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Morphological and Phylogenetic Characterization of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Brown Algae (Phaeophyceae) in Korea

Summary

Researchers in Korea discovered three previously unknown fungal species living inside brown seaweed called Sargassum. These fungi were identified using genetic analysis and microscopy. The discovery suggests that seaweed hosts diverse fungal communities that could have useful properties, such as producing compounds with antimicrobial and anti-cancer potential. This research expands our understanding of marine fungal diversity and its possible applications in medicine and biotechnology.

Background

Seaweed-associated endophytic fungi have attracted significant attention due to their ecological significance and potential biotechnological applications. Brown algae (Sargassum species) are ecologically important macroalgae that provide stable substrates for diverse fungal communities. Research on marine fungal endophytes remains limited compared to terrestrial counterparts.

Objective

To isolate and identify endophytic fungi from brown algae Sargassum thunbergii and S. muticum collected from Korean intertidal zones. The study aimed to characterize previously unrecorded fungal species using morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analyses.

Results

Three previously unrecorded fungal species in Korea were identified: Neopyrenochaeta telephoni, Trichoderma cyanodichotomum, and Microascus intricatus. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed identifications with high sequence identity percentages. Detailed morphological descriptions and phylogenetic relationships were provided for each species.

Conclusion

The successful isolation of three fungal species from Sargassum supports the hypothesis that brown macroalgae host diverse and previously undocumented fungal communities. These findings expand understanding of fungal diversity associated with Korean brown algae and highlight the potential significance of endophytic fungi in marine ecosystems and biotechnology.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2025.2535776, PMID: 40792186
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