Fungal Species Research Articles

Mycotoxigenic Fusarium species and zearalenone concentration in commercial maize kernels in northern Ghana.

The fungal genus Fusarium contains many toxigenic pathogens of maize with associated yield losses, reduction of grain quality, and accumulation of mycotoxins in harvested grains. To determine zearalenone (ZEN) concentration and identify the various Fusarium species in commercial maize grains, a survey of 75 maize samples, collected from 11 market centers in the five regions in northern Ghana was identified based on morphological characteristics, sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region, and polymerase chain reaction using species-specific primers. ZEN levels were determined using HPLC. ZEN contamination was recorded in 33.3% of the maize samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.61 to 3.05µg/kg. Based on VERT1/2 and TEF 1-α sequencing, F. verticillioides was the most prevalent species in the studied samples: 40.35% from the Upper East Region, 28.07% from the North East Region, 19.30% from the Upper West Region, 10.53% from the Savannah Region, and 1.75% for the Northern Region. Other fungal species found were F. equiseti and F. solani. A higher number of the Fusarium isolates were found in white maize (609 isolates from 27 samples) compared to yellow maize (225 isolates from 23 samples).

Comprehensive analysis of particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and microbiological contamination in an international chain supermarket

Indoor environmental quality is of utmost importance since urban populations spend a large proportion of their life in confined spaces. Supermarkets offer a wide range of products and services that are prone to emitting several air pollutants. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive characterisation of the indoor and outdoor air quality in a multinational supermarket, encompassing not only criteria parameters but also unregulated pollutants of concern. Monitoring included measurements of comfort parameters, CO2, multiple gaseous pollutants, particulate matter (PM10) and bioburden. PM10, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbonyls were subject to chemical speciation. Globally, the supermarket presented CO2, VOCs, and PM10 values below the limits imposed by international regulations. The PM10 concentration in the supermarket was 33.5±23.2 μg/m3, and the indoor-to-outdoor PM10 ratio was 1.76. Carbonaceous constituents represented PM10 mass fractions of 21.6% indoors and 15.3% outdoors. Due to the use of stainless-steel utensils, flour and fermentation processes, the bakery proved to be a pollution hotspot, presenting the highest concentrations of PM10 (73.1±9.16 μg/m3), PM10-bound elements (S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, and Cr) and acetaldehyde (42.7 μg/m3). The maximum tetrachloroethylene level (130 μg/m3) was obtained in the cleaning products section. The highest values of colony-forming units of bacteria and fungi were recorded in the bakery, and fruit and vegetable section. The most prevalent fungal species was Penicillium sp., corresponding to 56.9% of the total colonies. In addition, other fungal species/sections with toxicological or pathogenic potential were detected (Aspergillus sections Aspergilli, Circumdati, Flavi, Mucor and Fusarium sp.).

Antimicrobial and Anti-quorum Sensing Activity of Geranium sp.

Aim: Antibiotic resistance, which has increased rapidly in recent years, is one of the leading public health threats. Alternative methods are being investigated for effective antibiotics in the fight against resistance. Geranium species are widely used for constipation, digestive disorders, and diabetes. It is also known that the plant is used in various public health applications. In line with this information, it was aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and anti-quorum sensing properties of the Geranium sp. Material and Methods: In this study it was aimed to prepare methanol, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and hexane extracts of Geranium sp. flower parts belonging to Rize province and investigate their antimicrobial activities by agar well diffusion method against various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and two fungal species. Anti-quorum sensing activity was determined using Chromobacterium violaceum strain. Results: Methanol extract of Geranium sp. showed antimicrobial activity against seven species whereas extraction with ethyl acetate showed antimicrobial activity against eight species. The ethanol extracted samples have the lowest antimicrobial activity so that only six species were affected. Additionally, methanol extract of Geranium sp. had violacein inhibition activity. Conclusions: As a result, it was determined that the plant, especially its methanol extract, has antimicrobial and anti-quorum sensing properties.

Yeast-contaminated water as a potential emerging health concern: a review

Invasive fungal infections pose a serious risk to human health; therefore, it is important to study the dissemination and proliferation of pathogenic fungal species in the environment. This could prove useful in preventing infections in susceptible individuals, such as those who are immune-compromised or suppressed. Pathogenic yeasts belonging to the genera Candida, Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula are commonly found in various water sources that are used for daily activities and are included in the World Health Organization fungal priority pathogens list, further warranting investigation into the possibility that infections may occur through contact with yeast-contaminated water. In addition, the close association between antifungal pollutants and yeast in water may induce acquired antifungal resistance development, further complicating the effective treatment of these infections. Thus, investigating the presence and antifungal susceptibility of yeast found in water and identifying ways to monitor potential fungal pathogens may prove useful in combating invasive fungal infections. This review deals with the occurrence and infection risks posed by pathogenic yeasts in water as well as the possibility of these yeasts acquiring antifungal resistance due to the simultaneous presence of antifungal compounds from medical and agricultural runoff.

Effects of steeping on fungal contamination and diversity in achi (Barchystegia eurycoma) seeds sold in some selected markets in Lagos state, Nigeria

Achi (Brachystegia eurycoma) seeds are widely used as a thickening agent in traditional Nigerian cuisine. However, the processing methods used for achi seeds can lead to fungal contamination, posing considerable health risks to consumers. This study aims to investigate the effect of water steeping on fungal species contaminating achi seeds sold in some selected markets in Lagos, Nigeria. The achi seeds were steeped by soaking them in water at 37 °C for two days, and the moisture content was subsequently determined. The isolated fungal species were identified using both morphological and molecular techniques. Our findings show that the moisture content (37.82—51.64%) of the steeped achi seeds was higher than that of the unsteeped achi seeds (8.32—15.73%). Seven fungal species were recovered from the achi seeds, including six Aspergillus spp. (A. aculeatus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. japonicus, and A. oryzae), along with Rhizopus microsporus. Notably, the steeped samples were found to contain all the seven fungal species whereas the unsteeped achi were contaminated with just four fungal species, namely A. aculeatus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. niger. Additionally, the steeped achi seeds showed a higher fungal load (4.92 × 103—5.50 × 103 CFU/g) compared to the unsteeped samples (3.39 × 103—5.33 × 103 CFU/g). This current study indicates that steeping increases fungal contamination and diversity in achi seeds, raising concerns about food safety.

Methodology comparison of environmental sediment fungal community analysis

Fungi play important roles in ecosystems. Analyzing fungal communities in environments has long been a challenge due to the large difference in compositions retrieved using different methods or sequencing regions, obscuring the true abundance and species information. Our study aimed to compare and determine more accurate approach for evaluating fungal populations in river sediment. To achieve this, different primer sets in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) (ITS5/ITS1R, ITS1F/ITS2), 18S rRNA gene (0817F/1196R) for High-throughput sequencing (HTS), metagenomic shotgun sequencing (MS) directly from environmental samples, and HTS using ITS primers for the fungal samples collected from plate cultivation were used to characterize the fungal communities. We calculated diversity index and used FungalTraits to analyze methods preferences for fungal species. The study revealed that when analyzing the fungal species directly from environmental samples, amplification and sequencing of ITS region demonstrated more accuracy than MS and 18S rRNA gene sequencing methods, but displayed significant primer preference. Over 30 % fungal species from HTS after plate cultivation were not present in HTS from the environmental samples. NMDS analysis demonstrated significant disparities in species diversity among different methods, suggesting potential complementarity between them. Over 85% species identified by HTS using ITS primers belonged to filamentous fungi, while the MS mostly identified yeast (62%). Therefore, to get more accurate fungal community information in sediment, multiple methods were recommended by using cultivation, molecular biological methods dependent on PCR techniques like ITS1F/ITS2 primer for HTS and PCR independent method such as metagenomic shotgun sequencing techniques.

Breed Selection of Poplars Imposes Greater Selection Pressure on the Rhizosphere Bacterial Community

Breed selection alters the coevolution of plant–microbiome associations that have developed over long periods of natural evolution. We investigated the effects of breed selection on the rhizosphere microbiomes and metabolites of hybrid parents (I101 and 84K) and their offspring (Q1–Q5) using metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics. Rhizosphere archaeal, bacterial and fungal community β-diversity significantly differed among hybrid parents and offspring, but only the dominant bacterial phyla and bacterial community α-diversity revealed significant differences. Approximately 5.49%, 14.90% and 7.86% of the archaeal, bacterial and fungal species significantly differed among the poplar hybrid parents and offspring. Rhizosphere microbial functional genes and metabolites were both clustered into the following three groups: I101 and 84K; Q2 and Q4; and Q1, Q3 and Q5. Compared with the hybrid parents, 15 phytochemical compounds were enriched in the hybrid offspring and explained 7.15%, 18.24% and 6.68% of the total variation in the archaeal, bacterial and fungal community compositions, respectively. Rhizosphere metabolites significantly affected the bacterial community, rather than the archaeal and fungal communities. Our observations suggested that poplar breed selection imposed greater selection pressure on the rhizosphere bacterial community, which was mainly driven by metabolites.

Development of a Multiplex PCR Assay to Detect Neofusicoccum parvum and Botryosphaeria dothidea in Walnut.

In walnut orchards, frequent symptoms of cankers and dieback (fruit blight, twig and branch cankers up to tree death) are caused by different agents, in particular by Botryosphaeriaceae, primarily Neofusicoccum parvum and Botryosphaeria dothidea. This study aimed at developing a sensitive, rapid, specific and internally controlled multiplex PCR assay for the detection of these species. The ability of the multiplex PCR, with an internal inhibition control (i.e. E. coli DNA), to specifically and successfully detect members of the two targeted species was validated using 11 different isolates for each fungal target (inclusivity) and 20 tree-associated fungal species different from B. dothidea or N. parvum (exclusivity). Applicability to plant materials was further investigated and showed an absence of amplification for asymptomatic husk or twig samples while the amplification profiles of symptomatic tissues ranged from no amplification to amplification of both species, in correlation with the observed fungal contamination level. In conclusion, we developed a rapid diagnostic tool for simultaneous detection of two major fungal pathogens of walnut. Although this protocol was tailored for walnut husks and twigs, applicability to any plant sample contaminated by these pathogens can be considered.

Temperature-dependent catabolic traits of cold-adapted soil yeasts Goffeauzyma gilvescens and Naganishia albidosimilis from Hornsund, Svalbard

Studies on the diversity and catabolic functionality of fungi in Arctic soils are still scarce. This knowledge gap needs to be urgently addressed, as global warming may have unpredictable effects on cold-adapted fungal species. We isolated two yeast species of the family Filobasidiaceae: Goffeauzyma gilvescens and Naganishia albidosimilis, from soil in central Spitsbergen (Svalbard) and characterised their metabolic properties at two temperatures, 4°C and 20°C, in a laboratory test using Biolog® FF plates. The results of the Biolog® test, which followed the molecular identification of the strains, confirmed that the two species differed in their functional (catabolic) characteristics. The effect of temperature was also highly significant and the metabolic characteristics of two species varied between the two temperatures tested. As expected, among other chemical guilds of substrates on Biolog® plates, carbohydrates were the most used and also the most segregating of the strains studied, especially at 20°C. However, the relative use of almost all substrate groups changed between the two temperatures for both species tested, indicating that temperature can also affect soil microorganisms indirectly by altering their metabolic pathways. As soil microorganisms form a complex trophic and non-trophic network, such changes in metabolism under increasing temperature may also alter relationships between species and between species and the environment. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the microbial ecology of the unique ecosystem of polar soils.

Exploring fungal potential for microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) in bio-cement production

IntroductionMicrobial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) involves various microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. This study focuses on producing bio-cement using fungal species and selecting potential candidates isolated from alkaline soil of different regions of Punjab, namely, Majha, Malwa, and Doaba.MethodsThe selection of fungi isolates capable of bio-cement production involves several tests, including a urease assay and calcium precipitation. Isolates having high urease enzyme production and the ability to perform calcite precipitation are selected for instrumental analyses such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The isolates selected for further analysis are S1 (3) with 8.879 ± 2.94 µg/ml, S1 (18) with 8.421 ± 0.13 µg/ml, and S4 (1) with 10.057 ± 0.45 µg/ml urease activity and least free calcium ions that are 2.337 ± 0.5 µg/ml, 3.339 ± 0.5 µg/ml, and 4.074 ± 0.1 µg/ml respectively.Results and discussionCalcite precipitation is confirmed through XRD and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). XRD images showing calcite precipitation with sharp crystalline peaks for S1 (3), S1 (18), and S4 (1) are shown. The calcite precipitation is evident in the micrographs of FESEM. These combined results confirm the potential of urease-positive fungi to facilitate calcite production, which could lead to bio-cement development in future research.

Phytochemical Associes of Fungal Endophytes in Nigeria Riverine Mangrove Ecosystem

The interaction between endophytic fungi and phytochemicals in the dominant mangroves (Rhizophora mangle, Lacugularia racemosa, and Avicennia africana) of the Iko River Estuary in Nigeria was investigated. Standard analytical procedures were employed to measure antioxidant levels, while endophytic fungi were isolated, morphologically characterized, and identified using culture-dependent methods. The study identified various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, saponins, tannins/phenols, flavonoids, deoxy-sugars, cardiac glycosides, and steroids, with their concentrations varying depending on the mangrove species and plant parts. Alkaloids were present in all mangrove samples, with particularly high concentrations in the leaves of white (5%) and red (4.2%) mangroves. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the interaction between the endophytic fungi and phytochemicals, revealing a distinct affinity of certain fungal species for specific antioxidants in the mangroves. Fungal species such as Phoma sp., Rhizopus arrhizus, Aspergillus niger, and others exhibited a negative relationship with tannins, flavonoids, deoxysugars, and cardiac glycosides, but a positive affinity for saponins, alkaloids, and steroids. Conversely, Candida pseudotropicalis, Fusarium oxysporum, P. italicum, and others showed a positive affinity for tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and deoxysugars, but a negative affinity for alkaloids, saponins, and steroids. Notably, Absidia sp. was the only frequently isolated species with a strong correlation (r value ≥75 at a 95% confidence limit) with deoxy-sugars, while Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, and Absidia sp. demonstrated significant relationships with alkaloids, saponins, and steroids. These phytochemicals, which serve as precursors to antioxidants with promising biotechnological applications, likely play a crucial role in determining the association of endophytic fungi with deltaic mangroves in Nigeria.

Metabolic modelling as a powerful tool to identify critical components of Pneumocystis growth medium.

Establishing suitable in vitro culture conditions for microorganisms is crucial for dissecting their biology and empowering potential applications. However, a significant number of bacterial and fungal species, including Pneumocystis jirovecii, remain unculturable, hampering research efforts. P. jirovecii is a deadly pathogen of humans that causes life-threatening pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals and transplant patients. Despite the major impact of Pneumocystis on human health, limited progress has been made in dissecting the pathobiology of this fungus. This is largely due to the fact that its experimental dissection has been constrained by the inability to culture the organism in vitro. We present a comprehensive in silico genome-scale metabolic model of Pneumocystis growth and metabolism, to identify metabolic requirements and imbalances that hinder growth in vitro. We utilise recently published genome data and available information in the literature as well as bioinformatics and software tools to develop and validate the model. In addition, we employ relaxed Flux Balance Analysis and Reinforcement Learning approaches to make predictions regarding metabolic fluxes and to identify critical components of the Pneumocystis growth medium. Our findings offer insights into the biology of Pneumocystis and provide a novel strategy to overcome the longstanding challenge of culturing this pathogen in vitro.

Affinity molecular assay for detecting Candida albicans using chitin affinity and RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals, leading to considerable morbidity and mortality. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Here we develop a rapid molecular diagnostic method that involves three steps: fungal enrichment using affinity-magnetic separation (AMS), genomic DNA extraction with silicon hydroxyl magnetic beads, and detection through a one-pot system. This method, optimized to detect 30 CFU/mL of C. albicans in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples within 2.5 h, is approximately 100 times more sensitive than microscopy-based staining. Initial validation using clinical samples showed 93.93% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and high predictive values, while simulated tests demonstrated 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity. This cost-effective, highly sensitive technique offers potential for use in resource-limited clinical settings and can be easily adapted to differentiate between fungal species and detect drug resistance.

Phytochemical profiling and biological evaluation of the residues from industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) inflorescences trimming: Focus on water extract

The study focused on investigating the phytochemical composition and bio-pharmacological properties of a water extract obtained from industrial hemp by-products, after trimming female inflorescences of Cannabis sativa L., cultivar Kompolti. The extract was found to be rich in phenolic compounds, particularly gallic acid, catechin, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and benzoic acid. It also contained significant amounts of cannabidiolic acid and cannabigerolic acid as the main terpenophenols. To assess the biological potential of the extract, various ecotoxicological assays were conducted. The extract did not show significant phytotoxic effects on seedling germination in the allelopathic assay. In the brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality test, the LC50 value was 1.726 mg/mL, and in the Daphnia magna test, the extract showed no cardiotoxicity effects at the same concentration; thus, confirming its biocompatibility with these eukaryotic organisms. Additionally, the extract did not induce cytotoxicity in the murine C2C12 cell line till to the concentration of 1000 μg/mL. In isolated mouse prostate specimens, the extract (10–1000 μg/mL) also prevented LPS-induced gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. Furthermore, the extract exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of pathogenic bacterial, fungal, and dermatophyte species commonly associated with prostatitis. These results suggest that the residual powder from female inflorescence trimming can be considered an innovative plant material from the industrial hemp supply chain that deserves to be valorised in terms of recycling and upcycling; thus, reducing the environmental impact of the by-products and also opening the way for innovative health-promoting agents.

Label-Free Optical Transmission Tomography for Direct Mycological Examination and Monitoring of Intracellular Dynamics

Live-cell imaging generally requires pretreatment with fluorophores to either monitor cellular functions or the dynamics of intracellular processes and structures. We have recently introduced full-field optical coherence tomography for the label-free live-cell imaging of fungi with potential clinical applications for the diagnosis of invasive fungal mold infections. While both the spatial resolution and technical set up of this technology are more likely designed for the histopathological analysis of tissue biopsies, there is to our knowledge no previous work reporting the use of a light interference-based optical technique for direct mycological examination and monitoring of intracellular processes. We describe the first application of dynamic full-field optical transmission tomography (D-FF-OTT) to achieve both high-resolution and live-cell imaging of fungi. First, D-FF-OTT allowed for the precise examination and identification of several elementary structures within a selection of fungal species commonly known to be responsible for invasive fungal infections such as Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, or Rhizopus arrhizus. Furthermore, D-FF-OTT revealed the intracellular trafficking of organelles and vesicles related to metabolic processes of living fungi, thus opening new perspectives in fast fungal infection diagnostics.

Metagenome-based characterization of the gut bacteriome, mycobiome, and virome in patients with chronic hepatitis B-related liver fibrosis.

The gut microbiota is believed to be directly involved in the etiology and development of chronic liver diseases. However, the holistic characterization of the gut bacteriome, mycobiome, and virome in patients with chronic hepatitis B-related liver fibrosis (CHB-LF) remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the multi-kingdom gut microbiome (i.e., bacteriome, mycobiome, and virome) of 25 CHB-LF patients and 28 healthy individuals through whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing of their stool samples. We found that the gut bacteriome, mycobiome, and virome of CHB-LF patients were fundamentally altered, characterized by a panel of 110 differentially abundant bacterial species, 16 differential fungal species, and 90 differential viruses. The representative CHB-LF-enriched bacteria included members of Blautia_A (e.g., B. wexlerae, B. massiliensis, and B. obeum), Dorea (e.g., D. longicatena and D. formicigenerans), Streptococcus, Erysipelatoclostridium, while some species of Bacteroides (e.g., B. finegoldii and B. thetaiotaomicron), Faecalibacterium (mainly F. prausnitzii), and Bacteroides_A (e.g., B. plebeius_A and B. coprophilus) were depleted in patients. Fungi such as Malassezia spp. (e.g., M. japonica and M. sympodialis), Candida spp. (e.g., C. parapsilosis), and Mucor circinelloides were more abundant in CHB-LF patients, while Mucor irregularis, Phialophora verrucosa, Hortaea werneckii, and Aspergillus fumigatus were decreases. The CHB-LF-enriched viruses contained 18 Siphoviridae, 12 Myoviridae, and 1 Podoviridae viruses, while the control-enriched viruses included 16 Siphoviridae, 9 Myoviridae, 2 Quimbyviridae, and 1 Podoviridae_crAss-like members. Moreover, we revealed that the CHB-LF-associated gut multi-kingdom signatures were tightly interconnected, suggesting that they may act together on the disease. Finally, we showed that the microbial signatures were effective in discriminating the patients from healthy controls, suggesting the potential of gut microbiota in the prediction of CHB-LF and related diseases. In conclusion, our findings delineated the fecal bacteriome, mycobiome, and virome landscapes of the CHB-LF microbiota and provided biomarkers that will aid in future mechanistic and clinical intervention studies.

Antimicrobial activity of blue mold (Penicillium italicum) Filtrates against some species of pathogenic bacteria

Background: Penicillium saprophytic species, which primarily consume organic biodegradable materials, is a common example of a fungal species. The preparation filtrates of Penicillium italicum, a saprophyte on citrus fruits frequently linked to post-harvest diseases in this crop, were included in the current investigation. Objective: This investigation aimed determine the most efficient culture medium for the production of antibacterial secondary metabolites. Patients and Methods: included identifying the growth medium for P. italicum and produce its metabolites through the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC MS) for both solid-state fermentation filtrate (SSFF) and liquid fermentation filtrate (LFF). Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the mold filtrate against certain pathogenic bacteria was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. Results: indicated that the biomass used for mold growth was heavier in SSFF than LFF, and according to the findings, the selective active isolate's crude filtrate from two duplicates of the P. italicum Yeast Extract Sucrose YES culture medium was 0.063 mg, while the crude extract from rotten orange (as a solid medium) containing P. italicum was 0.11 mg. Tetracosane and other substances with a track record of therapeutic activity were found in the two mold extracts, according to GC MS data. Overall, both SSFF and LFF demonstrated antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, with the inhibition zones± standard deviation (IZ± SD) being 24.7± 0.57, 18.2± 0.28, 26.3± 0.59, 21.6± 0.51, and 32.8± 0.21 (for SSFF) mm and 0.0, 12.3±0.57, 28.16±0.20, 19.3±1.15, and 28±0.2 (for LFF) mm, respectively. Conclusion: the filtrate of P. italicum from a natural medium (rotted orange) as a solid state fermentation was more weighted and gave many effective metabolites compared to what was produced by liquid fermentation on a synthetic medium, and both liquid and solid fermentation filtrates demonstrated efficacy against harmful bacteria.

Genomic Localization Bias of Secondary Metabolite Gene Clusters and Association with Histone Modifications in Aspergillus.

Fungi are well-known producers of bioactive secondary metabolites (SMs), which have been exploited for decades by humankind for various medical applications like therapeutics and antibiotics. SMs are synthesized by biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs)-physically co-localized and co-regulated genes. Because BGCs are often regulated by histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), it was suggested that their chromosomal location is important for their expression. Studies in a few fungal species indicated an enrichment of BGCs in sub-telomeric regions; however, there is no evidence that BGCs with distinct genomic localization are regulated by different histone PTMs. Here, we used 174 Aspergillus species covering 22 sections to determine the correlation between BGC genomic localization, gene expression, and histone PTMs. We found a high abundance and diversity of SM backbone genes across the Aspergillus genus, with notable unique genes within sections. Being unique or conserved in many species, BGCs showed a strong bias for being localized in low-synteny regions, regardless of their position in chromosomes. Using chromosome-level assemblies, we also confirmed a significantly biased localization in sub-telomeric regions. Notably, SM backbone genes in sub-telomeric regions and about half of those in low-synteny regions exhibit higher gene expression variability, likely due to the similar higher variability in H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 histone PTMs; while variations in histone H3 acetylation and H3K9me3 are not correlated to genomic localization and expression variation, as analyzed in two Aspergillus species. Expression variability across four Aspergillus species further supports that BGCs tend to be located in low-synteny regions and that regulation of expression in those regions likely involves different histone PTMs than the most commonly studied modifications.

Structural study and molecular docking insights into laccase-mediated dye degradation

Industrial wastewater often contains harmful dyes, posing significant environmental challenges. This study used computational tools to investigate the interactions between the low-degradability Azo dye, Reactive Blue 19, and laccase enzyme from two fungi species, Lentinus sp. WR2 and Trametes versicolor, as well as the protein Xyn5B (GH30) from Bacillus sp. BP7. Physiochemical characterization indicated acidic properties for Lentinus sp. WR2 and T. versicolor, while basic characteristics for Bacillus sp. BP7. Secondary structure (SOPMA analysis) revealed that most laccases had random coiling, enhancing protein flexibility. The negative GRAVY index revealed favorable water interaction for Lentinus sp. WR2 and Bacillus sp. BP7. The ERRAT plot validated the laccase 3D structure. The molecular docking results were compared using active site prediction and docking score. Lentinus sp. WR2 is linked with Reactive Blue 19 through a single residual amino acid THR 168; T. versicolor is linked through GLY 101, TRP 98, and TRP 512; and Bacillus sp. BP7 exhibited four linkages: VAL 262, TYR 263, TRP 117, and THR 260. The molecular docking results showed that Xyn5B demonstrated laccase activity and bound effectively with Reactive Blue 19, outperforming a commonly used fungal laccase in dye degradation. These findings enhance our understanding of enzyme-substrate interactions and highlight the potential of Xyn5B in eco-friendly dye degradation.

Preservative Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides of Germinated Seeds of Pisum sativum (Garden Pea) On Roselle Flowers (Hibiscus sabdarifa L.) Drink

Study’s Excerpt This research presents the use of antimicrobial peptides derived from Pisum sativum (pea) seeds as natural preservatives for extending the shelf life of local African beverages. It demonstrated that peptides, particularly from germinated peas on day four, exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria. Plant-derived peptides could replace synthetic preservatives in the food and beverage industry. Full Abstract The demand for natural and effective food preservatives has increased due to the growing concern over the safety and quality of processed beverages. Antimicrobial peptides have gained significant attention as natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives, offering potential benefits such as broad-spectrum activity and lower toxicity. Germinating seeds of Pisum sativum were harvested on days 2, 4, 6 and 8 and peptides were extracted and purified using Ammonium Sulphate Precipitation at 70% saturation, Dialysis, Gel filtration and the peaks were obtained. The molecular weight of peptides was determined using SDS-PAGE while Six (6) Bacteria and Four (4) Fungal species were isolated and characterized using standard procedures. The highest protein concentration was obtained with germinated peas day four (P4) with a value of 1.7866mg/mL, while the highest zone diameter of inhibition was recorded with peptide of germinated pea seeds day six fraction three (P6:3) with a value of 17.000±0.577mm against B. cereus. The least MIC value, expressed in protein concentration (mg/mL), was obtained as 0.0253mg/mL with 100% concentration of the peptide of germinated peas on day four (P4). All four (4) fungal species recorded no activity/zone diameter of inhibition. Sanitizing activity of the peptides on the ‘Zobo’ drink adjusted to pH 2.3, at 0hr, 24hr, 48hr and 72hrs was carried out, and all the purified peptides extended the shelf life of the drink except for peptide of germinated peas on day two. Sensory evaluation equally indicated that the drink was preserved with 10% (P4:4) at pH 2.3, being the most preferred treatment by the judges with a percentage likeness of 72.22% after 72hrs of storage. Findings from this study highlight the potential of these peptides in developing innovative and safe preservation techniques for extending the shelf life of local African beverages. This study further offers promising insights into the application of Pisum sativum peptides in preserving traditional drinks like 'Zobo.'