fungal genomics – mycolab.ai

Draft genome of Conoideocrella luteorostrata ARSEF 14590 (Clavicipitaceae), an entomopathogenic fungus with a wealth of biosynthetic and biocontrol potential

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of a fungus that naturally kills elongate hemlock scale insects, pests that damage Christmas trees. The fungus contains genes for producing cephalosporin, a well-known antibiotic, and other bioactive compounds. This discovery opens new possibilities for using this fungus as a natural pest control method and potentially developing new medicines from its biological compounds.

Gapless near Telomer-to-Telomer Assembly of Neurospora intermedia, Aspergillus oryzae, and Trichoderma asperellum from Nanopore Simplex Reads

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Scientists developed an automated computer workflow that can assemble complete fungal genomes using data from a single type of DNA sequencer. They tested this method on three industrially important fungi and successfully created high-quality, gap-free genome maps for all three. This breakthrough means researchers can now generate high-quality fungal genome sequences faster and more cheaply than before, which will help improve our understanding of these organisms.

Resolving the fungal velvet domain architecture by Aspergillus nidulans VelB

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Scientists studied how fungi use special proteins called velvet regulators to control their growth and produce protective chemicals. By examining these proteins in different fungi and using genetic techniques, they found that two specific amino acids are critical for these proteins to interact with each other. This discovery helps explain how fungi coordinate their development with the production of important chemicals, which could eventually help control harmful fungi or improve industrial fungal applications.

Towards engineering agaricomycete fungi for terpenoid production

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Mushroom-forming fungi, particularly species like shiitake and oyster mushrooms, naturally produce valuable compounds called terpenoids used in medicines, food, and cosmetics. Scientists are learning to genetically engineer these fungi to produce even larger amounts of these beneficial compounds, potentially making them as important to biotechnology as baker’s yeast and mold have been historically. This could create new sustainable sources for medicinal compounds and industrial chemicals.

Classification of polyphenol oxidases shows ancient gene duplication leading to two distinct enzyme types

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Scientists performed a comprehensive study organizing thousands of similar enzymes called polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) found across all living organisms into 12 distinct groups based on their evolutionary relationships. They discovered that a major gene duplication event in ancient times created two main types of these enzymes with different structural features and functions. This new classification system shows that fungal enzymes called o-methoxy phenolases are particularly abundant in certain fungi, likely helping them break down plant materials like lignin.

Whole-genome sequencing of Fusarium oxysporum K326-S isolated from tobacco

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum that infects tobacco plant roots, causing them to wilt and turn brown. This fungus is a major problem for tobacco farmers because it lives in soil and is difficult to control. By mapping out all 17,272 genes in this fungus, researchers now have detailed information that will help them develop better ways to prevent and manage this disease.

Tracking of Tobacco Mosaic Virus in Taxonomically Different Plant Fungi

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Scientists discovered that a common plant virus (tobacco mosaic virus) can infect and multiply inside certain fungal pathogens that harm crops. When the virus enters these fungi, the fungi activate their natural defense system to fight back. Interestingly, the virus doesn’t make the fungi more or less dangerous to plants. This discovery opens new possibilities for controlling harmful fungi using viruses as biological tools.

Genomic insights into the ecological versatility of Tetracladium spp

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Researchers sequenced the genomes of two fungal species called Tetracladium that live in different environments – one found in plant roots and one from freshwater. These fungi have special enzymes that allow them to break down plant cell walls and materials, enabling them to survive in multiple habitats. The study revealed these fungi can also produce compounds with potential medical properties like antifungal and antibacterial effects.

Whole-genome sequencing of global forest pathogen Diplodia sapinea causing pine shoot blight

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This study presents a detailed genetic map of Diplodia sapinea, a fungus that causes serious disease in pine trees worldwide. Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a strain from China and compared it with related fungi to better understand how the pathogen causes disease. The high-quality genetic information provides important tools for scientists to develop better ways to prevent and control pine shoot blight, protecting valuable forests and timber resources.

Plant Pathogenic Fungi Special Issue: Genetics and Genomics

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This scientific review discusses how modern genetics and genomics tools are helping researchers better understand and manage plant diseases caused by fungi. Seven research studies are presented covering topics like identifying different fungal species, understanding how fungi attack plants, and finding natural alternatives to chemical fungicides. The research emphasizes the importance of monitoring fungal diseases and developing crops that resist infection to protect global food production.

Research Keyword: fungal genomics