fungal genomics – Page 2

Trichophyton indotineae Infection, São Paulo, Brazil, 2024

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A businessman from São Paulo, Brazil contracted a difficult-to-treat fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, which is resistant to the common antifungal drug terbinafine. After terbinafine failed to help over 9 weeks, doctors switched him to itraconazole, which worked well after 8 weeks. Genetic testing showed his fungal strain had a specific resistance mutation and was most similar to a strain from Germany, suggesting he may have caught it while traveling in Europe.

Genome characterization of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII strain PG12DES from Italy

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Researchers in Italy analyzed the genetic makeup of a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes that causes skin infections and appears to spread between people through sexual contact. The fungal strain studied was susceptible to all tested antifungal medications and shared similarities with a strain previously found in Moldova. This study helps doctors understand how this emerging fungal infection spreads globally and whether it’s developing resistance to treatments.

Draft genome sequence of Neofusicoccum caryigenum associated with pecan leaf dieback

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Scientists have sequenced the genetic blueprint of a fungus causing pecan leaf dieback disease, an emerging problem in southeastern U.S. pecan orchards. The fungus, called Neofusicoccum caryigenum, causes pecan trees to lose their leaves and produce fewer nuts. This first-ever genetic map of the pathogen will help researchers understand how it works and develop better ways to manage the disease.

Saprotrophic Arachnopeziza Species as New Resources to Study the Obligate Biotrophic Lifestyle of Powdery Mildew Fungi

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Scientists have created a new way to study powdery mildew fungus, which causes widespread plant disease but cannot normally be studied in the laboratory. They identified a related fungus species (Arachnopeziza) that can grow in culture and can be genetically modified. By sequencing the DNA of these two Arachnopeziza species and developing methods to alter their genes, researchers have created a practical tool to understand how powdery mildew becomes dependent on its plant host, potentially leading to better disease control strategies.

Comparison and Analysis of the Genomes of Three Strains of Botrytis cinerea Isolated from Pomegranate

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Researchers compared three strains of gray mold fungus (Botrytis cinerea) that infect pomegranate fruits from different regions in Mexico. Using DNA sequencing and laboratory tests, they found that the MIC strain from Hidalgo was more aggressive at infecting fruit and breaking down plant tissues than the other two strains from the State of Mexico. These differences appear related to each strain’s genetic makeup and where they originated, which could help farmers develop better strategies to prevent gray mold disease on pomegranates.

Plant Pathogenic Fungi Special Issue: Genetics and Genomics

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This scientific review discusses how modern genetics and genomics tools are helping researchers better understand and manage plant diseases caused by fungi. Seven research studies are presented covering topics like identifying different fungal species, understanding how fungi attack plants, and finding natural alternatives to chemical fungicides. The research emphasizes the importance of monitoring fungal diseases and developing crops that resist infection to protect global food production.

Draft genome sequence of Leptobacillium coffeanum (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales), a freshwater fungus isolated from Bohol, Philippines

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Scientists in the Philippines have sequenced the complete genetic code of a freshwater fungus called Leptobacillium coffeanum, which was found in forest streams in Bohol. This fungus belongs to a family of fungi that can help control pests and produce useful compounds for agriculture and medicine. The complete genetic information is now available to researchers worldwide for studying how this fungus works and finding new ways to use it for practical applications.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. palmarum responsible for fusarium wilt of palms

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Scientists sequenced the complete genetic material found in the mitochondria of a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum that causes a disease in palm trees. This fungus, which was collected from a sick Mexican fan palm in Florida, destroys palm fronds and can kill the tree. By mapping out this genetic information, researchers now have a better tool to quickly identify and track this harmful pathogen, which will help protect ornamental palm trees.

Saprotrophic Arachnopeziza Species as New Resources to Study the Obligate Biotrophic Lifestyle of Powdery Mildew Fungi

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Scientists have discovered that two types of fungi called Arachnopeziza species are the closest living relatives to powdery mildew fungi, which cause plant diseases. Unlike powdery mildews, these Arachnopeziza fungi can be easily grown in the lab and genetically modified. By studying these more manageable fungi, researchers can better understand how powdery mildew fungi became obligate parasites that must live on plants, potentially leading to better ways to control this widespread plant disease.

Whole-genome sequencing of global forest pathogen Diplodia sapinea causing pine shoot blight

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of Diplodia sapinea, a fungus that causes serious disease in pine trees worldwide. This fungus normally lives harmlessly inside healthy pine trees but becomes dangerous during stressful conditions like droughts or storms. The new genome information will help scientists understand how this pathogen works and develop better ways to prevent and control the disease in forests.

Research Topic: fungal genomics