Mrakia polaris sp. nov. and Mrakia amundsenii sp. nov. (Mrakiaceae, Cystofilobasidiales), two novel psychrophilic yeast species isolated from Arctic habitats.

Four yeast strains belonging to the basidiomycetous yeast genus Mrakia were isolated from diverse habitats in the Ny-Ålesund region (Svalbard, High Arctic): two from vascular plants, one from seawater and one from freshwater. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the ITS region and the D1/D2 domain of the 28S rRNA gene, identified these four strains as representing two novel species within the genus Mrakia. The names Mrakia polaris sp. nov. (MycoBank number: MB 852063) and Mrakia amundsenii sp. nov. (MycoBank number: MB 852064) are proposed. These two new species show distinct psychrophilic adaptations, as they exhibit optimal growth at temperatures between 10 and 15°C, while being unable to grow at 25°C. The holotype of M. polaris sp. nov. is CPCC 300345T, and the holotype of M. amundsenii sp. nov. is CPCC 300572T.

Two new Russula species (fungi) from dry dipterocarp forest in Thailand suggest niche specialization to this habitat type.

Dry dipterocarp forests are among the most common habitat types in Thailand. Russulaceae are known as common ectomycorrhizal symbionts of Dipterocarpaceae trees in this type of habitat. The present study aims to identify collections of Russula subsection Amoeninae Buyck from dry dipterocarp forests in Thailand. A multi-locus phylogenetic analysis placed Thai Amoeninae collections in two novel lineages, and they are described here as R. bellissima sp. nov. and R. luteonana sp. nov. The closest identified relatives of both species were sequestrate species suggesting that they may belong to drought-adapted lineages. An analysis of publicly available ITS sequences in R. subsect. Amoeninae did not confirm evidence of any of the new species occurring in other Asian regions, indicating that dry dipterocarp forests might harbor a novel community of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Macromorphological characters are variable and are not totally reliable for distinguishing the new species from other previously described Asian Amoeninae species. Both new species are defined by a combination of differentiated micromorphological characteristics in spore ornamentation, hymenial cystidia and hyphal terminations in the pileipellis. The new Amoeninae species may correspond to some Russula species collected for consumption in Thailand, and the detailed description of the new species can be used for better identification of edible species and food safety in the region.

Two new species of rust fungi (Pucciniales) from the Brazilian Amazon: Aecidium margaritariae on Margaritaria and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha / Duas novas espécies de ferrugens (Pucciniales) da Amazônia brasileira: Aecidium margaritariae sobre Margaritaria e Uromyces amapaensis sobre Jatropha

Two new species of Pucciniales fungi on plants of the Fabid clade are described from samples deposited in the herbarium of Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, collected in the state of Amapá, in the Brazilian Amazon. They are Aecidium margaritariae found on Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae), and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae). The microstructures of the specimens were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Aecidium margaritariae is characterized by the presence of globose, subglobose to slightly ellipsoid aeciospores with warty walls and smooth areas usually in the basal portion. Uromyces amapaensis is distinguished by the presence of uredinia with paraphyses which are thickened and rounded at the tip, and pedicellate and smooth teliospores. Descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic comments are presented for each species.

Duas novas espécies de fungos Pucciniales sobre plantas do clado das fabídeas são descritas a partir de amostras depositadas no herbário do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, coletadas no estado do Amapá, na Amazonia Brasileira. Aecidium margaritariae ocorrendo sobre Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae) e Uromyces amapaensis sobre Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae). As microestruturas dos espécimes foram analisadas em microscópio óptico e em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Aecidium margaritariae se caracteriza por apresentar eciósporos globosos, subglobosos a levemente elipsoides, parede verrugosa com áreas lisas geralmente na extremidade basal. Uromyces amapaensis se diferencia por apresentar uredínios com paráfises engrossadas e arredondadas no ápice e teliósporos pedicelados, lisos. São apresentadas descrições, ilustrações e comentários taxonômicos para cada espécie.

Crystallicutis gen. nov. (Irpicaceae, Basidiomycota), including C. damiettensis sp. nov., found on Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) trunks in the Nile Delta of Egypt.

The taxonomy of Polyporales is complicated by the variability in key morphological characters across families and genera, now being gradually resolved through molecular phylogenetic analyses. Here a new resupinate species, Crystallicutis damiettensis sp. nov. found on the decayed trunks of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) trees in the fruit orchards of the Nile Delta region of Egypt is reported. Multigene phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, EF1α, RPB1 and RPB2 loci place this species in Irpicaceae, and forming a distinct clade with Ceraceomyces serpens and several other hitherto unnamed taxa, which we also incorporate into a new genus Crystallicutis. We name two of these species, Crystallicutis huangshanensis sp. nov. and Crystallicutis rajchenbergii sp. nov. The distinctive feature of Crystallicutis gen. nov. is the presence of crystal-encrusted hyphae in the hymenium and subiculum. Basidiomes are usually honey-yellow with white margins but there is variability in the presence of clamp connections and cystidia, as noted for other genera within Irpicacae. C. damiettensis is hitherto consistently associated with date palms killed by the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, a highly damaging and invasive pest, recently spread to the Mediterranean region. C. damiettensis causes rapid wood decay by a potentially unusual white-rot mechanism and may play a role in the damage caused by R. ferrugineus.

Multiple Pathways to Homothallism in Closely Related Yeast Lineages in the Basidiomycota.

Sexual reproduction in fungi relies on proteins with well-known functions encoded by the mating type (MAT) loci. In the Basidiomycota, MAT loci are often bipartite, with the P/R locus encoding pheromone precursors and pheromone receptors and the HD locus encoding heterodimerizing homeodomain transcription factors (Hd1/Hd2). The interplay between different alleles of these genes within a single species usually generates at least two compatible mating types. However, a minority of species are homothallic, reproducing sexually without an obligate need for a compatible partner. Here, we examine the organization and function of the MAT loci of Cystofilobasidium capitatum, a species in the order Cystofilobasidiales, which is unusually rich in homothallic species. We determined MAT gene content and organization in C. capitatum and found that it resembles a mating type of the closely related heterothallic species Cystofilobasidium ferigula To explain the homothallic sexual reproduction observed in C. capitatum, we examined HD protein interactions in the two Cystofilobasidium species and determined C. capitatum MAT gene expression both in a natural setting and upon heterologous expression in Phaffia rhodozyma, a homothallic species belonging to a clade sister to that of Cystofilobasidium. We conclude that the molecular basis for homothallism in C. capitatum appears to be distinct from that previously established for P. rhodozyma Unlike in the latter species, homothallism in C. capitatum may involve constitutive activation or dispensability of the pheromone receptor and the functional replacement of the usual Hd1/Hd2 heterodimer by an Hd2 homodimer. Overall, our results suggest that homothallism evolved multiple times within the Cystofilobasidiales.IMPORTANCE Sexual reproduction is important for the biology of eukaryotes because it strongly impacts the dynamics of genetic variation. In fungi, although sexual reproduction is usually associated with the fusion between cells belonging to different individuals (heterothallism), sometimes a single individual is capable of completing the sexual cycle alone (homothallism). Homothallic species are unusually common in a fungal lineage named Cystofilobasidiales. Here, we studied the genetic bases of homothallism in one species in this lineage, Cystofilobasidium capitatum, and found it to be different in several aspects from those of another homothallic species, Phaffia rhodozyma, belonging to the genus most closely related to Cystofilobasidium Our results strongly suggest that homothallism evolved independently in Phaffia and Cystofilobasidium, lending support to the idea that transitions between heterothallism and homothallism are not as infrequent as previously thought. Our work also helps to establish the Cystofilobasidiales as a model lineage in which to study these transitions.

Phlebopus roseus, a new edible bolete from China, is associated with insects and plants.

Phlebopus roseus is described as new based on collections from southwest China. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and portions of nuclear 28S rDNA (28S), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), and the largest and second largest subunits of RNA polymerase II (rpb1, rpb2) support P. roseus as a novel species in the genus Phlebopus (Boletinellaceae, Boletales). The new species resembles P. portentosus but differs from it in that mature basidiomata have a bright rose-red-colored stipe and a radiate tubular hymenophore with nested pores. Despite extensive searching, P. roseus has only been found at four sites within a 24-hectare orchard dominated by Eriobotrya japonica, which is agriculturally important given its fruit production (loquats). Therefore, this species appears to be endemic and geographically restricted. The ecology of this bolete is also unique. In line with the trophic behavior of other species in the Boletinellaceae, our observations indicate that P. roseus forms a symbiotic association with the scale insect Coccus hesperidum, identified through sequence analysis of its mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region, to form fungus-insect galls that develop on roots of E. japonica trees. Phlebopus roseus is an edible mushroom species and is collected from the type location by farmers and sold commercially in limited quantities at local markets alongside P. portentosus and other fungi.

Study of Antibacterial Activity of Amazonian Agaricomycetes Mushrooms from Brazil.

This study aimed to examine the antibacterial activity of extracts of Amazonian Agaricomycetes macrofungi. The sample comprised 168 specimen collected at the Zoobotanical Park of the Federal University of Acre (Brazil), of which 32 (19%) were isolated. Extracts of the 32 isolates and 28 Agaricomycetes basidiomata were prepared and tested for activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria, using the disc diffusion method. Of the 32 metabolite extracts of the isolated Basidiomycetes, 11 (34.4%) exhibited antibacterial activity especially against Gram-negative E. coli and K. pneumoniae bacteria, while of the 28 basidiomata extracts, 6 (21.4%) exhibited antibacterial activity mainly against the Gram-positive S. aureus bacteria. This study is the first to report the antibacterial activity of the Agaricomycetes species Coriolopsis caperata, Cyclomyces iodinus, Cymatoderma sp., Favolus tenuiculus, and Tyromyces cf. polyporoides, and contributes as the first investigation about the antibacterial potential of Basidiomycetes grown in Southwest Amazonia.

Structural, physical characteristics and biological activities assessment of scleroglucan from a local strain Athelia rolfsii TEMG.

Athelia rolfsii TEMG (MH 236106) an exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing fungal strain was isolated and identified. Extraction, purification, characterization, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral and antitumor activities of the polysaccharide were investigated. It characterized as a homopolysaccharide of glucose with a molecular weight of 345.622 kDa. The identification of the polysaccharide was conducted using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, 1H and 13C NMR spectra. The existence of ß-1,3 and ß-1,6 linkages suggests that EPS could be scleroglucan. The purified scleroglucan showed considerable antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The results indicated that, there was no cytotoxicity on normal cell (W138) and no effect on tumor cell lines including HepG2 and PC3 showing IC50 of 5096.83, 5885.80 and 4803.90 µg/mL, respectively. The results showed also that Sclg could reduce the cytopathic effect by 50% (EC50) at 15 and 50 µg/mL of herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and influenza virus (H5N1), respectively.

Convergent Evolution of Fungal Cysteine Dioxygenases.

Cupin-type cysteine dioxygenases (CDOs) are non-heme iron enzymes that occur in animals, plants, bacteria and in filamentous fungi. In this report, we show that agaricomycetes contain an entirely unrelated type of CDO that emerged by convergent evolution from enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of ergothioneine. The activity of this CDO type is dependent on the ergothioneine precursor N-α-trimethylhistidine. The metabolic link between ergothioneine production and cysteine oxidation suggests that the two processes might be part of the same chemical response in fungi, for example against oxidative stress.

Basidioradulum mayi and B. tasmanicum spp. nov. (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) from both sides of Bass Strait, Australia.

Basidioradulum was morphologically considered to be a synonym of Xylodon. Here, its independence within Hymenochaetales is confirmed from a phylogenetic perspective. Basidioradulum radula, the generic type, is widely distributed in Northern Hemisphere. Two Southern Hemisphere species close to B. radula are newly described as B. mayi and B. tasmanicum, respectively, from Victoria and Tasmania, Australia. Basidioradulum mayi differs from B. radula by lack of cystidia. Moreover, the hymenial surface of B. radula is normally much more strongly hydnoid than that of B. mayi. Basidioradulum tasmanicum is distinct from B. radula and B. mayi by having capitate cystidia, ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores, and crystal-covered hyphae. Although morphologically distinct, the two new species isolated by Bass Strait have an almost identical ITS region, and could not be differentiated by nLSU- and ITS-based phylogenetic analyses. This case reminds us that basing phylogeny simply on the ITS as a barcode region may underestimate fungal species diversity.

Bloodstream Infection of a Cancer Patient by Cystobasidium minutum: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Emergent fungal infections are uncommon conditions which frequently lead to death. To our knowledge, only a few cases of invasive infection by Cystobasidium minutum (previously known as Rhodotorula minuta) have been reported. Moreover, several factors are responsible for deep site infections, such as catheter-related fungemia. This report describes the first case report of Cystobasidium minutum causing fungemia in Brazil. The pathogens fungemia was demonstrated by catheter and blood culture-proven, and both yeasts were identified by sequences of D1/D2 rDNA region. After the end of antifungal therapy and catheter removal, a second blood culture was found to be negative and the clinical signs and symptoms of the patient improved.

New species of Bannoa described from the tropics and the first report of the genus in South America.

The genus Bannoa consists of four described species associated with dead leaves in southwestern Japan. In this study, we describe three new species, Bannoa guamensis, B. rosea, and B. tropicalis, from the South Pacific island of Guam and Guyana in South America. Isolates were obtained from surfaces of diseased and healthy leaves of plants in the Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae. DNA sequences from four gene regions, including nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (28S), nuc 18S rDNA (18S), and a portion of tef1, which encodes translation elongation factor 1-alpha, were produced for phylogenetic analysis. Intercompatibility tests were performed, and subsequent development of clamp connections and basidia were documented for B. tropicalis. Potential life history strategies and association with diseased leaves, including rust-infected leaves, were evaluated across the genus. This is the first report of a species of Bannoa from South America.

Apiotrichum veenhuisii isolated from a pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia: The first case in humans.

This is the first report of the yeast Apiotrichum veenhuisii (formerly Trichosporon veenhuisii) causing disease in humans; its virulence and in vitro behavior against antifungals were also studied. The sample was isolated from biopsy fragments of disseminated lesions on the skin of a pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia. The studied virulence factors evidenced that the strain tested negative for secretion of the enzymes proteinase, phospholipase, and hemolysin. The isolate was characterized as low biofilm producer. Except for amphotericin B and voriconazole, the sample presented high minimum inhibitory concentration values against azole and echinocandins.

The first survey of Cystobasidiomycete yeasts in the lichen genus Cladonia; with the description of Lichenozyma pisutiana gen. nov., sp. nov.

The view of lichens as a symbiosis only between a mycobiont and a photobiont has been challenged by discoveries of diverse associated organisms. Specific basidiomycete yeasts in the cortex of a range of macrolichens were hypothesized to influence the lichens' phenotype. The present study explores the occurrence and diversity of cystobasidiomycete yeasts in the lichen genus Cladonia. We obtained seven cultures and 56 additional sequences using specific primers from 27 Cladonia species from all over Europe and performed phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU and SSU rDNA loci. We revealed yeast diversity distinct from any previously reported. Representatives of Cyphobasidiales, Microsporomycetaceae and of an unknown group related to Symmetrospora have been found. We present evidence that the Microsporomycetaceae contains mainly lichen-associated yeasts. Lichenozyma pisutiana is circumscribed here as a new genus and species. We report the first known associations between cystobasidiomycete yeasts and Cladonia (both corticate and ecorticate), and find that the association is geographically widespread in various habitats. Our results also suggest that a great diversity of lichen associated yeasts remains to be discovered.

Mrakia hoshinonis sp. nov., a novel psychrophilic yeast isolated from a retreating glacier on Ellesmere Island in the Canadian High Arctic.

Four strains isolated from sediment sampled at the front of a retreating glacier on northern Ellesmere Island in the Canadian high Arctic, namely JCM 32575T, JCM 32576, JCM 32577 and JCM 32578, belong to a novel psychrophilic basidiomycetous yeast species in the genus Mrakia. Molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated that these strains are most closely related to the type strains of Mrakia aquatica and Mrakianic combsii, but with 8-9 and 7-12 nt substitutions in ITS and in the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene, respectively. The strains grew at sub-zero temperatures and in vitamin-free media, with lipase and cellulase highly active even at -3 °C. These characteristics likely allow this yeast species to grow and survive in extremely cold, oligotrophic environments, such as the fronts of retreating glaciers in the high Arctic. The name Mrakia hoshinonis sp. nov. is proposed, with type strain JCM 32575T (UAMH 11969) and MycoBank number MB 825484.

Phylogeny and global diversity of Porodaedalea, a genus of gymnosperm pathogens in the Hymenochaetales.

Porodaedalea is a polypore genus of the Hymenochaetales that encompasses pathogens of conifer trees. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive study of the phylogeny and diversity of Porodaedalea based on collections and isolates from Europe, North America, North Africa, and Asia. Phylogenetic analysis of a two-gene data set, nuc ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), shows that 20 terminal clades that correspond to phylogenetic species well supported within Porodaedalea. Based on morphological evidence, five new species, P. alpicola, P. indica, P. kesiyae, P. microsperma, and P. yunnanensis, are described and illustrated. In addition, four still unnamed lineages are detected in North America and East Asia.

Cystobasidium halotolerans sp. nov., a novel basidiomycetous yeast species isolated from the Arabian Gulf.

Two strains, 1Y129 and 3Y383, which represent a single novel anamorphic yeast species, were isolated from the Arabian Gulf surrounding Qatar. The two strains have identical sequences in the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the rRNA gene. On the basis of this sequence analysis the two strains were found to be closely related to Cystobasidium slooffiae CBS5706T with 97. 3 % nucleotide substitutions (12 nt; four gaps) in D1/D2 regions of the LSU rRNA and 97.0 % nucleotide substitutions (14 nt; two gaps) in ITS regions. In contrast to Cystobasidium halotolerans sp. nov., the related species Cystobasidium slooffiae, Cystobasidium minutum and Cystobasidium fimetarium were unable to assimilate d-galactose, soluble starch, galactitol, methanol or nitrate, and grew at 37 °C. The name proposed for this undescribed species is Cystobasidium halotolerans sp. nov. The ex-type strain is QCC/Y31/17 (=MUCL057192=CGMCC2.5570).

Halobasidium xiangyangense gen. nov., sp. nov., a new xylose-utilizing yeast in the family Cystobasidiaceae, isolated from the pickling sauce used to make Datoucai, a high-salt fermented food.

In this study, we describe a new genus and species of yeast with high-salt tolerance. The strain was isolated from the pickling sauce used to make Datoucai, a traditional fermented food made from Brassica juncea in Xiangyang, China. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences from the D1/D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene and from the ITS region demonstrated that the strain, reference HBUAS51001T, was most closely related to members of the genera Occultifur and Cystobasidium. However, the greatest similarities between the D1/D2 and ITS nucleotide sequences of strain HBUAS51001T and the most closely related type strains from Occultifur and Cystobasidium were only 91 and 92 %, respectively. This suggests that strain HBUAS51001T does not belong to any currently described species. Strain HBUAS51001T grew readily on media in which xylose was the sole carbon source. The major ubiquinone was Q9. The genome of strain HBUAS51001T was 42.42 Mb with a G+C content of 53.93 mol%. Three candidate genes associated with xylose metabolism were identified. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic data, strain HBUAS51001T can be considered as both a new species and a new genus, for which the name Halobasidium xiangyangense gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HBUAS51001T (=KCTC27810T=GDMCC 2.231T=CCTCC AY 2018002T).

Cystobasidium keelungensis sp. nov., a novel mycosporine producing carotenogenic yeast isolated from the sea surface microlayer in Taiwan.

Cystobasidium keelungensis SN2T (CBS 6949 = BCRC 920080), a new anamorphic basidiomycetous yeast species, is described in this paper. The strains belonging to this species were isolated from the sea surface microlayer and underlying water in Taiwan. These strains were identified by examining nucleotide sequences in the species-specific D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and by evaluating their physiological characteristics. Phylogenetic analyses of D1/D2 sequences revealed that C. keelungensis was most closely related to the species C. slooffiae (LSU rRNA gene sequence divergence of 1.5%), and it belonged to the Erythrobasidium clade. No sexual reproduction was observed. This species differed from related species in carbon and nitrogen assimilation patterns and growth at 35 °C. Screening C. keelungensis for the presence of UV-absorbing compounds showed that mycosporine-glutaminol-glucoside and mycosporine-glutamicol-glucoside (maximum absorption: 310 nm) were the major UV-absorbing compounds, which differ from the compounds present in some freshwater yeast strains reported in previous studies. After UV induction, SN2 had a higher level of mycosporine production than other carotenogenic yeasts in this study.

Medicinal, Nutritional, and Cosmetic Values of Macrofungi Distributed in Mazandaran Province of Northern Iran (Review).

A total of 82 species and 2 variations of medicinal and edible macrofungi (Basidiomycota and Ascomy-cota) have been collected and identified in Mazandaran Province of Northern Iran. Among these species, 58 possess medicinal and culinary properties, whereas 21 possess only medicinal properties (antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, an-timutagenic, antioxidant, antitumor, antiplatelet, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, neurotropic, hypotensive, insec-ticidal, immunomodulating, mitogenic/regenerative, spasmolytic, etc.). No medicinal effect has yet been reported for 4 species (Cantharellus infundibuliformis, Mycena inclinata, Suillus collinitus, Xerocomus porosporus) and 2 variations (Pluteus cervinus var. albus, Russula cyanoxantha var. variata) of edible species. Among the listed species, 15 (such as Auricularia auricula-judae, Hericium erinaceus, Fomes fomentarius, Flammulina velutipes, Ganoderma lucidum, Lyophyllum decastes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Tremella mesenterica) are currently used for manufacturing organic cosmetic products. The well-known mushrooms with medicinal properties (e.g., Auricularia auricula-judae, Flammulina velutipes, Hericium erinaceus, Ganoderma lucidum, G. tsugae, G. adspersum, Trametes versicolor) and excellent edibility (e.g., Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, Morchella esculenta, Pleurotus ostreatus) are widely distributed in the studied area. The biological resources of macrofungi growing in Mazandaran Province of Northern Iran possess medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic values and could be further used for biotechnological exploitation to develop mushroom-derived pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals.