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Three new Pseudogymnoascus species (Pseudeurotiaceae, Thelebolales) described from Antarctic soils

Summary

Scientists discovered three new types of fungi living in Antarctic soils, naming them Pseudogymnoascus russus, P. irelandiae, and P. ramosus. Using genetic analysis and genome sequencing, researchers showed these fungi are adapted to survive in extremely cold conditions and represent previously unknown members of the Pseudogymnoascus family. This discovery adds to our understanding of Antarctic microbial life and suggests many more undescribed fungi may exist in Earth’s coldest environments.

Background

The genus Pseudogymnoascus includes species frequently isolated from extreme environments worldwide, particularly cold environments like Antarctica. While four Pseudogymnoascus species have been described from Antarctic marine sponges, no species have been formally described from Antarctic soil samples until now.

Objective

To describe three new Pseudogymnoascus species isolated from Antarctic soils using morphological characterization, phylogenetic analysis of five gene regions, and whole-genome proteome comparisons to expand understanding of fungal biodiversity in this extreme environment.

Results

Three distinct new Pseudogymnoascus species were identified and formally described: P. russus sp. nov. (clade B), P. irelandiae sp. nov. (clade K), and P. ramosus sp. nov. (clade Q). Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses placed these species within previously described clades, with P. irelandiae and P. ramosus representing the first formally described species in their respective clades.

Conclusion

This study expands knowledge of Pseudogymnoascus diversity in Antarctic soils and demonstrates the genus’s remarkable presence in harsh polar conditions. The findings highlight the need for more research across cold habitats worldwide and suggest that describing novel species at their optimal growth temperature improves characterization accuracy.
  • Published in:IMA Fungus,
  • Study Type:Descriptive study; Taxonomy and systematics,
  • Source: 10.3897/imafungus.16.e142219; PMID: 40162003
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