metabolomics – Page 8

Oxaloacetate anaplerosis differently contributes to pathogenicity in plant pathogenic fungi Fusarium graminearum and F. oxysporum

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Two important crop-destroying fungi, Fusarium graminearum and F. oxysporum, rely differently on a metabolic enzyme called pyruvate carboxylase to cause disease. Researchers found that removing this enzyme completely eliminates the ability of F. oxysporum to infect tomato plants by blocking its capacity to penetrate roots and break down plant cell walls. However, the same enzyme deletion has minimal effect on F. graminearum’s ability to infect wheat, suggesting these fungi have evolved different metabolic strategies for attacking their hosts.

The dark side of avocados: a review of anthracnose and stem-end rot in postharvest fruit

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Avocados are a valuable global fruit crop, but two fungal diseases—anthracnose and stem-end rot—cause major economic losses by making fruit unmarketable. These fungi infect avocados in the orchard but remain hidden until the fruit ripens, making them difficult to detect and control. Recent advances in detection technology and disease management strategies, including biological controls and natural treatments, offer promising solutions to reduce losses and keep avocados fresh from farm to table.

Legume-specific recruitment of rhizobia by hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

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Underground fungal networks connect different legume plants and act like sophisticated GPS systems for helpful bacteria. These fungi transport chemical signals (flavonoids) from plant roots along their hyphae, guiding specific types of nitrogen-fixing bacteria to their correct host plants. This discovery shows how fungi help bacteria find the right plants to form symbiotic partnerships, improving natural nitrogen fixation and potentially reducing the need for chemical fertilizers in agriculture.

Marine-derived Acremonium strain prioritization using untargeted metabolomics approach for the identification of cytotoxic cyclic depsipeptides

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Researchers discovered five potent anti-cancer compounds from Arctic fungi called Acremonium strains. Using advanced chemical analysis techniques, they identified and tested these cyclic depsipeptides against various cancer cell types. The most active compound showed promising results against breast cancer and melanoma cells with extremely low concentrations needed for effect. These findings suggest Arctic microorganisms could be valuable sources for developing new cancer treatments.

The endophytic fungus Cosmosporella sp. VM-42 from Vinca minor is a source of bioactive compounds with potent activity against drug-resistant bacteria

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Scientists discovered a fungus living inside a medicinal plant called Vinca minor that produces compounds capable of killing drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. They isolated the main active compound, nectriapyrone, and found it effectively stops the growth of these dangerous bacteria in laboratory tests. The fungus appears to be a promising source of new antibacterial drugs that could help combat the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Activation of Secondary Metabolism and Protease Activity Mechanisms in the Black Koji Mold Aspergillus luchuensis through Coculture with Animal Cells

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Researchers found that growing koji mold (Aspergillus luchuensis) alongside mouse immune cells in the laboratory significantly increases the production of valuable bioactive compounds. The mold releases enzymes called proteases that break down proteins from the animal cells, which the fungus then uses as building blocks to create medicinal compounds. This discovery shows that coculturing microorganisms with animal cells is an effective strategy to unlock hidden chemical production capabilities in fungi, which could lead to new medicines and useful compounds.

Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Provide Insight into Degeneration-Related Molecular Mechanisms of Morchella importuna During Repeated Subculturing

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This study explains why morel mushroom strains weaken when repeatedly grown in laboratories. Researchers found that degenerated strains lose the ability to produce protective compounds called flavonoids, which act as natural antioxidants. By understanding these molecular changes, the researchers suggest that avoiding frequent subculturing and using preservation methods like low-temperature storage could help keep morel strains healthy and productive.

Omics approaches to investigate pre-symbiotic responses of the mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella sp. SV6 to the orchid host Serapias vomeracea

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This study examines how a fungus called Tulasnella responds to the presence of orchid plants before they physically touch each other. Using advanced techniques to measure gene activity and chemical composition, researchers found that the fungus activates growth and preparation genes when it senses the orchid nearby, suggesting the two organisms communicate through chemical signals even before making contact.

New bioactive secondary metabolites from fungi: 2024

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Scientists discovered 907 new compounds from fungi in 2024, with most being terpenoids and polyketides that show promise as medicines. These fungal compounds demonstrate strong activity against bacteria, fungi, and inflammation, with some showing potential against cancer and diabetes. The research uses advanced techniques like genome mining and metabolomics to find these compounds more efficiently. This accelerating discovery rate suggests fungi could be a major source for developing new drugs to treat various diseases.

Fungal-derived ZnO nanoparticles functionalized with riboflavin and UDP-GlcNAc exhibit potent nematicidal activity against M. incognita

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Scientists used a nematode-trapping fungus to create tiny zinc oxide particles that are highly toxic to root-knot nematodes, which damage crops worldwide. These nanoparticles are naturally coated with beneficial fungal compounds like riboflavin that enhance their pest-killing ability. The particles killed over 94% of nematodes in laboratory tests, offering a greener alternative to harsh chemical pesticides currently used in farming.

Research Keyword: metabolomics