Coprinus Micaceus Research Articles

Comparison of the Interleukin-1β-Inducing Potency of Allergenic Spores from Higher Fungi (Basidiomycetes) in a Cryopreserved Human Whole Blood System

Background: Spores from basidiomycete fungi (basidiospores) are highly prevalent in the atmosphere of urban and rural settings. Studies have confirmed their potential to affect human health as allergens. Less is known about their potential to serve as stimuli of the innate immune system and induce proinflammatory reactions. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the proinflammatory potential of spores from 11 allergenic basidiomycete species (gilled: Pleurotus ostreatus,Oudemansiella radicata,Armillaria tabescens,Coprinus micaceus,Pluteus cervinus, and Chlorophyllum molybdites, and nongilled: Pisolithus arhizus,Merulius tremellosus,Calvatia cyathiformis,Lycoperdon pyriforme, andBoletus bicolor) based on their potency to induce the release of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β in a cryopreserved human whole blood system. In addition, the roles of morphological features of the spores (surface area, shape, and pigmentation) were examined for their role in the IL-1β-including potency of spores. Peripheral blood from healthy volunteers was collected, pooled, and cryopreserved. After stimulating the cryopreserved pooled blood with 10⁶ to 10³ basidiospores/ml, the concentration of IL-1β in culture supernatants was determined with ELISA. Results: Basidiospores manifested concentration-dependent IL-1β-inducing potency, which was more marked among basidiospores from gilled basidiomycetes. At higher concentrations of basidiospores, the IL-1β-inducing potency could be differentiated in the cryopreserved human whole blood system. Morphological features did not correlate with the IL-1β-inducing potency of the basidiospores, suggesting that nonmorphological properties modulate the IL-1β-inducing potency. Conclusion: Our data provide evidence of the proinflammatory potential of basidiospores, and the utility of cryopreserved human whole blood as a human-based in vitro system to study the immune reactivity of allergenic basidiospores.

Determination of the Proinflammatory Potential of Spores from Different Basidiomycetes Species with a Human Whole Blood Assay. (55.13)

Abstract Airborne fungal spores could pose a proinflammatory risk when inhaled by susceptible individuals. Most studies have examined fungal spores from mitosporic fungi (e.g. Aspergillus sp, Penicillium sp., Alternaria sp.). Less is known about the proinflammatory potential of spores from basidiomycetes (meiotic fungi). In this study, we evaluated the proinflammatory potential of spores (basidiospores) from three species of basidiomycetes (Chlorophyllum molybdites, Pluteus cervinus, and Coprinus micaceus) in a human whole blood (HWB) system. This system provides the flexibility to evaluate the proinflammatory potential of a given sample based on the release of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1β) by leukocytes. Different concentrations (100 ug, 10 ug, 1.0 ug) of spore deposits from each basidiomycete were incubated (18 hrs) with human whole blood from healthy subjects, and the release of IL-1β determined with ELISA. HWB was also incubated with endotoxin as a positive control. Similar to endotoxin, the basidiospores induced the release of IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner. In most cases, there were no significant differences between the response of endotoxin and that of the basidiospores. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the proinflammatory potential of basidiospores in a HWB system. Our results suggest that basidiospores could pose a proinflammatory inhalation risk comparable to that of endotoxin in subjects with respiratory diseases.

Biotransformation of polychlorinated dibenzo-<i>p</i>-dioxin by <i>Coprinellus</i> species

A degradation experiment on dibenzo-p-dioxin (DD) and 2,7-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,7-DCDD) was carried out using basidiomycetous fungi belonging to the genera Coprinus, Coprinellus, and Coprinopsis. Some species showed a high rate of decrease in DD for the 2-week test period. Among them, Coprinellus disseminatus showed the highest ability to decrease the DD level, close to 100% by the end of 2 weeks. Further examination showed that Coprinellus disseminatus and Coprinellus micaceus, belonging to the genus Coprinellus, were able to metabolize 2,7-DCDD to a monohydroxylated compound, probably mediated by the P450 system. The metabolism of chlorinated DD by fungi capable of living in soil conditions is reported here for the first time.

Biotransformation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin by Coprinellus species

A degradation experiment on dibenzo-p-dioxin (DD) and 2,7-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,7-DCDD) was carried out using basidiomycetous fungi belonging to the genera Coprinus, Coprinellus, and Coprinopsis. Some species showed a high rate of decrease in DD for the 2-week test period. Among them, Coprinellus disseminatus showed the highest ability to decrease the DD level, close to 100% by the end of 2 weeks. Further examination showed that Coprinellus disseminatus and Coprinellus micaceus, belonging to the genus Coprinellus, were able to metabolize 2,7-DCDD to a monohydroxylated compound, probably mediated by the P450 system. The metabolism of chlorinated DD by fungi capable of living in soil conditions is reported here for the first time.

Diversity and significance of fungal endophytes from living stems of naturalized trees from Argentina

Fungal endophytes inhabit healthy tissues of all terrestrial taxa studied to date; however, fungi associated with woody tissue have been frequently overlooked. Here, we examined endophytes associated with healthy living stems of tree species exotic to Argentina (Broussonetia papyrifera, Celtis occidentalis and Ligustrum lucidum) in a natural reserve. To achieve this objective, fungi were induced to develop within the wood by drying sections of branches. For comparison purposes, a study of the organisms present on superficial and inner bark was carried out. Fifty-seven strains belonging to 12 different taxa, dominated by the anamorphic states of ascomycetes, were obtained from the 180 cultured chips. Coprinellus micaceus, Lecythophora hoffmannii and Rhizopus microsporus are cited for the first time as endophytes. Only two taxa appeared on more than one tree species. Assemblages of fungi obtained from each tree species were different and the fungal endophytes isolated were very different from those previously recorded for leaves of the same hosts in the same area. Thus, it is probable that the endophytes exhibit host- and tissue-specificity. Considering three main factors: 1. the invasive nature of two of the selected hosts, 2. the evaluation of woody tissue and 3. the taxonomic identity of the fungal isolations, hypotheses concerning ecological implications are here discussed. In this sense, Broussonetia papyrifera and Ligustrum lucidum could be considered as sources of potential inoculum for native plants, especially in protected areas, and the high diversity of fungal species living within the tissues of the hosts studied suggests their potential as important fungal reservoirs to be taken into account in conservation issues.

New bioactive natural products from Coprinus micaceus

Chemical studies on the crude methanolic extract of Coprinus micaceus, collected from the Canadian Prairie region, have resulted in the isolation of two new natural products, micaceol (1), a sterol and (Z,Z)-4-oxo-2,5-hetpadienedioic acid (2). Compound 2 was isolated for the first time as a natural product. Structures of these new compounds were established with the aid of extensive NMR spectroscopic studies. Compound 1 has shown anti-bacterial activity against Corynebacterium xerosis and Staphylococcus aureus, whereas compound 2 exhibited glutathione S-transferase inhibition.

Phylogeographic divergences of nuclear ITS sequences in Coprinus species sensu lato

Phylogeographic divergences of four coprinoid species, Coprinus comatus, Coprinellus disseminatus, Coprinellus micaceus and Coprinopsis lagopus were investigated using nuclear ITS sequences. Each taxon showed genetic variation that corresponds with the geographic origins of collections. Groupings produced from ITS1 and ITS2 sequences were similar together. In C. comatus, East Asian strains were well separated from New Zealand and North American strains. In C. disseminatus, Hawaiian strains formed an independent clade with that from Nepal, separating those from East Asia. And there were two distinct East Asian groups for C. disseminatus. East Asian C. micaceus strains constituted a distinct group from Hawaiian strains. In C. lagopus, Hawaiian and European strains were clearly separated from each other. There was a great genetic diversification in C. disseminatus and C. micaceus from East Asia, suggesting divergence process of these taxa in that region. However, Hawaiian strains lacked genetic variation, which indicated their recent origin in Hawaii.

Inversion of 5S ribosomal RNA genes within the genus Coprinus.

In the basidiomycete fungus Coprinus cinereus, the 5S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes are found in the rDNA repeat which encodes the other three rRNAs (18S, 5.8S, and 26S), and all genes are transcribed in the same direction (Cassidy et al. 1984). To facilitate examination of the rRNA gene organization in additional species, we developed a method to permit determination of the direction of transcription of the rRNA genes using crude preparations of genomic DNA. We used this method to determine the organization of the rDNA in five other members of the order Agaricales (Flammulina velutipes, Agaricus bisporus, Coprinus micaceus, Coprinus atramentarius, and Coprinus comatus). In four, the organization is the same as it is in Coprinus cinereus. However, in Coprinus comatus, the 5S RNA gene is present in the rDNA repeat, but is transcribed in the opposite direction. This alteration in rDNA organization within the genus Coprinus indicates that inverted 5S genes can arise and become propagated through the tandem array of genes. The presence of orientation-dependent promoter elements within the spacer DNA (Elion and Warner 1984) would be expected to place constraints on such inversions.

Localization of acid phosphatase activity in the basidia of Coprinus micaceus.

Gill lamellae from the young fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Coprinus micaceus possess cytoplasmic particles with cytochemically demonstrable acid phosphatase activity; they are presumed to be lysosomes.

Tyrosinase isoenzymes in six agaric species of Basidiomycetes.

The tyrosinase isoenzyme patterns of six species of agaric Basidiomycetes were examined by acrylamide gel electrophoresis, Immunoelectrophoresis, immunodiffusion in agar, and hydroxylapatite column chromatography. Acrylamide gel electrophoresis produced the best separation of isoenzymes and other proteins. All six species demonstrated a multiplicity of isoenzymes ranging from seven major forms in Coprinus micaceus to 10 in Agaricus hortensis. Preliminary data indicate that a natural inhibitor of tyrosinase activity is present in all the species examined except in Coprinus comatus.

キララタケの性に就て (豫報)

キララタケの性に就て (豫報)

Notes on Coprinus Micaceus Growing in an Unusual Habitat

The conditions which permitted Peziza domiciliana to develop during the winter of 1937-38 1 were also favorable for the growth and development of Coprinus micaceus, during the winter of 1938-39 and 1939-40. The mushrooms appeared in exactly the same locality, on the floor of a room in a residence, in a narrow strip 1/2 wide and 9 long, bounded by linoleum on one side and a porcelain fixture on the other, and the same room conditions of temperature, light and moisture prevailed. Observations were begun in the fall of 1938 at about the time the first ascocarps of P. domiciliana had previously appeared. Ascocarps, however, did not appear at this time nor at any time during the winter or spring. On January 25th, 1939, three mushrooms were observed, two being old and withered, and one in an active stage of growth. This fungus, which proved to be Coprinus micaceus, was present almost continuously until late spring. Growth was resumed in October, 1939, and continued throughout the winter and spring. The mycelium of Peziza had either died out or had been crowded out, because no apothecia have since appeared. Table I shows the number of specimens which appeared from January 25th, 1939 to March 27th, 1939. The number of mushrooms maturing at one time was not large, usually one or two. Higher numbers were not common although sometimes they did occur, as for example 4 on October 26th, 1939, 5 on November 12th and 5 on December 11th. The total number of mushrooms which appeared during this particular time (October 13th to December 12th) was 35, indicating apparently optimum conditions. Growth periods were generally followed by a resting period. The two resting periods shown in Table I were approximately 14 days

Studies on the Germination of the Spores of Certain Basidiomycetae

As a result of these researches, and granted the conditions of this investigation, the following conclusions seem justified. 1. Three culture solutions in which a high percentage of the spores of Coprinus micaceus and of C. comatus will germinate are beef broth, 4 per cent sucrose, and 0.5 per cent glycerin. 2. With the exception of the spores of the species of Coprinus, the hydrogen-ion range in which the germination of the spores of the Agaricaceae and Nidulariaceae will occur is between pH 5.0 and 8.5. The spores of C. comatus germinate over a range of from pH 3.0 to 10.0, and those of C. micaceus over a range of from pH 3.5 to 10.0. 3. The general optimum pH for germination of the spores of the Agaricaceae and of the Nidulariaceae is pH 7.5. 4. The effect of the hydrogen ions and of the hydroxyl ions upon the germination of the spores of the Agaricaceae and the Nidulariaceae varies with the species. 5. The optimum hydrogen-ion concentration for germ tube development is slightly below the hydrogen-ion concentration optimum for germination. 6. The general optimum temperature for the germination of the spores of the Agaricaceae and of the Nidulariaceae is 30⚬ C. 7. The widest temperature range under which germination will occur is from 15⚬ to 45⚬ C. for the spores of Coprinus micaceus and of C. comatus. The general range is from 20⚬ to 40⚬ C. for the spores of the other species of Agaricaceae and Nidulariaceae. 8. Up to the time of this writing, efforts at germinating the spores of Bovistella radicata and of Calvatia cyathiformis in artificial media have been unsuccessful. 9. In this investigation, the germination percentages of the spores of Coprinus comatus are higher than all other results thus far reported for this species. 10. This is the first definite investigation reported of the germination of the spores of four of the species used, namely, Lepiota cepaestipes, Armillaria mellea, Cyathus olla, and Cyathus striatus.

THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE LAMELLAE IN COPRINUS MICACEUS

The question as to the origin and method of developmentof the gills in the hymenomycetes still remains unsettled. Certain stages are well known and have been many times described and figured and certain general conclusions are widely accepted. For example, that in many forms the gills arise endogenously and that the relative positions of the stipe, pileus and hymenium are the same in the undifferentiated button as in the adult. On the other hand, the question as to the method of origin of the gill cavity, the direction of growth of the gill rudiments and their relation to the stipe and pileus, the differentiation of trama and hymenium, etc., have never been clearly and adequately described. The older literature has been reviewed by Atkinson (I906) and others, and I will note only such points as bear especially on my own observations on Coprinus micaceus. Schmitz (I842) describes the gill cavity in Agaricus Bulliardi as an annular cavity separating pileus and stipe. The layer of hyphae connecting the outer margin of the pileus and stipe he called the veil or cortina. It is not clear what he means by veil as compared with the peripheral layer found in Coprinus micaceus. Schmitz proposed a theory of development for all pileate species of fungi according to which the organ nearest the substratum in the mature form is the structure first to arise, thus the mycelium precedes the stipe and the stipe the pileus while the hymenophore is formed last. Hoffmann's (I856) description of the development of the carpophore lies at the basis of many of the current accounts of the method of formation of the pileus and hymenium. He describes the young buttons of Agaricus campestris as small spheres which elongate owing to the growth of the interior cells perpendicularly upward. The terminal cells now grow out laterally and then turn abruptly downward. The ends of these hyphae form the lamellae primordia. In a later paper (i86o) he described sixteen further species of Agaricaceae and still later (i86i) he described the development of Coprinus fimetarius. Hoffmann

The Origin and Development of the Lamellae in Coprinus micaceus

American Journal of BotanyVolume 1, Issue 7 p. 343-356 Article THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE LAMELLAE IN COPRINUS MICACEUS Michael Levine, Michael Levine Columbia University, New York CitySearch for more papers by this author Michael Levine, Michael Levine Columbia University, New York CitySearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 July 1914 https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1537-2197.1914.tb09374.xCitations: 8AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume1, Issue7July 1914Pages 343-356 RelatedInformation