Research Keyword: RNA-Seq

Antifungal activities of Rosmarinus extracts against Fusarium oxysporum, the pathogenic fungus of Anoectochilus stem rot

Researchers found that extracts from rosemary plants can effectively fight a fungus that causes stem rot disease in Anoectochilus, a valuable medicinal herb. The rosemary extracts worked both in laboratory tests and when applied to infected plants, reducing disease symptoms and boosting the plant’s natural defense mechanisms. These findings suggest rosemary extracts could be developed as a natural, safer alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides that harm the environment.

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The Velvet Complex Is Essential for Sclerotia Formation and Virulence in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Scientists studied a destructive fungus that damages crops by identifying key genes controlling its ability to form protective resting structures called sclerotia and cause disease. Using genetic screening techniques, they discovered that two genes called SsLae1 and SsVel1 work together as master controllers of both the fungus’s survival and its ability to infect plants. These findings could help develop new ways to control the disease by targeting these critical genes.

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Snowball: a novel gene family required for developmental patterning of fruiting bodies of mushroom-forming fungi (Agaricomycetes)

Scientists discovered a new gene called snb1 that is critical for mushroom development. When this gene is removed, mushrooms grow into simple ball-shaped structures without the normal parts like caps and stems. By studying these abnormal mushrooms, researchers identified many other genes involved in proper mushroom formation. This discovery helps explain how mushrooms develop their complex structures from simple fungal networks.

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Comparative Transcriptome Profiles of the Response of Mycelia of the Genus Morchella to Temperature Stress: An Examination of Potential Resistance Mechanisms

Scientists studied how morel mushrooms respond to different temperatures to understand why cultivation can be unpredictable. By analyzing gene activity in mushroom mycelia (the underground filaments) at temperatures from 5°C to 30°C, they found that 15-20°C was ideal for growth. At higher temperatures, the mushrooms showed signs of stress similar to heat damage in other organisms, turning brownish and activating protective genes. This research helps mushroom farmers optimize growing conditions for better yields.

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Genetic regulation of l-tryptophan metabolism in Psilocybe mexicana supports psilocybin biosynthesis

Researchers studied how magic mushrooms (Psilocybe mexicana) regulate their chemistry to produce psilocybin, the psychoactive compound. They found that when mushrooms start fruiting, they turn on genes that make tryptophan (an amino acid building block) and turn off genes that break it down, directing all the tryptophan toward psilocybin production. This coordinated genetic control ensures the mushroom has enough of this key ingredient. This knowledge could help grow these mushrooms in labs for legitimate medical research into treating depression.

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

This research explores how orchid-associated fungi sense and respond to their host plants before they even make physical contact. Scientists used advanced molecular techniques to track changes in gene expression and chemical composition in Tulasnella fungal cells when exposed to orchid plants. The fungi showed significant metabolic preparation, increasing production of proteins and cellular membrane components, suggesting they are actively preparing for symbiosis. This study reveals that plant-fungus interactions begin through long-distance chemical communication before the organisms ever physically meet.

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Optimized Protocol for RNA Isolation from Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus fumigatus Strains

Researchers developed an improved method for extracting RNA from common mold species like Penicillium and Aspergillus fumigatus. The new protocol uses physical shaking with beads and chemical extraction to break open fungal cells and isolate high-quality RNA. This method produces significantly more usable RNA than previous approaches and can be easily applied in laboratories working with many fungal samples.

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Transcriptomic changes in the PacC transcription factor deletion mutant of the plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea under acidic and neutral conditions

Gray mold is a common fungal disease affecting many plants, and it survives by adjusting to different pH levels in plant tissues. Scientists studied a specific protein called PacC that acts like a switch controlling which genes turn on or off based on acidity levels. By comparing normal fungi to mutants without this protein, researchers identified hundreds of genes that help the fungus adapt and cause disease, offering insights into how to potentially combat this agricultural problem.

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Transcriptome analysis of Ochratoxin A (OTA) producing Aspergillus westerdijkiae fc-1 under varying osmotic pressure

This research studied how salt concentration affects the production of ochratoxin A, a toxic substance produced by the fungus Aspergillus westerdijkiae that contaminates foods like coffee and grapes. Using advanced genetic analysis, scientists found that moderate salt levels (20 g/L) increase the fungus’s ability to produce this toxin by affecting specific genes. The findings help explain why OTA contamination is more common in salty foods like cured meats and suggest new ways to prevent this contamination and protect food safety.

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Differential hypo-osmotic stress responses and regulatory mechanisms of Aspergillus sydowii in amphipod guts and hadal sediments

Scientists discovered a new fungus living in the guts of deep-sea amphipods and studied how it survives in extreme pressure and low-salt environments. By comparing this gut fungus with a similar fungus from deep-sea sediments, they found that the gut fungus is better adapted to low-salt conditions and produces different protective chemicals. The study reveals that fungi evolve different survival strategies depending on where they live, using changes in cell walls and energy production to handle environmental stress.

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