Modifying the upstream open reading frames of cellulase gene enhances cellulase production in Penicillium oxalicum.

Antifungal properties of a sulfated polysaccharide-rich extract from Gracilaria coronopifolia and its application in controlling postharvest fungal decay in tomato.

Screening and validation of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei F50 as a potential biocontrol agent to inhibit Aspergillus flavus in maize: New insights into biocontrol efficacy and mechanisms.

Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng), a medicinal herb rich in bioactive saponins derived from its roots, exhibits diverse pharmacological activities relevant to cardiovascular diseases. Root rot, a devastating soil-borne disease, threatens the sustainability of P. notoginseng production. Biological control is a green and effective approach for disease control. Herein, we successfully isolated a biocontrol strain, Paenibacillus maysiensis (P. maysiensis) LHJ6, from the rhizosphere of healthy P. notoginseng. Pot experiments demonstrated that LHJ6 reduced root rot incidence by 80.0% and the disease index by 75.0%, with significant efficacy observed under field conditions. Whole-genome sequencing revealed multifaceted mechanisms underlying biological control and plant growth promotion. Genomic analysis revealed a single circular chromosome spanning 6.13 Mb, with 5,886 protein-coding genes. LHJ6 exerted its potent biocontrol activity against plant pathogens through multiple mechanisms, including rhizosphere colonisation, production of diverse antifungal metabolites, degradation of pathogenic fungal cell walls, siderophore production, nitrogen fixation, and potential induction of systemic resistance in host. These findings offer fundamental insights into the biocontrol mechanisms of P. maysiensis strain LHJ6, providing a foundation for developing sustainable agricultural applications in P. notoginseng cultivation.

Two genetically close filamentous Aspergillus species, the non-toxic A. oryzae used for food fermentation for thousands of years (e.g., koji mold, sake, soy sauce) playing huge role in food industry, and the main aflatoxin producer of A. flavus are studied here based on genetic analysis in silico. The evolutionary TimeLine computer program of Ascomycota fungi showed 520 MYA origins. Phylogenetic tree of genome sequences of Ascomycota fungi was found to group in three main clades. The genome size of A. flavus (37.7 x106 bpDNA) but not A. sojae (41.1 x106 bpDNA) showed smaller size than the descendent (90-100 MYA) A. oryzae (37.9 x106 bpDNA). In phylogeny of mitogenomes (mtDNA) A. terreus showed a distinct clade, and the toxic A. parasiticus grouped to the non-toxic A. sojae. Fungal production of aflatoxins, cellulases, and the ribosomal post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) of nisin, asperigimycin, gliotoxin; the fungal non-ribosomal peptide (NRPs) fusahexin; the polyketide taxane and mycolactone are reviewed and discussed.

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are extensively generated as a byproduct of coffee production and consumption. Improper disposal of SCG contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollution, and the loss of valuable resources when landfilled or discharged into sewage systems. In response, this study investigates the biodegradation potential of SCG using selected wood-decay fungi known for their ability to secrete a wide spectrum of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes and degrade complex organic compounds. White rot fungi, such as Irpex lacteus, Pleurotus dryinus, and Trametes versicolor, were cultivated in SCG-containing media to evaluate the degradation efficiency, fermentable sugar dynamics, and fungal enzyme secretion patterns. All tested fungi were able to metabolize SCG and exhibited active enzyme secretion during cultivation. P. dryinus and T. versicolor efficiently secreted both cellulases and laccases, with T. versicolor demonstrating laccase activity of 721.193 ± 41.72 U/L, indicating high oxidative potential. Fungal cultivation and enzyme production resulted in a significant carbohydrate degradation in SCG. The most significant decrease was observed in P. dryinus, which achieved a 43.32% reduction in SCG carbohydrates, while T. versicolor and I. lacteus ensured reductions of 39.07% and 35.55%, respectively. The findings demonstrate that SCG can serve as a low-cost substrate for fungal enzyme production, particularly for laccase generation by T. versicolor, while simultaneously enabling SCG biomass degradation. Together, the study shows the potential of white rot fungi for the biological treatment of SCG, contributing to the development of more sustainable strategies for coffee waste valorization as an alternative to environmentally harmful disposal routes.

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium asiaticum, is a significant wheat disease in China, reducing yields and contaminating grain with deoxynivalenol (DON). Due to the absence of highly resistant wheat varieties, chemical control remains the primary method for managing FHB. This study identified two homologous SDHC genes in F. asiaticum, namely FaSDHC1 and FaSDHC2. Deletion of FaSDHC2 impaired fungal sporulation, virulence and DON production, whereas the loss of FaSDHC1 increased DON production. Both genes were found to regulate sensitivity to SDHI fungicides-ΔFaSDHC1 showed decreased sensitivity, while ΔFaSDHC2 exhibited increased sensitivity. To explore the regulatory role of the SdhC subunit in SDHI fungicides sensitivity in F. asiaticum, this study obtained 11 boscalid-resistant mutants from ΔFaSDHC2 through chemical taming. Genetic analysis identified six mutation genotypes, including two previously reported in Fusarium species (FaSdhB-H248Y and FaSdhD-E166K) and four novel mutations in the Fusarium genus (FaSdhC1-H144Y, FaSdhC1-H144N, FaSdhD-H122Y and FaSdhD-D133N). The site-directed mutation verification and sensitivity assays revealed that mutants harbouring FaSdhC1-H144Y/N, FaSdhD-H122Y, FaSdhD-D133N or FaSdhD-E166K exhibited resistance to multiple SDHI fungicides (boscalid, fluopyram, pydiflumetofen, isopyrazam and benzovindiflupyr). In contrast, FaSdhB-H248Y mutants remained sensitive to fluopyram while showing resistance to other SDHI fungicides. This study elucidates the important regulatory role of SdhC genetic differentiation to SDHI fungicide sensitivity in F. asiaticum. Furthermore, it confirms that specific variations within distinct subunits of the SDH complex endow F. asiaticum with resistance to SDHI fungicides. The findings advance understanding of SDHI fungicides resistance mechanisms and provide a basis for developing FaSdhC-specific inhibitors and resistance management strategies.

Fusarium culmorum causes Fusarium head blight (FHB) in cereals, leading to significant yield losses and contamination with type B trichothecene mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and its acetylated derivatives 3-ADON and 15-ADON. Due to the limitations of chemical fungicides, there is increasing interest in sustainable alternatives. Naturally occurring antioxidants have shown potential in modulating fungal growth and mycotoxin production. This study evaluated the effects of 11 natural antioxidant compounds on Fusarium culmorum growth and trichothecene production, both in vitro and in planta. In vitro: octyl gallate (7), honokiol (9), and magnolol (10) completely inhibited fungal growth and trichothecene production at 0.5 mmol L-1. In planta: octyl gallate (7), reduced the disease index to 0.63% and total mycotoxin levels by 90% while honokiol (9), and ascorbic acid (1) exhibited notable inhibition in both disease severity and mycotoxin accumulation. The equimolar combination of ascorbic acid and tocopherol demonstrated synergistic inhibition of DON and 3-ADON in vitro, though its efficacy in planta was moderate. No correlation was found in vitro between the antioxidant or lipophilic properties and antifungal efficacy, whereas in planta experiments revealed a positive correlation between antioxidant activity and trichothecene suppression. Statistical analysis was performed using Shapiro-Wilks, Levene and analysis of variance tests (P ≤ 0.05). Natural antioxidants, particularly octyl gallate and honokiol, represent promising candidates for controlling F. culmorum and reducing trichothecene contamination in cereals. Their application could contribute to safer food by reducing trichothecene levels through environmentally friendly strategies. Further research is needed to optimize formulations and assess field-level efficacy. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Artificial inoculation of native endophytic fungi and Epichloë in Bromus valdivianus Phil.: successful establishment and growth promotion.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major clinical problem due to its resistance, virulence, and biofilm formation, which diminish antibiotic efficacy. This review explores natural products and antimicrobial nanoparticles (NPs) as alternative and combined strategies for controlling MRSA. Natural compounds, such as plant metabolites, essential oils, antimicrobial peptides, and fungal products, act by disrupting membranes, interfering with cellular processes, and limiting biofilm formation. Antimicrobial NPs, especially metal and metal oxide materials, act through membrane damage, oxidative stress, and metal ion release, enabling activity against resistant bacteria and improving biofilm penetration. Combining natural products with NPs increases stability, delivery, and local activity, enhances antibacterial effects, and reduces effective doses. Green synthesis enables direct integration of bioactive compounds, while nano-delivery platforms optimize solubility and controlled release. Nanotechnology-based applications such as wound dressings, nanocarriers, and multifunctional platforms support localized and sustained treatment and promote tissue repair. Despite these advances, clinical use is still constrained by safety concerns, variability in NP properties, and the lack of standardized evaluation and regulatory frameworks. Overall, combining natural products with antimicrobial NPs offers a practical strategy to augment MRSA treatment, but further progress depends on consistent design, robust safety evaluation, and clinical translation.

Fungal protein, derived from microbial biomass, offers a sustainable protein source and can be produced through fermentation. However, the utilization of tofu whey, an abundant agro-industrial by-product in Indonesia, as a substrate for fungal protein remains underexplored. This study optimizing both agitation speed and aeration rate for Aspergillus oryzae fermentation in a stirred-tank bioreactor. Fermentation was conducted in a 5 L stirred-tank bioreactor with a 3 L working volume for 48 hours at an initial pH of 5 and a temperature of 35℃. Agitation speeds of 150, 200, 250, and 300 rpm were tested at a constant aeration rate of 1.0 vvm to determine the optimum mixing condition. The agitation speed that yielded the highest dry cell weight was then used as the basis for further aeration experiments (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 vvm). The optimum conditions were obtained at 150 rpm and 1.0 vvm, resulting in a dry cell weight of 7.1 g/L and a protein content of 6.83% (w/w). These findings demonstrate the potential of valorizing tofu whey into fungal protein while highlighting the need for further multi-parameter optimization to enhance protein levels toward single-cell protein standards.

Exobasidium fungi are plant pathogens that primarily infect plants in the Ericaceae family, including blueberries and azaleas. Their infections cause plant cells to proliferate (hyperplasia) and expand (hypertrophy). The fungi then use the increased surface area to produce spores. These changes manifest as symptoms on the host plant, varying by species of Exobasidium. The range of symptoms includes leaf and fruit spots, blisters, shoot proliferation (witches' broom), and galls. Infected plant tissues can also become swollen and distorted, as well as chlorotic (yellow) or discolored (reddish to pink). As this infected tissue matures, the surface becomes white and powdery from fungal spore production. Exobasidium fungi tend to cause symptoms on the plant during ideal weather conditions but can likely survive on the leaf surface or other available substrates year-round. Disease management includes chemical applications and cultural practices before the spores have the chance to mature.

The growth-specialized metabolism trade-off limits fungal natural product production. Here, we investigated cordycepin overproduction in Cordyceps militaris high-yield GYS60 and low-yield GYS80 via comparative proteomics, Post-Translational Modification (PTM) mapping, and metabolomics. We identified an acetyl-CoA-gated checkpoint centered on O-methyltransferase CCM_06472, whose activity is modulated by Lys123 acetylation and Ser34 phosphorylation in a manner consistent with activation and inhibition. GYS60 hyperactivates the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and β-oxidation to generate a 4.1-fold acetyl-CoA surplus, 62% of which is channeled into cordycepin synthesis. A single K123Q acetylation-mimetic mutation boosted cordycepin titers by >4-fold in wild-type strains. This acetyl-CoA checkpoint reveals PTM-gated flux allocation as a key regulatory mechanism, providing a minimal-intervention strategy for engineering fungal cell factories.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the preharvest application of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), melatonin (MT), and oxalic acid (OA), at different concentrations and application frequencies, on the physicochemical and microbiological quality of dried figs (cv. Calabacita) at commercial harvest and after 3 and 6 months of refrigerated storage. A further aim was to determine their impact on fungal populations and mycotoxin production. The results showed that untreated dried figs had a higher frequency of Aspergillus welwitschiae, A. tubingensis, and Aspergillus section Flavi, whereas elicitor-treated figs exhibited a lower incidence of toxigenic fungi. A. welwitschiae was the main ochratoxin A (OTA)-associated species detected, although the proportion of OTA-positive figs was lower in elicitor-treated samples than in the control. Aflatoxins (AFs) were detected only sporadically in 2 mM OA treatments, consistent with the limited activity of A. flavus at low storage temperatures. Conversely, Penicillium spp. were widespread but were associated with citrinin (CIT) production only under 2 mM OA treatments. Among the Alternaria toxins, alternariol (AOH) was detected solely in dried figs treated with 1 mM OA. Notably, all investigated mycotoxins were below the limit of detection (<LOD) in dried figs treated with 0.5 mM MT. Moderate elicitor concentrations (e.g., 0.5 mM MT and 50 mM GABA) and multiple preharvest applications generally provided the best balance between fungal suppression and fruit quality, significantly reducing Aspergillus spp. occurrence without promoting the growth of undesirable species. Overall, elicitor treatments decreased the incidence of toxigenic fungi, most likely through direct antifungal effects in senescent dried fruit rather than by inducing host defences. The combined use of preharvest elicitors with appropriate drying and storage conditions is a promising strategy to control fungal contamination and mycotoxin accumulation in dried figs while maintaining quality from preharvest storage. Further research is needed to optimise elicitor concentrations and application timing.

ABSTRACT Basidiobolus is a globally distributed genus of non-Dikarya fungi within Zoopagomycota, known for its presence in diverse ecological niches ranging from soil and decaying organic matter to vertebrate gastrointestinal tracts. Despite its ecological and medical relevance, the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships within the genus remain poorly resolved due to limited genomic resources. In this study, we present 19 newly sequenced Basidiobolus genomes, expanding the available genomic data. Using short-read Illumina sequencing, assembly, and annotation pipelines, we characterize gene content, assess completeness, and explore biosynthetic gene content across isolates, one with 14 genomes that includes B. ranarum and another with eight genomes that includes B. meristosporus; a single genome of B. heterosporus forms a distinct lineage. Several isolate groups exhibit deep divergence suggestive of novel species, underscoring the need for expanded sampling and taxonomic revision. Functional annotations reveal a rich repertoire of biosynthetic gene clusters, including non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, polyketide synthases, and hybrid clusters, pointing to an underexplored reservoir of secondary metabolite diversity. These findings position Basidiobolus as a compelling model for investigating fungal evolution, ecological adaptation, and natural product biosynthesis.

Abstract Natural products are a rich source of bioactive molecules and undiscovered chemical scaffolds with significant potential for novel drug discovery. Among these, fungi are particularly promising, offering diverse metabolites and undiscovered structural motifs. Large, well-curated collections of crude extracts, or “libraries”, are central to fungal natural product discovery, serving as starting material for bioassay-guided isolation of new compounds. However, the systematic influence of fungal selection strategies, culturing methods, and environmental factors on chemical diversity remains underexplored. In this study, we analyzed several large fungal libraries to assess how geographic origin, and phylogenetic classification shape fungal chemical profiles. We also evaluated whether culturing conditions that more closely mimic natural environments can enhance metabolite diversity. Our findings offer practical guidelines for optimizing fungal natural product library design, improving drug development efficiency and access to novel chemotypes for future drug discovery. Summary Figure

Coumoxystrobin inhibits the mitochondrial respiratory chain Qo site of Complex III to control apple tree rot, yet it has a narrow fungicidal spectrum and cross-resistance with other methoxyacrylate fungicides. Herein, three classes of triphenylphosphonium (TPP)-conjugated derivatives were designed via a mitochondrial targeting strategy. Screening showed Class I derivatives (linked at the ester site) exhibited superior activity to Class II and III ones (linked via the coumarin unit). Specifically, compound Ia had broad-spectrum efficacy, with EC50 values of 3.48 μM against S. sclerotiorum, 2.62 μM against B. cinerea and 3.26 μM against R. solani AG-1-IA, as well as excellent in vivo preventive and curative effects on infected tomato fruits and rice leaves. Mechanistically, TPP promoted intracellular accumulation of Ia, which inhibited fungal respiration and ATP production, induced reactive oxygen species burst and mitochondrial damage, thus exerting high fungicidal activity. This study confirms the potential of TPP-mediated mitochondrial targeting in developing novel agricultural fungicides.

Elucidating the itaconic acid pathway dynamics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract Apple Valsa canker (AVC), a disease instigated by Valsa mali (syn. Cytospora mali), poses a significant global threat to apple cultivation. Throughout its infection process, V. mali introduces an array of effector proteins into the host cells aimed at undermining the host immune defenses. The exact molecular mechanisms through which these effectors manipulate host transcription factors (TFs) to promote pathogenesis are not fully understood. This study identifies a ribonuclease T2-like effector, VmRnt2, that notably inhibits INF1-triggered cell death, chitin-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) bursts, and callose deposition. Knockout of the VmRnt2 gene markedly reduced the virulence of V. mali, without impacting fungal growth or spore production. Conversely, heterologous expression of VmRnt2 in Nicotiana benthamiana and apple markedly enhanced susceptibility to infections by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and V. mali, respectively, highlighting its pivotal role in facilitating pathogenicity. VmRnt2 was found to interact specifically with an apple TF, MdMYB44, which belongs to the myeloblastosis (MYB) family of proteins. Further functional assays revealed that overexpression of MdMYB44 in apple enhances resistance to V. mali. Additionally, MdMYB44 was shown to bind specifically to the promoter of the defense-related gene MdPR1A, subsequently activating its transcription. Importantly, during V. mali infection, VmRnt2 disrupts the DNA-binding activity of MdMYB44. Collectively, our results elucidate how V. mali employs VmRnt2 to compromise MdMYB44-mediated immune regulation, thereby facilitating the pathogen’s colonization of apple trees.

Frequent strain degeneration during subcultivation, characterized by impaired sporulation and fruiting body formation, represents a major constraint in fungal agricultural production. Our study systematically investigated two naturally degenerated Lentinula edodes strains classified as abortive (Abt: L808-13, L808-14) and malformed (Abn: L808-18) fruiting-body phenotypes, through comprehensive phenotypic characterization, enzymatic profiling, thermotolerance assessment, and transcriptomic analysis. While vegetative growth remained unaffected, degenerated strains exhibited premature hyphal knotting, significantly reduced thermotolerance, and Abn-specific suppression of carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activity. Comparative transcriptomics revealed 1239 and 582 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Abt and Abn groups, respectively, accompanied by a global dysregulation in carbohydrate catabolism, phospholipid metabolism, and redox homeostasis. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and RT-qPCR data highlighted 12 core hub genes enriched in glycoside hydrolysis, cytochrome P450 signaling, and membrane lipid dynamics. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the molecular basis of fruiting body degeneration and establish a foundation for developing diagnostic indicators to screen for early-stage degeneration in industrial mushroom production.