Research Topic: fatty acid metabolism

Post-Harvest Quality Changes and Molecular Responses of Epidermal Wax in ‘Munage’ Grapes with Botrytis cinerea Infection

‘Munage’ grapes from Xinjiang are susceptible to a fungus called Botrytis cinerea that causes gray mold during storage. The fungus dissolves the protective waxy coating on the grape surface, leading to faster deterioration. The study identified specific genes and proteins that control wax production, which could help scientists develop better storage methods and disease prevention strategies to keep grapes fresher longer.

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Fungal pathogens and symbionts: Living off the fat of the land

Certain fungi that live exclusively in or on hosts have evolved a clever survival strategy: they stopped making their own fatty acids and instead steal them from their hosts. This includes fungi that cause pneumonia in immunocompromised patients, yeasts on skin, and beneficial fungi that help plants absorb nutrients from soil. By examining how these fungi scavenge fatty acids from their hosts, scientists hope to develop better treatments and diagnostic tools for fungal infections.

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Antifungal Volatile Organic Compounds from Talaromyces purpureogenus CEF642N: Insights from One Strain Many Compounds (OSMAC) Strategy for Controlling Verticillium dahliae in Cotton

Scientists discovered that a beneficial fungus called Talaromyces purpureogenus produces natural antifungal compounds that effectively control cotton wilt disease caused by the harmful fungus Verticillium dahliae. The study identified two main compounds, 3-octanol and 2-octenal, that showed strong antifungal activity without synthetic chemicals. This research offers a promising green alternative for protecting cotton crops from one of agriculture’s major diseases while being environmentally friendly.

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Expression pattern, subcellular localization of Aspergillus oryzae ergosterol synthases, and their effects on ergosterol and fatty acid metabolism

Researchers studied how Aspergillus oryzae fungi make ergosterol, a key ingredient in fungal cell membranes. They found that this process is much more complex in this mold than in baker’s yeast, with 49 genes involved. By selectively increasing expression of specific genes, they were able to boost ergosterol production by up to 2.3 times, which could have applications in producing fungal-derived medicines and improving fermented foods.

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