Fungal Species:  Armillaria mellea

Different Symbiotic Species of Armillaria Affect the Yield and Active Compound Contents of Polyporus umbellatus

Polyporus umbellatus is a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating water retention and swelling. This study found that the type of symbiotic fungus (Armillaria species) growing with the mushroom significantly affects both how much mushroom is produced and the amounts of beneficial compounds it contains. Among three Armillaria species tested, A. gallica produced mushrooms with the highest yields and the most polysaccharides, making it the best choice for cultivation.

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Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the role of sugar signaling in response to high temperature stress in Armillaria gallica

Scientists studied how a fungus called Armillaria gallica responds to high heat, which is important because this fungus forms a partnership with a valuable medicinal plant called Gastrodia elata. They compared a heat-tolerant fungal strain with a heat-sensitive one and found that the heat-tolerant strain increases sugar accumulation and activates specific genes that help it survive hot conditions. Adding sucrose to the fungus’s growth medium helped it tolerate heat better, suggesting that sugar plays a key role in heat stress protection.

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Unlocking Reishi’s secrets: nutritional and medicinal traits of Ganoderma lucidum isolated from tree bark in Egypt

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) from Egypt show promise as natural medicine. Researchers tested extracts and found they can fight bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells in laboratory tests. The mushrooms are rich in beneficial compounds like vitamins and antioxidants. While the extract was not as strong as conventional drugs, it showed good safety profiles and potential for development into new medicines.

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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 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.

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Epidemiology, Biotic Interactions and Biological Control of Armillarioids in the Northern Hemisphere

This paper reviews how armillarioid fungi, particularly Armillaria species, cause root rot disease in forests and orchards across the Northern Hemisphere. These fungi spread through underground root-like structures called rhizomorphs and can kill trees and damage crops over large areas. The authors discuss how to identify these fungi using modern genetic methods and explore environmentally friendly biological control options using beneficial bacteria, fungi, and nematodes as alternatives to chemical treatments.

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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 study examines how a fungus called Tulasnella responds to orchids before they physically touch each other. Researchers grew the fungus near young orchid plants separated by a thin membrane and found that the fungus changed its genes and chemistry significantly, suggesting it somehow detected the orchid’s presence. The fungus increased production of proteins and fats, as if preparing for a partnership with the plant. These findings help us understand how plants and fungi communicate and begin their beneficial relationships.

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A Review of the Occurrence of Alpha-Emitting Radionuclides in Wild Mushrooms

Wild mushrooms can absorb radioactive elements from soil, particularly polonium and radium which accumulate to high levels. The amount of radioactivity varies greatly depending on where mushrooms are grown and what species they are. In most areas, naturally occurring radioactive elements are the main concern, but mushrooms from regions affected by nuclear accidents like Chernobyl may contain dangerous artificial radioactive isotopes. People who frequently consume wild mushrooms from certain regions could potentially exceed safe annual radiation exposure limits.

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Evolutionary Dynamics and Functional Bifurcation of the C2H2 Gene Family in Basidiomycota

Researchers studied C2H2 genes, which are master regulators controlling important processes in fungal cells, across 30 different mushroom and fungal species. They found that these genes evolved differently depending on whether fungi were decomposers (saprotrophs) or pathogens, with decomposers maintaining more complex gene structures. During mushroom development in Sarcomyxa edulis, different C2H2 genes became active at different stages, controlling temperature adaptation, fruiting body formation, and other developmental processes.

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Armillaria mellea Mycelia Alleviate PM2.5-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation in Murine Models

This study found that Armillaria mellea mushroom mycelia can help protect lungs from damage caused by PM2.5 air pollution. When tested in both laboratory cells and mice, the mushroom extract reduced inflammatory responses and restored healthy lung function. The protective effects work by reducing harmful inflammatory molecules and blocking inflammatory signaling pathways. These findings suggest A. mellea could be developed into a natural supplement to help protect respiratory health in areas with poor air quality.

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Optimized Extraction of Bioactive Polysaccharides from Wild Mushrooms: Toward Enhanced Yield and Antioxidant Activity

Scientists optimized how to extract healthy compounds called polysaccharides from three wild mushroom species found in European forests. Using hot water extraction with carefully controlled temperature, time, and water amounts, they found that each mushroom type had different optimal conditions for getting the most beneficial compounds. The extracted polysaccharides showed strong antioxidant properties and could be used to develop new functional foods or supplements.

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