comparative genomics – Page 5

Dermatophytes adaptation to the human host exemplified by Microsporum canis

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Researchers studied how fungi that normally infect cats and dogs are adapting to infect humans. By comparing the genes of zoophilic (animal-loving) and anthropophilic (human-loving) Microsporum species, they found that human-adapted strains have developed specific proteins that help them survive in the acidic environment of human skin. These fungi have evolved special enzymes for breaking down keratin and tolerating the lipid-rich, acidic conditions of human skin better than their animal-loving relatives.

Thermotolerance and post-fire growth in Rhizina undulata is associated with the expansion of heat stress-related protein families

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Scientists sequenced the genome of a fungus called Rhizina undulata that uniquely depends on fire to activate its growth and infect conifer trees. By comparing this fungus to related species, they discovered it has extra copies of genes that produce special proteins for handling heat stress and dealing with the chemical changes that occur after fires. This finding helps explain how the fungus survives extreme heat and thrives in fire-damaged forests, which is important knowledge for forest management.

Haplotype-resolved genomes of Phlebopus portentosus reveal nuclear differentiation, TE-mediated variation, and saprotrophic potential

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Researchers sequenced the complete genomes of two compatible versions of the black truffle fungus Phlebopus portentosus, the only Boletales species grown commercially. They discovered that jumping genes called transposable elements cause significant differences between the two fungal nuclei, affecting the production of beneficial compounds. The study shows this mushroom can both partner with tree roots and break down organic matter independently, making it versatile in nature and valuable for both food and medicine.

Whole Genome Sequence of the Commercially Relevant Mushroom Strain Agaricus bisporus var. bisporus ARP23

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Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a wild button mushroom strain (ARP23) that has been successfully bred with commercial mushrooms to create the ‘Heirloom’ variety. This strain is larger and contains more genes than other known button mushroom strains, making it valuable for breeding disease-resistant varieties. The genome sequence reveals that all button mushroom strains share core genes for breaking down plant material in compost, but have diverse collections of optional genes. This genetic resource provides a foundation for developing mushrooms more resistant to diseases and viruses.

Comparative genome analysis of patulin-producing Penicillium paneum OM1 isolated from pears

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Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a mold called Penicillium paneum that grows on apples and pears and produces patulin, a toxic substance harmful to humans. They found the specific genes responsible for making patulin and identified other potentially useful compounds this mold can produce. Understanding these genes could help develop better ways to prevent patulin contamination in fruit and fruit products that people consume.

Biochemical characteristics of extracts from proallergenic microfungi Erysiphe palczewskii and Erysiphe convolvuli

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Researchers studied two types of fungi that cause powdery mildew on plants and can trigger allergies in people who breathe in their spores. They discovered that these fungi contain proteins that act as allergens, including special proteins that help fungi survive stress. The fungi also contain high levels of linoleic acid, a fatty acid that can increase inflammation in the body. This research helps scientists understand why these fungi can cause allergic reactions and could help develop better diagnostic tools for fungal allergies.

Myco-Ed: Mycological curriculum for education and discovery

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Myco-Ed is an educational program that teaches students about fungi while helping scientists create reference genomes for understudied fungal species. Students collect fungi from their local environments, identify them, and prepare samples for advanced genome sequencing through partnerships with major research institutions. This program solves two problems at once: training the next generation of fungal researchers and filling critical gaps in our knowledge of fungal genetics and diversity.

Unveiling new features of the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans through the reconstruction and exploitation of a dedicated genome-scale metabolic model

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Scientists have created a detailed computer model of how the dangerous fungus Cryptococcus neoformans works at the metabolic level. By studying 890 genes and thousands of chemical reactions in this pathogen, they identified new weak points that could be targeted with future antifungal drugs. The model reveals why this fungus is particularly good at causing brain infections and shows several unique metabolic features not found in other pathogenic yeasts, offering hope for more effective treatments.

Gene transfer between fungal species triggers repeated coffee wilt disease outbreaks

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A new study found that coffee wilt disease, which has caused major crop losses in Africa, has repeatedly emerged due to genes jumping between different fungal species. These genes travel via special mobile DNA elements called Starships, which act like genetic vehicles carrying pathogenic genes from one fungus to another. When Fusarium fungi exchanged genes this way, they became better at infecting different varieties of coffee plants. Understanding how these genes move is crucial for protecting coffee crops from future disease outbreaks.

Fungal pathogens and symbionts: Living off the fat of the land

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Certain fungi that live exclusively in or on hosts have evolved a clever survival strategy: they stopped making their own fatty acids and instead steal them from their hosts. This includes fungi that cause pneumonia in immunocompromised patients, yeasts on skin, and beneficial fungi that help plants absorb nutrients from soil. By examining how these fungi scavenge fatty acids from their hosts, scientists hope to develop better treatments and diagnostic tools for fungal infections.

Research Keyword: comparative genomics