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Penicillium psychrofluorescens sp. nov., a naturally autofluorescent Antarctic fungus

Summary

Scientists discovered a new cold-loving fungus in Antarctic soil that glows remarkably bright under ultraviolet light. This fungus, named Penicillium psychrofluorescens, produces its own fluorescent chemicals and contains many genes for making novel medicinal compounds. Its unique characteristics suggest it could be valuable for developing new medicines and biotechnological applications.

Background

Fungi represent a vast untapped reservoir of biodiversity, particularly in extreme environments like Antarctica. Penicillium species are well-documented globally and metabolically diverse, with some capable of thriving in harsh conditions. Antarctic fungi present unique opportunities for discovering novel species with biotechnological potential.

Objective

To describe and characterize a novel psychrotrophic Penicillium species isolated from Antarctic soil, investigate its remarkable autofluorescence properties, and conduct comparative genomic analysis to identify unique genetic features.

Results

Penicillium psychrofluorescens KMR99 is phylogenetically positioned as sister to P. catalonicum and possesses 30 biosynthetic gene clusters with 73.5% having no similarity to known compounds. The species exhibits intense autofluorescence across blue-green-red wavelengths derived from NADPH, porphyrins, and secondary metabolites. It contains expanded glycoside hydrolase repertoire (271 from 63 families) but lacks polysaccharide lyases and nitrate utilization machinery.

Conclusion

Penicillium psychrofluorescens represents a novel Antarctic psychrotroph with significant biotechnological potential evidenced by its extensive biosynthetic gene clusters and unique metabolic capabilities including phosphonate assimilation and remarkable natural autofluorescence properties.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description and Comparative Genomics Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40937137, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2421319
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