secondary metabolism – Page 4

Microbe Profile: Streptomyces formicae KY5: an ANT-ibiotic factory

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Scientists have discovered a special bacterium called Streptomyces formicae that lives in ant nests and produces powerful antibiotics. This bacterium makes formicamycins, which can kill dangerous bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus that resists many common antibiotics. Using advanced genetic tools, researchers can modify this bacterium to unlock hidden antibiotic-producing pathways, potentially leading to new medicines to fight drug-resistant infections.

Whole-Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomics Analysis of the Wild Edible Mushroom (Gomphus purpuraceus) Provide Insights into Its Potential Food Application and Artificial Domestication

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Scientists sequenced the complete genetic code of Gomphus purpuraceus, a wild mushroom eaten in southwest China for hundreds of years. By comparing its genes to other edible mushrooms, researchers discovered it likely forms beneficial partnerships with trees and can break down some plant material. The study shows this mushroom can efficiently use simple sugars like sucrose and maltose for growth, which could help farmers grow it commercially while preserving this rare species.

In Vitro Screening of the Antifungal and Antimycotoxin Effects of a Stilbenoids-Rich Grapevine Cane Extract on Fusarium graminearum, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium expansum

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This study tested a natural extract from grapevine pruning waste to see if it could stop three dangerous fungi that produce harmful toxins in crops. The extract worked well at stopping both fungal growth and toxin production, with effects that lasted even after the extract was removed. These results suggest that grapevine waste could be turned into a natural fungicide to protect crops from contamination.

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.

Streptomyces-Based Bioformulation to Control Wilt of Morchella sextelata Caused by Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola

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Researchers isolated two beneficial bacteria strains (Streptomyces) from soil around morel mushrooms that can effectively fight a fungal disease causing morel wilting. These bacteria produce natural compounds that kill the disease-causing fungus while also promoting healthier mushroom growth. When used in field tests, these bacterial treatments reduced disease and increased morel yield by nearly 30% compared to untreated crops, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

Gene fusion and functional diversification of P450 genes facilitate thermophilic fungal adaptation to temperature change

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Researchers discovered that a thermophilic fungus uses two special genes to adapt to temperature changes. One of these genes is uniquely fused from two different genes, creating a hybrid protein with multiple functions. These genes help the fungus produce iron-binding molecules that stabilize its structure and support its growth when temperatures drop, allowing the fungus to survive in environments from compost piles to stored grains.

Comparative metabolic profiling of the mycelium and fermentation broth of Penicillium restrictum from Peucedanum praeruptorum rhizosphere

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Researchers studied a fungus called Penicillium restrictum found in the roots of QianHu, a traditional Chinese medicine plant. Using advanced chemical analysis, they discovered that this fungus produces important medicinal compounds called coumarins, with peak production around day 4 of growth. The fungus appears to produce even more types of these beneficial compounds than the plant itself, suggesting it could be used to manufacture these medicines more efficiently.

Alliance Between Conifer Trees and Endophytic Fungi Against Insect Defoliators

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Researchers discovered that helpful fungi living inside white spruce needles protect the trees from damaging budworm insects. These fungi work in two ways: they directly poison the insects that try to eat the needles, and they also encourage the trees to produce more of their own chemical defenses. This partnership between fungi and trees demonstrates an important co-evolutionary relationship where all three organisms—fungi, trees, and insects—influence each other over time.

Roles of NADPH oxidases in regulating redox homeostasis and pathogenesis of the poplar canker fungus Cytospora chrysosperma

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Poplar trees suffer from a serious fungal disease caused by Cytospora chrysosperma that devastates plantations. Scientists discovered that three genes controlling enzyme complexes called NADPH oxidases are critical for the fungus to cause disease. When these genes are removed, the fungus cannot produce enough of a toxic acid it uses to attack trees, and the fungus cells become stressed and damaged. These findings suggest new ways to control the disease by targeting these enzyme complexes.

Complete genome sequence analysis of Boeremia exigua, a fungal pathogen causing leaf spot disease of Panax notoginseng

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of a fungus called Boeremia exigua that causes leaf spot disease on Panax notoginseng, a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant. The fungus has a toolkit of genes that help it break down plant cell walls and infect the plant. By understanding the fungus’s genetic makeup, researchers hope to develop better ways to prevent or control this disease and protect P. notoginseng crops.

Research Keyword: secondary metabolism