Research Keyword: fungal biotechnology

Providing a toolbox for genomic engineering of Trichoderma aggressivum

Scientists have developed a set of techniques to genetically modify the fungus Trichoderma aggressivum, which is usually known for ruining mushroom crops. This genetic toolkit allows researchers to edit genes in this fungus to study how it produces various compounds and why it affects mushrooms. By using modern gene-editing technology called CRISPR, researchers can now create specific mutations and study the fungus’s useful properties, such as its potential to protect crops or promote plant growth.

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Engineering Strategies for Fungal Cell Disruption in Biotechnological Applications

Fungi produce valuable products inside their cells like medicines, oils, and natural colors. However, fungal cell walls are very tough and hard to break open compared to bacteria or algae. Scientists have developed various methods to break open fungal cells, ranging from physical approaches like grinding with beads or using sound waves, to gentler chemical and enzymatic methods. The best method depends on the type of fungus, what product you want to extract, and how much you need to make.

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Bifunctional Sesquiterpene/Diterpene Synthase Agr2 from Cyclocybe aegerita Gives Rise to the Novel Diterpene Cyclocybene

Scientists discovered that a fungal enzyme from the black poplar mushroom (Cyclocybe aegerita) can produce two different types of beneficial compounds called terpenes. Using a baker’s yeast relative as a host organism, they found that the enzyme makes both a known sesquiterpene and an entirely new diterpene compound they named cyclocybene. This discovery shows that fungi can be better factories for producing these valuable compounds than bacteria previously used, opening doors for developing new medicines, fragrances, and biofuels.

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The Zn(II)2-Cys6-type zinc finger protein AoKap7 is involved in the growth, oxidative stress and kojic acid synthesis in Aspergillus oryzae

Scientists studied a protein called AoKap7 in a fungus (Aspergillus oryzae) that produces kojic acid, a substance used in cosmetics and medicine. When they removed this protein, the fungus grew faster but made less kojic acid and became more vulnerable to stress. The researchers found that AoKap7 controls several genes that help the fungus protect itself from harmful molecules and produce kojic acid efficiently.

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PEG-Mediated Protoplast Transformation of Penicillium sclerotiorum (scaumcx01): Metabolomic Shifts and Root Colonization Dynamics

Scientists developed a new method to genetically modify a beneficial fungus called Penicillium sclerotiorum by removing its cell wall and introducing new genes. They added a glowing green marker (GFP) to track the fungus as it colonizes tomato plant roots. The study shows that enzymatic treatment of seeds significantly improves how well the fungus attaches to roots, potentially helping plants grow better while revealing how the genetic modification affects the fungus’s internal chemistry.

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Protoplast-mediated transformation of Madurella mycetomatis using hygromycin resistance as a selection marker

Scientists have successfully developed a genetic engineering method for Madurella mycetomatis, the fungus that causes mycetoma, a serious tropical disease. They used a technique to remove the fungal cell wall and insert genes into the cells, creating strains that produce green fluorescent protein (GFP). This breakthrough enables researchers to better understand how this fungus causes disease and to develop new treatments.

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