A new meristematic fungus,Pseudotaeniolina globosa

A new species of Pseudotaeniolina, a genus of anamorphic, melanized fungi with meristematic development, is described. The species is compared to morphologically similar taxa among which are Trimmatostroma and Coniosporium. Its novelty is supported by SSU (small subunit) and ITS (internal transcribed spacer) rDNA sequence data. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

淡水真菌三个中国新记录种

在进行我国淡水真菌多样性的研究中,发现3个中国新记录种：墨鱼状假黑囊壳Pseudomassaria sepincoliformis,二隔四壳座菌Quaternaria dissepta和萨尼亚小镰孢Fusariella sarniensis。文中对每个种进行了形态描述及讨论,标本保存于青岛农业大学菌物标本室。     

Temperature and NaCl- tolerance of rock-inhabiting meristematic fungi

Black meristematic fungi together with lichens and cyanobacteria dominate the micro-flora of rock surfaces in arid and semi-arid environments of hot and cold deserts. This study shows that rock inhabiting meristematic fungi are extremely tolerant against high temperatures, desiccation and osmotic stress. Their temperature tolerance increases with increasing dehydration of the fungal thallus. Air dried mycelia of black yeasts stand temperatures up to 120 °C for at least 0.5 hours. As response to high temperatures multilayered cell walls are developed and trehalose is accumulated whereas the intracellular glycerol regulates the osmotic potential under NaCl stress. Strains from rock in moderate climate (North Germany) show the same tolerance than those isolated from the Mediterranean area. Hortaea werneckii – hitherto only described as agent of human Tinea nigra – is shown to be the most tolerant rock inhabiting species tested. Meristematic fungi cannot be pre-adapted to higher growth temperatures by increased incubation temperatures. Considering the results of this study the justification of the term stress is discussed with regard to rock inhabiting fungi and their natural environment. Consequences for conservation treatments of monuments decayed by meristematic fungi are discussed on the basis of the ecophysiological properties of the fungi.     

New molecular marker for phylogenetic reconstruction of black yeast-like fungi (Chaetothyriales) with hypothetical EIF2AK2 kinase gene

In eukaryotes, phosphorylation of the α-subunit of eIF2 is a mechanism to adjust cellular gene expression profiles in response to specific signals. The eIF2α kinases are a group of serine–threonine kinases that perform important functions in response to infection, proteotoxicity, and nutrient scavenging. The conserved nature of eIF2α kinases among fungi makes them potential evolutionary markers, which may contribute to deeper understanding of taxonomy and evolution. To date, only few studies are available of eIF2α kinases in black yeasts, which are members of Chaetothyriales containing potential agents of a gamut of major human diseases, such as chromoblastomycosis, phaeohyphomycosis and mycetoma. To establish the phylogenetic validity of sequences of eIF2α kinases hypothetical genes, we compared these genes between members of different classes of fungi, including black yeasts and allies, aiming at evaluation of the phylogeny of this group using an alternative molecular marker, compared to standard ribosomal genes. Trees generated with eIF2α kinase sequences of fungi were compared with those generated by ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS rDNA) sequences from the same species. Sequences used were obtained from the protein Non-redundant database of NCBI, were aligned using CLUSTALX v1.8 and alignments were analyzed with RAxML v8.2.9 on the CIPRES Science Gateway portal. The trees generated had similar topologies, demonstrating that eIF2α kinases hypothetical gene sequences present a coherent reflection of evolution among fungi, compared to trees reconstructed by the use of ribosomal sequences. Our preliminary findings with a limited dataset strongly suggest that the evolution of kinases among black yeasts follows a similar path as revealed by ribosomal data, which underlines the validity of current taxonomy of black yeasts and relatives.     

Elastase activity of fungi with anamorphs similar to Coccidioides immitis

The elastin digestion assay was examined to determine if it would facilitate the identification of Coccidioides immitis when non-pathogenic fungi resembling C. immitis are encountered. Fungal isolants tested have anamorphs that closely resemble the macroscopic or microscopic morphology of C. immitis. Elastin hydrolysis was measured by elastin-agar plate assays. Approximately 80% of the isolants hydrolyzed elastin; thus, the elastin digestion assay as a differential test appears to have little value.     

三峡库区消落带常见野生植物AM真菌

从三峡库区消落带3种常见野生植物的15个根际土壤样本中共分离鉴定出24种丛枝菌根真菌（Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,AMF）,包括球囊霉属Glomus 15种、无梗囊霉属Acaulospora 3种、近明球囊霉属Claroideoglomus 2种和多样孢霉属Diversispora、内养囊霉属Entro phospora、巨孢囊霉属Gigaspora及类球囊霉属Paraglomus各1种。其中地表多样孢囊霉D. epigaea 和伯氏类球囊霉P. pernambucanum是我国的新记录种。研究发现这3种植物根际土壤中丛枝菌根真菌的优势属为球囊霉属,优势种为地球囊霉G. geosporum、单孢球囊霉G. monosporum、地表球囊霉G. versiforme、副冠球囊霉G. coronatum 和黄孢球囊霉G. flavisporum。研究还发现在这3种植物根际土壤中丛枝菌根真菌的孢子密度平均为839±170个/100g土,物种丰富度在14-22种之间,Shannon-Wiener多样性指数和均匀度分别在1.97-2.21、0.409-0.479之间波动。结果表明三峡库区消落带是一个AMF多样性研究的资源库。     

Ascospore morphology of bryophilous Pezizales is closely associated with the place of infection and host ecology

Fungal spores are morphologically highly diverse and are therefore frequently used as diagnostic characters in taxonomy. However, the connection between spore morphology and fungal ecology remains poorly understood. Using phylogenetic comparative analyses, we investigated the putative relationships between four ascospore traits and the dominant place of infection, host ecology, and host taxonomic placement in 123 species of biotrophic parasites of bryophytes. Ascospore shape, ornamentation height and relative lipid content are significantly correlated in bryophilous Pezizales. Species attached by their hyphae to bryophyte rhizoids have more globose ascospores with higher ornamentation and relative lipid content than species attached to aboveground organs. Furthermore, some ascospore traits are significantly associated with host lifespan, habitat preferences, and taxonomic placement of their host bryophytes. Our results suggest that the ascospore morphology in this fungal group is closely linked to its ecology and several of the detected relationships point to the existence of distinct dispersal strategies.     

Tour of Truffles: Aromas,Aphrodisiacs, Adaptogens,and More

Truffles are the fruiting bodies of ascomycete fungi that form underground. Truffles are globally valued, culturally celebrated as aphrodisiacs, and highly sought-after delicacies in the culinary world. For centuries, naturalists have speculated about their mode of formation, and in cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, many species have been prized as a delectable food source. Truffle fruiting bodies form underground and emit a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Truffle volatiles are believed to have evolved to attract animals that disperse their spores. The main VOCs identified from truffles include sulfur compounds, such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS); in addition, 1-octen-3-ol and 2-methyl-1-propanol have been found in most truffle species. Humans use pigs and dogs trained to detect truffle VOCs in order to find these prized subterranean macrofungi. Truffles have pharmacological potential, but until more reliable cultivation methods become available their high price means they are unlikely to see widespread use as medicinals.     

Secretomes of medically important fungi reflect morphological and phylogenetic diversity

Secretome represents a main target for understanding the mechanisms of fungal adaptation. In the present study, we focus on the secretomes of fungi associated with infections in humans and other mammals in order to explore relationships between the diverse morphological and phylogenetic groups. Almost all the mammalian pathogenic fungi analyzed have secretome sizes smaller than 1000 proteins and, secreted proteins comprise between 5% and 10% of the total proteome. As expected, the correlation pattern between the secretome size and the total proteome was similar to that described in previous secretome studies of fungi. With regard to the morphological groups, minimum secretome sizes of less than 250 secreted proteins and low values for the fraction of secreted proteins are shown in mammalian pathogenic fungi with reduced proteomes such as microsporidia, atypical fungi and some species of yeasts and yeast-like fungi (Malassezia). On the other hand, filamentous fungi have significantly more secreted proteins and the highest numbers are present in species of filamentous fungi that also are plant or insect pathogens (Fusarium verticilloides, Fusarium oxysporum and Basidiobolus meristosporus). With respect to phylogeny, there are also variations in secretome size across fungal subphyla: Microsporidia, Taphrinomycotina, Ustilagomycotina and Saccharomycotina contain small secretomes; whereas larger secretomes are found in Agaricomycotina, Pezizomycotina, Mucoromycotina and Entomophthoromycotina. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on the complete secretomes. The PCA results revealed that, in general, secretomes of fungi belonging to the same morphological group or subphyla cluster together. In conclusion, our results point out that in medically important fungi there is a relationship between the secretome and the morphological group or phylogenetic classification.     

中国革菌三新记录种(英文)

报道了中国革菌 3 个新记录种:鲑色胶囊革菌 Gloeocystidiellum salmoneum 和多瘤原毛平革菌 Phanerochaete tuberculata 采自北京市,瘤孢绒毛革菌 Tomentella griseoumbrina 采自吉林省。根据所采集的标本对这 3 种真菌进行了详细的描述和显微结构绘图。     

Dark-pigmented biodeteriogenic fungi in etruscan hypogeal tombs: New data on their culture-dependent diversity,favouring conditions,and resistance to biocidal treatments

Subterranean Cultural Heritage sites are frequently subject to biological colonization due to the high levels of humidity, even in conditions of low irradiance and oligotrophy. Here microorganisms form complex communities that may be dangerous through mineral precipitation, through the softening of materials or causing frequent surface discolorations. A reduction of contamination’s sources along with the control of microclimatic conditions and biocide treatments (overall performed with benzalkonium chloride) are necessary to reduce microbial growths. Dark discolorations have been recorded in the painted Etruscan tombs of Tarquinia, two of which have been analyzed to collect taxonomical, physiological, and ecological information. Eighteen dark-pigmented fungi were isolated among a wider culturable fraction: nine from blackening areas and nine from door sealings, a possible route of contamination. Isolates belonged to three major groups: Chaetothyriales, Capnodiales (Family Cladosporiaceae), and Acremonium-like fungi. Exophiala angulospora and Cyphellophora olivacea, a novelty for hypogea, were identified, while others need further investigations as possible new taxa. The metabolic skills of the detected species showed their potential dangerousness for the materials. Their tolerance to benzalkonium chloride-based products suggested a certain favouring effect through the decreasing competitiveness of less resistant species. The type of covering of the dromos may influence the risk of outer contamination. Fungal occurrence can be favoured by root penetration.     

三峡库区丛枝菌根真菌三个中国新记录种

本文报道了从三峡库区获得的丛枝菌根真菌 3个中国新记录种：Diversispora aurantia、Diversispora celata和Paraglomus majewskii,对其进行了描述、图示和讨论。     

Two new species of Pseudogymnoascus with Geomyces anamorphs and their phylogenetic relationship with Gymnostellatospora

Two new psychrophilic Pseudogymnoascus species with Geomyces anamorphs are described from a Sphagnum bog in Alberta, Canada. Pseudogymnoascus appendiculatus has long, branched, orange appendages and smooth, fusoid to ellipsoidal ascospores with a faint longitudinal rim. Pseudogymnoascus verrucosus has short, subhyaline appendages and warty peridial hyphae and ascospores, and both smooth to asperulate and irregularly warty conidia. Both species produce asci in chains, a feature that supports the distinction between this group and Myxotrichum, which produces asci singly. The discovery of species intermediate between Pseudogymnoascus and Gymnostellatospora, in having both ornamented ascospores and Geomyces anamorphs, prompted a re-evaluation of the genera. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA indicates that the two genera remain distinct and comprise a monophyletic group. Pseudogymnoascus species have smooth to warty or lobate-reticulate ascospores while species of Gymnostellatospora have walnut-shaped spores with distinct longitudinal crests and striations. Anamorphs assignable to the form genus Geomyces are allied with both genera. A key is provided to the four species and varieties of Pseudogymnoascus.     

中国革菌3新记录种

本文报道了中国革菌3个新记录种:灰白片花耳采自湖南省,其担子上着生两个担孢子梗。匙形茸瑚菌采自云南省,其担子果具菌盖、侧生柄,菌丝二系。硬锈红菌采于海南省,其平伏,灰褐色至暗褐色的子实层体可使附着基物变红。本文根据所采集的标本对这3种真菌进行了详细的描述。     

Strong phylogenetic congruence between Tulasnella fungi and their associated Drakaeinae orchids

The study of congruency between phylogenies of interacting species can provide a powerful approach for understanding the evolutionary history of symbiotic associations. Orchid mycorrhizal fungi can survive independently of orchids making cospeciation unlikely, leading us to predict that any congruence would arise from host-switches to closely related fungal species. The Australasian orchid subtribe Drakaeinae is an iconic group of sexually deceptive orchids that consists of approximately 66 species. In this study, we investigated the evolutionary relationships between representatives of all six Drakaeinae orchid genera (39 species) and their mycorrhizal fungi. We used an exome capture dataset to generate the first well-resolved phylogeny of the Drakaeinae genera. A total of 10 closely related Tulasnella Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) and previously described species were associated with the Drakaeinae orchids. Three of them were shared among orchid genera, with each genus associating with 1–6 Tulasnella lineages. Cophylogenetic analyses show Drakaeinae orchids and their Tulasnella associates exhibit significant congruence (p < 0.001) in the topology of their phylogenetic trees. An event-based method also revealed significant congruence in Drakaeinae–Tulasnella relationships, with duplications (35), losses (25), and failure to diverge (9) the most frequent events, with minimal evidence for cospeciation (1) and host-switches (2). The high number of duplications suggests that the orchids speciate independently from the fungi, and the fungal species association of the ancestral orchid species is typically maintained in the daughter species. For the Drakaeinae–Tulasnella interaction, a pattern of phylogenetic niche conservatism rather than coevolution likely explains the observed phylogenetic congruency in orchid and fungal phylogenies. Given that many orchid genera are characterized by sharing of fungal species between closely related orchid species, we predict that these findings may apply to a wide range of orchid lineages.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lasiosphaeriopsis pilophori</Emphasis> sp. nov. (Sordariales) and other lichenicolous fungi on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pilophorus</Emphasis>

Seven representatives of the Arthoniales, Dothideales, Lecanorales and Sordariales are known to occur on the lichen genus Pilophorus. Lasiosphaeriopsis pilophori sp. nov. is described from the north of the Holarctic. Cercidospora cephalodiorum is reported as new to North America. Cercidospora punctillata and Dactylospora deminuta are reported on Pilophorus for the first time. The host specificity, niche specialization and distribution of the taxa are discussed. A key to the lichenicolous fungi on Pilophorus is provided.     

常见瓜类植物的内生真菌多样性

为认识和掌握常见瓜类植物内生真菌多样性及其变化规律,对从4个地点采集的9种70株健康瓜类植物进行了内生真菌的分离,共获得534个菌株,总体分离率为20.9%。结合形态学和ITS序列分析,鉴定了分属于55个属的455个菌株,有8个属的真菌属于优势类群,相对多度最高的3个属依次为Colletotrichum、Fusarium和Rhizopycnis。Colletotrichum主要存在于植株地上部,Fusarium主要存在于根部和下部茎,Rhizopycnis主要存在于根部,表现出明显的部位差异。河南原阳不同瓜类植物样品中主要内生真菌类群的相对多度和内生真菌的多样性存在明显差异,蛇瓜中Colletotrichum的相对多度达44.7%,显著高于丝瓜中Colletotrichum的相对多度8.0%;黄瓜中Fusarium的相对多度达32.4%,远高于在其他瓜类植物中的相对多度,而在南瓜中Fusarium的相对多度最低,仅为3.0%。江苏无锡和河南原阳的丝瓜植株样品中内生真菌的类群组成有很大不同,表明植株生长的地理环境可能对内生真菌的组成和多样性具有显著影响。