Research Keyword: structural modeling

Dissimilar Reactions and Enzymes for Psilocybin Biosynthesis in Inocybe and Psilocybe Mushrooms

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This study reveals that two different types of magic mushrooms—Psilocybe and Inocybe—make psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) using completely different enzymes and chemical pathways. Despite both mushroom types producing the same final product, they evolved their recipes independently, like two chefs arriving at the same dish through entirely different cooking methods. The research shows how evolution can solve the same problem in multiple ways and provides new enzymes that could be useful for producing psilocybin as a potential depression treatment.

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Inhibition of RNase to Attenuate Fungal-Manipulated Rhizosphere Microbiome and Diseases

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Fusarium fungi cause major crop diseases by using a protein called Fg12 that kills helpful bacteria in plant roots, making it easier for the fungus to infect crops. Scientists discovered that a compound called GMP blocks Fg12’s harmful activity and restores beneficial bacteria, reducing disease symptoms in soybeans and alfalfa by 47-75%. This discovery offers a new chemical strategy to protect crops from fungal infections by disarming this key fungal weapon.

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Bioinformatics-aided identification, characterization and applications of mushroom linalool synthases

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Scientists discovered a special enzyme from mushrooms that efficiently produces linalool, a fragrance ingredient found in most perfumes and cosmetics. This fungal enzyme is much more efficient and selective than similar enzymes from plants or bacteria, making it ideal for mass-producing natural linalool through fermentation. The study used advanced computer analysis to identify the enzyme and revealed specific parts of the enzyme responsible for its excellent performance, which could help design even better enzymes in the future.

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Convergent evolution links molybdenum insertase domains with organism-specific sequences

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Scientists discovered that fungi have uniquely evolved a special way to make molybdenum cofactor, a molecule essential for life. When researchers tried to swap the fungal version with versions from plants or animals, the fungi couldn’t survive properly. A specific 20-amino acid section turned out to be critical for the fungus to use nitrate as food. This finding shows that evolution has created highly specialized solutions for the same biological problem in different organisms.

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In Vitro and Computational Response of Differential Catalysis by Phlebia brevispora BAFC 633 Laccase in Interaction with 2,4-D and Chlorpyrifos

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Scientists studied how two common pesticides (2,4-D and chlorpyrifos) interact with an enzyme called laccase produced by a white rot fungus. Using laboratory tests and computer simulations, they found that the fungus can survive exposure to these pesticides while still producing active laccase. Importantly, chlorpyrifos actually increased the enzyme’s activity, suggesting it could be useful for breaking down pesticide-contaminated soil and water.

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