Schizophyllum commune – Page 8

Unholy marriages and eternal triangles: how competition in the mushroom life cycle can lead to genomic conflict

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Mushrooms reproduce in an unusual way where two separate genomes coexist peacefully in the same fungal body. However, this arrangement creates opportunities for selfish genetic elements to cheat and pursue their own interests at the expense of the whole organism. The authors explore how competition between these genetic components could drive evolution of new mating systems and characteristics in mushroom fungi.

Morphological and molecular identification of Schizophyllum commune causing storage bulb rot disease of Lanzhou edible lily in China and its biological characteristics

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Researchers in China identified Schizophyllum commune as a fungal pathogen causing rot in stored edible lily bulbs, marking the first report of this disease. The fungus was identified using microscopic examination and genetic sequencing, and was shown to cause 100% infection on lily bulbs. The study found that the fungus grows best at 30°C with high humidity and darkness, providing important information for controlling this storage disease that causes significant crop losses.

Electrical integrity and week-long oscillation in fungal mycelia

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Researchers discovered that fungal mycelia (underground networks of fungal threads) use electrical signals to communicate across their bodies when searching for food like wood. When a fungus found a piece of wood to eat, it generated electrical signals that spread throughout its mycelial network, possibly helping coordinate the fungus’s response. Most remarkably, the fungus exhibited a peculiar electrical rhythm at the food location that cycled every week—the longest such pattern ever observed in fungi.

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

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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.

The first described case of Fomitiporella micropora infection in humans: A heart transplant recipient diagnosed by fungal PCR

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A patient who received a heart transplant developed a small, slowly-growing lump on his shin over many years. After surgical removal, genetic testing revealed it was caused by a rare fungus never before identified in humans. The surgical removal likely cured the infection, and the case shows how important advanced genetic testing methods are for identifying unusual infections in transplant patients.

Schizophyllum radiatum: An uncommon culprit of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in an immunocompetent patient – A case report from India

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A 32-year-old healthy woman in India developed a serious fungal infection in her sinuses caused by an unusually rare fungus called Schizophyllum radiatum. Doctors removed the infected material through surgery and identified the fungus using genetic sequencing when standard methods failed. Treatment with antifungal medication successfully cleared the infection, and the patient fully recovered.

Low temperature, mechanical wound, and exogenous salicylic acid (SA) can stimulate the SA signaling molecule as well as its downstream pathway and the formation of fruiting bodies in Flammulina filiformis

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Researchers studied how cooling, physical damage, and a plant hormone called salicylic acid can trigger fruiting body formation in an edible mushroom called Flammulina filiformis. They discovered that these treatments activate specific genes in the mushroom that control fruit production. This research helps explain why mushroom farmers use these methods and could improve mushroom cultivation efficiency.

Clinical benefits of β-glucan supplementation in children: a review

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This review examines how β-glucan, a natural fiber found in mushrooms, yeast, and grains, can help strengthen children’s immune systems and improve their health. Studies show that β-glucan supplementation may reduce the frequency and severity of colds and respiratory infections, improve digestive health, help control blood sugar levels, and support overall development. The evidence suggests that β-glucan could be a valuable dietary supplement for malnourished or immunocompromised children worldwide.

Whole Genome Sequence of the Commercially Relevant Mushroom Strain Agaricus bisporus var. bisporus ARP23

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Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a wild button mushroom strain (ARP23) that has been successfully bred with commercial mushrooms to create the ‘Heirloom’ variety. This strain is larger and contains more genes than other known button mushroom strains, making it valuable for breeding disease-resistant varieties. The genome sequence reveals that all button mushroom strains share core genes for breaking down plant material in compost, but have diverse collections of optional genes. This genetic resource provides a foundation for developing mushrooms more resistant to diseases and viruses.

You Are What You Eat: How Fungal Adaptation Can Be Leveraged toward Myco-Material Properties

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Fungi can be grown to create eco-friendly materials that could replace plastics and petroleum-based products. By controlling what fungi eat and where they grow, scientists can engineer the properties of these materials to be stronger, more flexible, or water-resistant. This approach leverages the natural ability of fungi to break down organic matter and adapt to their environment. Companies like IKEA and Dell are already using these fungal materials in product packaging.

Fungal Species: Schizophyllum commune