarin and scleroglucan, and furthermore with pustulan, a linear (1,6)-,-D-glucan. Histamine release was not observed on exposure to the glucans only, but in the presence of anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody or specific antigens, all the glucans investigated led to an enhancement of the IgE-mediated histamine release. The glucans induced a significant potentiation of the mediator release when present at concentrations in the range of 2,5 × 10,5 M. These results suggest that (1,3)-,-D-glucan as well as (1,6)-,-D-glucan aggravates IgE-mediated histamine release. Knowledge concerning the effects of glucans on immune responses may be of importance for understanding and treating inflammatory and allergic diseases. [source] Fungal sex genes,searching for the ancestorsBIOESSAYS, Issue 8 2008Lorna A. Casselton The sex-determining genes of fungi reside at one or two specialised regions of the chromosome known as the mating type (MAT) loci. The genes are sufficient to determine haploid cell identity, enable compatible mating partners to attract each other, and prepare cells for sexual reproduction after fertilisation. How conserved are these genes in different fungal groups? New work1 seeks an answer to this question by identifying the sex-determining regions of an early diverged fungus. These regions bear remarkable similarity to those described in other fungi, but the sex proteins they encode belong to only a single class of transcription factor, the high mobility group (HMG), indicating that these are likely to be ancestral to other proteins recruited for fungal sex. BioEssays 30:711,714, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||