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At least 1,099 records · Page 61Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Sterols of fungi responsible for superficial skin and nail infection.

Two groups of fungi isolated from human skin and nail are the dermatophytes Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton species and the non-dermatophytes Hendersonula toruloidea and Scytalidium hyalinum. Examination of the sterol composition of these fungi by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified five new sterols from dermatophytes, namely cholesterol, campesterol, episterol, fecosterol and sitosterol. These sterols, with ergosterol and brassicasterol, were also identified from extracts of H. toruloidea and S. hyalinum. Sterol patterns produced by GC-MS with selected ion recording of ten ions were analysed by principal components analysis using the SIMCA statistical package. The dermatophyte genera and species were not differentiated using this method, the similarity in sterol content reflecting the close taxonomic relationship of this group. H. toruloidea and S. hyalinum had similar sterol contents to each other, reinforcing the opinion that these fungi are related, although H. toruloidea form 3 was distinguished from forms 1 and 2.

Arthrodermataceae↗
PubMed2003

Novel anamorphic mite-associated fungi belonging to the Ustilaginomycetes: Meira geulakonigii gen. nov., sp. nov., Meira argovae sp. nov. and Acaromyces ingoldii gen. nov., sp. nov.

Three novel mite-associated basidiomycetous species are described in two new anamorph genera as Meira geulakonigii gen. nov., sp. nov. (type CBS 110052(T)=NRRL Y-27483(T)=AS 004(T)), Meira argovae sp. nov. (type CBS 110053(T)=NRRL Y-27482(T)=AS 005(T)) and Acaromyces ingoldii gen. nov., sp. nov. (type CBS 110050(T)=NRRL Y-27484(T)=AS 001(T)). Morphologically, these fungi are similar to the yeast-like fungi classified in the Ustilaginales, such as Pseudozyma species. However, analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rDNA suggests that they belong to two different lineages within the Exobasidiomycetidae of the Ustilaginomycetes (Basidiomycota). Furthermore, these fungi may be of interest for the biocontrol of mites, as they reduced mite numbers by approximately 80 % after inoculation.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Influence of Species of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Phosphorus Nutrition on Growth, Development, and Mineral Nutrition of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Growth, development, and mineral physiology of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants in response to infection by three species of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi and different levels of P nutrition were characterized. P deficiency in no-P and low-P (0.5 mM) nonmycorrhizal plants developed between 28 and 84 d after planting. By 84 d after planting, P deficiency decreased plant relative growth rate such that no-P and low-P plants had, respectively, 65 and 45% less dry mass and 76 and 55% less total P than plants grown with high P (2.5 mM). A severe reduction in leaf area was also evident, because P deficiency induced a restriction of lateral bud growth and leaf expansion and, also, decreased the relative plant allocation of dry matter to leaf growth. Root growth was less influenced by P deficiency than either leaf or stem growth. Moreover, P-deficient plants accumulated a higher proportion of total available P than high-P plants, indicating that P stress had enhanced root efficiency of P acquisition. Plant P deficiency did not alter the shoot concentration of N, K, Mg, or Fe; however, the total accumulation of these mineral nutrients in shoots of P-stressed plants was substantially less than that of high-P plants. P uptake by roots was enhanced by each of the VAM symbionts by 56 d after planting and at all levels of abiotic P supply. Species differed in their ability to colonize roots and similarly to produce a plant growth response. In this regard, Glomus intraradices (Schenck and Smith) enhanced plant growth the most, whereas Glomus dimorphicum (Boyetchko and Tewari) was least effective, and Glomus mosseae ([Nicol. and Gerd.] Gerd. and Trappe) produced an intermediate growth response. The partial alleviation of P deficiency in no-P and low-P plants by VAM fungi stimulated uptake of N, K, Mg, Fe, and Zn. VAM fungi enhanced shoot concentrations of P, N, and Mg by 28 d after planting and, through a general improvement of overall plant mineral nutrition, promoted plant growth and development.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Differential effect of purified spruce chitinases and beta-1,3-glucanases on the activity of elicitors from ectomycorrhizal fungi.

Two chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14) and two beta-1,3-glucanases (EC 3.2.1.39) were purified from the culture medium of spruce (Picea abines [L.] Karst.) cells to study their role in modifying elicitors, cell walls, growth, and hyphal morphology of ectomycorrhizal fungi. The 36-kD class I chitinase (isoelectric point [pl] 8.0) and the 28-kD chitinase (pl 8.7) decreased the activity of elicitor preparations from Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull. ex Fries.) Quél., Amanita muscaria (L.) Pers., and Suillus variegatus (Sw.: Fr.) O.K., as demonstrated by using the elicitor-induced extracellular alkalinization in spruce cells as a test system. In addition, chitinases released monomeric products from the walls of these ectomycorrhizal fungi. The beta-1,3-glucanases (35 kD, pl 3.7 and 3.9), in contrast, had little influence on the activity of the fungal elicitors and released only from walls of A. muscaria some polymeric products. Furthermore, chitinases alone and in combination with beta-1,3-glucanases had no effect on the growth and morphology of the hyphae. Thus, it is suggested that apoplastic chitinases in the root cortex destroy elicitors from the ectomycorrhizal fungi without damaging the fungus. By this mechanism the host plant could attenuate the elicitor signal and adjust its own defense reactions to a level allowing symbiotic interaction.

Amanita↗
PubMed1984

In Vivo Natural-Abundance C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Living Ectomycorrhizal Fungi : Observation of Fatty Acids in Cenococcum graniforme and Hebeloma crustuliniforme.

Natural-abundance (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been used to study intact mycelia of the ectomycorrhizal fungi Cenococcum graniforme (Ascomycetes) and Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Basidiomycetes). A number of sharp resonances are observed in living fungi. These signals primarily arise from fatty acyl chains and carbohydrate nuclei. The spectra are interpreted in terms of relative concentrations of the major fatty acids present in the fungal triglycerides. The small line width of fatty acids (mainly oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids) resonances and spin-lattice relaxation time are indicative of fast rotational reorientations and are consequently thought to arise from fatty acyl chains in fat droplets. We were able to locate the site of lipids accumulation within mycelia using light microscopy and histological staining. Many lipid droplets were observed in mycelia of both species.These results suggest that fatty acids droplets could be involved in carbon storage and metabolism from ectomycorrhizal fungi.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1981

Interactions between dermatophyte fungi and staphylococci or Brevibacterium in vitro.

Interactions between dermatophyte fungi and staphylococci or brevibacteria on a new skin-based culture medium are described. Penicillin production by the fungus selects penicillin resistant S. aureus or B. epidermidis. Fungi are inhibited by brevibacteria but not by the staphylococci. "Keratolysis" by fungi may contribute to the growth nutrients of staphylococci.

Arthrodermataceae↗
PubMed2005

Three etiologic facets of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: Malassezia fungi, sebaceous lipids, and individual sensitivity.

Application of new molecular and biochemical tools has greatly increased our understanding of the organisms, mechanisms, and treatments of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff results from at least three etiologic factors: Malassezia fungi, sebaceous secretions, and individual sensitivity. While Malassezia (formerly P. ovale) has long been a suspected cause, implicated by its presence on skin and lipophylic nature, lack of correlation between Malassezia number and the presence and severity of dandruff has remained perplexing. We have previously identified the Malassezia species correlating to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. In this report, we show that dandruff is mediated by Malassezia metabolites, specifically irritating free fatty acids released from sebaceous triglycerides. Investigation of the toxic Malassezia free fatty acid metabolites (represented by oleic acid) reveals the component of individual susceptibility. Malassezia metabolism results in increased levels of scalp free fatty acids. Of the three etiologic factors implicated in dandruff, Malassezia, sebaceous triglycerides, and individual susceptibility, Malassezia are the easiest to control. Pyrithione zinc kills Malassezia and all other fungi, and is highly effective against the Malassezia species actually found on scalp. Reduction in fungi reduces free fatty acids, thereby reducing scalp flaking and itch.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2006

Unequivocal morphological diagnosis of fungi in morphologically abnormal nails.

AIMS: To analyse the prevalence of fungi in abnormal nails by morphological diagnosis. Prevalence studies of onychomycoses in temperate climate zones have yielded widely varying rates, possibly reflecting the confounding effects of referral bias, sampling specificity and intrinsic sensitivity of the diagnostic techniques employed. METHODS AND RESULTS: The method employed to identify fungi in nails entailed primary fixation using a non-formaldehyde-based coagulative fixative (BoonFix; Finetec, Japan) and microwave-enhanced processing to histology, followed by staining the paraffin sections with periodic acid-Schiff, using haematoxylin as a routine counterstain. The results of 990 nail samples were tabled for statistical analysis related to gender, patient age and diabetes mellitus status. In four of the 990 (< 1%) analysed cases the diagnosis was found to be equivocal using the method employed. These cases were jointly reviewed for definitive diagnosis. The overall prevalence of invasive hyphal structures was found to be 606/990 (approximately 61%). The relative risk for fungal infection in morphologically abnormal nails was found to be higher for persons < 20 years old or diabetic patients aged > or = 71 years. CONCLUSIONS: The 61% positivity rate for fungi found justifies systematic direct submission of samples from abnormal nails for histological confirmation in order to avoid unwarranted treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Effects of some ionophore antibiotics and polyoxins on the growth of anaerobic rumen fungi.

The growth of mixed rumen fungi in vitro was suppressed by both ionophore antibiotics (salinomycin, monensin and portmicin) and polyoxins (polyoxin B and D: inhibitors of chitin synthesis). The fungistatic effect of the ionophores on a Piromonas spp. was more pronounced than on a Neocallimastix spp. The polyoxins, however, were more potent fungistatically against the Neocallimastix spp. than the Piromonas spp. Higher concentrations of the polyoxins were required to elicit the same effect as that observed with the ionophores. Salinomycin administration decreased fungal count in the rumen of sheep, but fungal count increased after the cessation of the feeding of the antibiotic. Polyoxin D also suppressed the growth of fungi in vivo, but the effect was short-lived. Nevertheless, both bacterial and protozoal counts tended to increase during and after the administration of polyoxin D. Total volatile fatty acid concentrations in the rumen tended to increase during the period of polyoxin D administration. This increasing tendency was maintained for 10 d after the cessation of antibiotic administration. Offering polyoxin D to sheep increased production of propionate (P < 0.05), while decreasing that of acetate. The results indicate that the rumen fungi are sensitive to chitin synthesis inhibitors as well as ionophores, and are essential members of microbes in the rumen ecosystem.

Acetates↗
PubMed2006

Nucleotide excision repair and photoreactivation in the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria brongniartii, Beauveria nivea, Metarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces farinosus and Verticillium lecanii.

AIMS: To compare the DNA repair capabilities of the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) bassiana to the EPF Beauveria brongniartii, Beauveria nivea, Metarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces farinosus, Verticillium lecanii, and the fungi Aspergillus niger and Neurospora crassa. METHODS AND RESULTS: Germination of B. bassiana conidiospores following ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was used to show that nucleotide excision repair and photoreactivation decrease the post-UV germination delay. These two modes of repair were characterized and compared between the aforementioned EPF, A. niger and N. crassa using a physiological assay where per cent survival post-UV irradiation was scored as colony forming units. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed B. bassiana and M. anisopliae are the most UV-tolerant EPF. The DNA repair capabilities indicated that EPF do not have all DNA repair options available to fungi, such as A. niger and N. crassa. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: A key factor detrimental to the survival of EPF in agro-ecosystems is UV light from solar radiation. The EPF literature pertaining to UV irradiation is varied with respect to methodology, UV source, and dose, which prevented comparisons. Here we have characterized the fungi by a standard method and established the repair capabilities of EPF under optimal conditions.

Ascomycota↗
PubMed2006

Phagocytosis, production of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines by macrophages in the presence of dematiaceous [correction of dematiaceus] fungi that cause chromoblastomycosis.

Chromoblastomycosis is characterized by the slow development of polymorphic skin lesions (nodules, verrucas, tumores, plaques and scar tissue). Inside the host, infectious propagules adhere to epithelial cells and differentiate into sclerotic forms, which effectively resist destruction by host effector cells and allow onset of chronic disease. A cellular immune response against fungi is essential to control infection. Amongst the cells of the immune system, macrophages play the most important role in controlling fungal growth. In this study, we show that the fungicidal characteristic of macrophages is dependent on the fungal species that causes chromoblastomycosis. We began by observing that the phagocytic index was higher for Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Rhinocladiella aquaspersa compared with that of other fungi. Complement-mediated phagocytosis was more important for Phialophora verrucosa and R. aquaspersa and was inhibited by mannan when F. pedrosoi and R. aquaspersa conidia were phagocytosed by macrophages. We showed that macrophages killed significantly only R. aquaspersa. We also found that the phagocytosis of fungi has functional consequences for macrophages as phagocytosis resulted in down-modulation of MHC-II and CD80 expression as well as in the inhibition of the basal liberation of NO. However, the inhibition of the basal liberation of NO nor the down-modulation of MHC and co-stimulatory molecules were observed in the presence of R. aquaspersa.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Endoglucanase-producing fungi isolated from Cape Evans historic expedition hut on Ross Island, Antarctica.

Early explorers of Antarctica's Heroic Era erected wooden buildings and brought large quantities of supplies to survive in Antarctica. The introduction of wood and other organic materials provided nutrient sources for fungi that were indigenous to Antarctica or were brought in with the materials and adapted to the harsh conditions. Seventy-two isolates of filamentous fungi were cultured on selective media from interior structural wood of the Cape Evans historic hut and 27 of these screened positive for the ability to degrade carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Four non-CMC-degrading isolates were added to a group of 14 CMC-degrading isolates for further study, and endo-1, 4-beta-glucanase activity was demonstrated in the extracellular supernatant from all of these 18 isolates when grown at 4 degrees C, and also when they were grown at 15 degrees C. Isolates of Penicillium roquefortii and Cadophora malorum showed preference for growth at 15 degrees C rather than 25 degrees C or 4 degrees C indicating psychrotrophic characteristics. These results demonstrate that cellulolytic filamentous fungi found in Antarctica are capable of growth at cold temperatures and possess the ability to produce extracellular endo-1, 4-beta-glucanase when cultured at cold and temperate temperatures.

Antarctic Regions↗
PubMed2007

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) of toxic metal mineral transformations by fungi.

Fungi can be highly efficient biogeochemical agents and accumulators of soluble and particulate forms of metals. This work aims to understand some of the physico-chemical mechanisms involved in toxic metal transformations focusing on the speciation of metals accumulated by fungi and mycorrhizal associations. The amorphous state or poor crystallinity of metal complexes within biomass and relatively low metal concentrations make the determination of metal speciation in biological systems a challenging problem but this can be overcome by using synchrotron-based element-specific X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) techniques. In this research, we have exposed fungi and ectomycorrhizas to a variety of copper-, zinc- and lead-containing minerals. X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies revealed that oxygen ligands (phosphate, carboxylate) played a major role in toxic metal coordination within the fungal and ectomycorrhizal biomass during the accumulation of mobilized toxic metals. Coordination of toxic metals within biomass depended on the fungal species, initial mineral composition, the nitrogen source, and the physiological state/age of the fungal mycelium.

Aspergillus niger↗
PubMed2005

UNITE: a database providing web-based methods for the molecular identification of ectomycorrhizal fungi.

Identification of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi is often achieved through comparisons of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences with accessioned sequences deposited in public databases. A major problem encountered is that annotation of the sequences in these databases is not always complete or trustworthy. In order to overcome this deficiency, we report on UNITE, an open-access database. UNITE comprises well annotated fungal ITS sequences from well defined herbarium specimens that include full herbarium reference identification data, collector/source and ecological data. At present UNITE contains 758 ITS sequences from 455 species and 67 genera of ECM fungi. UNITE can be searched by taxon name, via sequence similarity using blastn, and via phylogenetic sequence identification using galaxie. Following implementation, galaxie performs a phylogenetic analysis of the query sequence after alignment either to pre-existing generic alignments, or to matches retrieved from a blast search on the UNITE data. It should be noted that the current version of UNITE is dedicated to the reliable identification of ECM fungi. The UNITE database is accessible through the URL http://unite.zbi.ee

DNA, Ribosomal Spacer↗
PubMed2005

Ectopic expression of the mycorrhiza-specific chitinase gene Mtchit 3-3 in Medicago truncatula root-organ cultures stimulates spore germination of glomalean fungi.

Expression of Mtchit 3-3, a class III chitinase gene, is specifically induced by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in roots of the model legume Medicago truncatula and its transcripts accumulate in cells containing arbuscules. Agrobacterium rhizogenes-transformed roots and root-organ cultures of M. truncatula were used to study effects of Mtchit 3-3 on AM fungi. * This work provides evidence for enzymatic activity of the Mtchit 3-3 gene product and shows with promoter:gus fusions that a 2 kb fragment located 5' upstream from the translational start codon of Mtchit 3-3 is sufficient to confer arbuscule-dependent gene expression. By fusing the Mtchit 3-3 coding region to the CaMV 35S promoter the expression pattern was disrupted. Surprisingly, disruption stimulated spore germination of Glomus intraradices and Glomus constrictum, and in the case of G. intraradices resulted in a higher probability of root colonization and spore formation. However, no effect on the abundance of arbuscules within colonized roots became apparent. These observations demonstrate that disruption of the tight arbuscule-dependent expression pattern of Mtchit 3-3 has effects on the early interaction between roots and AM fungi.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Activities of chitinolytic enzymes during primary and secondary colonization of wood by basidiomycetous fungi.

The nitrogen (N) content of wood is usually suboptimal for fungal colonization. During decomposition of wood, an increasing fraction of the N becomes incorporated into fungal mycelium. Between 5 and 50% of the N in wood-degrading mycelium may be incorporated into chitin. Chitinolytic enzymes render this N available for re-utilization. Here, the activities of chitinolytic enzymes produced by wood-rotting fungi during degradation of spruce (Picea abies) wood were quantified in situ using fluorogenic 4-methylumbelliferyl substrates. A new method was developed that enables spatial quantification of enzyme activities on solid surfaces. All of the three tested fungi produced endochitinases, chitobiosidases and N-acetylhexosaminidases during colonization of wood. N-acetylhexosaminidase activity, and in some cases also chitobiosidase and endochitinase activities, were higher during secondary overgrowth of another fungus than during primary colonization of noncolonized wood. The results suggest that wood-degrading fungi degrade their own cell walls as well as the hyphae of earlier colonizers. Recycling of cell wall material within single mycelia and between fungal individuals during succession may lead to retention of N within woody debris.

Basidiomycota↗
PubMed2006

Organic anion exudation by ectomycorrhizal fungi and Pinus sylvestris in response to nutrient deficiencies.

Low molecular weight organic anions (LMWOA) can enhance weathering of mineral grains. We tested the hypothesis that ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi and tree seedlings increase their exudation of LMWOA when supply of magnesium, potassium and phosphorus is low to enhance the mobilization of Mg, K and P from mineral grains. Ectomycorrhizal fungi and Pinus sylvestris seedlings were cultured in symbiosis and in isolation on glass beads with nutrient solution or with sand as a rooting medium, with a complete nutrient supply or with Mg, K, P or N in low supply. Concentrations of all dicarboxylic LMWOA in the rooting medium were measured. Nonmycorrhizal seedlings released predominantly malonate. Colonization with Hebeloma longicaudum decreased the amount of organic anions exuded, whereas Paxillus involutus and Piloderma croceum increased the concentration of oxalate but not the total amount of LMWOA. Phosphorus deficiency increased the concentration of LMWOA by nonmycorrhizal and EcM seedlings. Magnesium deficiency increased the concentration of oxalate by nonmycorrhizal and EcM seedlings, but not the concentration of total LMWOA. Paxillus involutus grown in pure culture responded differently to low nutrient supply compared with symbiotic growth. Ectomycorrhizal fungi did not increase the total concentration of LMWOA compared with nonmycorrhizal seedlings but, depending on the fungal species, they affected the type of LMWOA found.

Anions↗
PubMed2000

Identification of spores in the polycentric anaerobic gut fungi which enhance their ability to survive.

Two new isolates of the gut fungi were obtained from the rumen digesta and faeces of a cow. These isolates, designated Anaeromyces following rDNA typing, displayed a polycentric growth habit but differed from all other gut fungi in that they were able to survive in the laboratory for considerable periods without the need for sub-culture. Light microscopy of preparations from old liquid-grown cultures revealed the presence of DNA-containing spores with two or four chambers. A comparative evaluation of the growth produced when fresh media were inoculated with a sample originating from young or old cultures revealed that active growth was delayed with the inoculum from the older culture. We propose that the chambered spores observed in these cultures provide an alternative path in the life cycle of these fungi and may function as a resting stage within the anaerobic environment of the herbivore gut.

Journal Article↗