The other side of the coin: systemic effects of Serendipita indica root colonization on development of sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes in Arabidopsis thaliana.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Upon systemic S. indica colonization in split-root system cyst and root-knot nematodes benefit from endophyte-triggered carbon allocation and altered defense responses what significantly facilitates their development in A. thaliana. Serendipita indica is an endophytic fungus that establishes mutualistic relationships with different plants including Arabidopsis thaliana. It enhances host's growth and resistance to different abiotic and biotic stresses such as infestation by the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii (CN). In this work, we show that S. indica also triggers similar direct reduction in development of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica (RKN) in A. thaliana. Further, to mimick the natural situation occurring frequently in soil where roots are unequally colonized by endophytes we used an in vitro split-root system with one half of A. thaliana root inoculated with S. indica and the other half infected with CN or RKN, respectively. Interestingly, in contrast to direct effects, systemic effects led to an increase in number of both nematodes. To elucidate this phenomenon, we focused on sugar metabolism and defense responses in systemic non-colonized roots of plants colonized by S. indica. We analyzed the expression of several SUSs and INVs as well as defense-related genes and measured sugar pools. The results show a significant downregulation of PDF1.2 as well as slightly increased sucrose levels in the non-colonized half of the root in three-chamber dish. Thus, we speculate that, in contrast to direct effects, both nematode species benefit from endophyte-triggered carbon allocation and altered defense responses in the systemic part of the root, which promotes their development. With this work, we highlight the complexity of this multilayered tripartite relationship and deliver new insights into sugar metabolism and plant defense responses during S. indica-nematode-plant interaction.

Oral exosome-like nanovesicles from Phellinus linteus suppress metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma by reactive oxygen species generation and microbiota rebalancing.

The biomedical application of nanotechnology in cancer treatment has demonstrated significant potential for improving treatment efficiencies and ameliorating adverse effects. However, the medical translation of nanotechnology-based nanomedicines faces challenges including hazardous environmental effects, difficulties in large-scale production, and possible excessive costs. In the present study, we extracted and purified natural exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) from Phellinus linteus. These nanoparticles (denoted as P-ELNs) had an average particle size of 154.1 nm, displayed a negative zeta potential of -31.3 mV, and maintained stability in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, P-ELNs were found to contain a diverse array of functional components, including lipids and pharmacologically active small-molecule constituents. In vitro investigations suggested that they exhibited high internalization efficiency in liver tumor cells (Hepa 1-6) and exerted significant anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, and anti-invasive effects against Hepa 1-6 cells. Strikingly, the therapeutic outcomes of oral P-ELNs were confirmed in an animal model of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma by amplifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) and rebalancing the gut microbiome. These findings demonstrate the potential of P-ELNs as a promising oral therapeutic platform for liver cancer treatment.

The white rot basidiomycete Gelatoporia subvermispora produces fatty aldehydes that enable fungal manganese peroxidases to degrade recalcitrant lignin structures.

The ability of some white rot basidiomycetes to remove lignin selectively from wood indicates that low molecular weight oxidants have a role in ligninolysis. These oxidants are likely free radicals generated by fungal peroxidases from compounds in the biodegrading wood. Past work supports a role for manganese peroxidases (MnPs) in the production of ligninolytic oxidants from fungal membrane lipids. However, the fatty acid alkylperoxyl radicals initially formed during this process are not reactive enough to attack the major structures in lignin. Here, we evaluate the hypothesis that the peroxidation of fatty aldehydes might provide a source of more reactive acylperoxyl radicals. We found that Gelatoporia subvermispora produced trans-2-nonenal, trans-2-octenal, and n-hexanal (a likely metabolite of trans-2,4-decadienal) during the incipient decay of aspen wood. Fungal fatty aldehydes supported the in vitro oxidation by MnPs of a nonphenolic lignin model dimer, and also of the monomeric model veratryl alcohol. Experiments with the latter compound showed that the reactions were partially inhibited by oxalate, the chelator that white rot fungi employ to detach Mn3+ from the MnP active site, but nevertheless proceeded at its physiological concentration of 1 mM. The addition of catalase was inhibitory, which suggests that the standard MnP catalytic cycle is involved in the oxidation of aldehydes. MnP oxidized trans-2-nonenal quantitatively to trans-2-nonenoic acid with the consumption of one O2 equivalent. The data suggest that when Mn3+ remains associated with MnP, it can oxidize aldehydes to their acyl radicals, and the latter subsequently add O2 to become ligninolytic acylperoxyl radicals.IMPORTANCEThe biodegradation of lignin by white rot fungi is essential for the natural recycling of plant biomass and has useful applications in lignocellulose bioprocessing. Although fungal peroxidases have a key role in ligninolysis, past work indicates that biodegradation is initiated by smaller, as yet unidentified oxidants that can infiltrate the substrate. Here, we present evidence that the peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of naturally occurring fungal aldehydes may provide a source of ligninolytic free radical oxidants.

Research Progress of Bioactive Components in Sanghuangporus spp.

The species in Sanghuangporus are a group of edible mushrooms with a long history of oral use in East Asia as a health-improvement method. They should be classified under the genus Sanghuangporus rather than mistakenly in Phellinus or Inonotus. The major components in this genus consist of polysaccharides, polyphenols, triterpenoids, and flavonoids, all of which exist in the fruiting bodies and mycelia. For extraction, studies have shown methods using hot water, ethanol, DES solvent, and alkaline, followed by purification methods including traditional anion column, Sevag solution, macroporous resin, and magnetic polymers. Proven by modern medical technology, these components possess promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antitumor, and immunoregulation effects; additionally, they have health-improving effects including pulmonary protection, hypoglycemic properties, sleep improvement, gout mitigation, antiaging, neuroprotection, and muscle-strengthening abilities. Several toxicity studies have revealed their safety and recommend a dose of 1 g/kg for mice. As a newly emerged concept, functional food can provide not only life-sustaining nutrients but also some health-improving effects. In conclusion, we substantiate Sanghuang as a functional food by comprehensively presenting information on extraction and purification methods, component medical and structural properties, and nontoxicity, hoping to benefit the development of Sanghuang species as a group of functional food.

Ameliorative effect of an acidic polysaccharide from Phellinus linteus on ulcerative colitis in a DSS-induced mouse model.

Phellinus linteus, a rare medicinal fungus, displays strong antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities because of its active metabolites, particularly polysaccharides. We investigated effects of P. linteus acidic polysaccharide (PLAP) on amelioration of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in a mouse model, and associated mechanisms. PLAP treatment alleviated major UC symptoms (weight loss, reduced food intake, increased disease activity index), and ameliorated histopathological colon tissue damage, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß), enhanced anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 level, reduced levels of oxidative stress-related enzymes iNOS and MPO, and enhanced expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1). qPCR analysis revealed that PLAP downregulated phosphorylation levels of p65 and p38 and transcriptional level of TLR-4. High-throughput sequencing showed that PLAP restored gut microbiota diversity and species abundances in the UC model, and gas chromatographic analysis showed that it increased levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. Our findings indicate that PLAP has strong potential for development as an anti-UC agent based on its reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress levels, modulation of gut microbiota composition, and promotion of normal intestinal barrier function.

Antioxidant Defenses Against Air Humidity Stress in Fruit Bodies of Auricularia heimuer (Agaricomycetes).

Air humidity is an important environmental factor restricting the fruit body growth of Auricularia heimuer. Low air humidity causes the fruit body to desiccate and enter dormancy. However, the survival mechanisms to low air humidity for fruit bodies before dormancy remain poorly understood. In the present study, we cultivated A. heimuer in a greenhouse and collected the fruit bodies at different air humidities (90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50%) to determine the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH); and the activities of enzymatic antioxidants including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR). Results showed that the MDA contents tended to increase with decreasing relative air humidity. Relative air humidity below 90% caused membrane lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress (based on MDA contents) to the fruit body, which we named air humidity stress. In contrast to the control and with the degree of stress, the GSH contents and activities of SOD, CAT, GR, GPX, and APX tended to ascend, whereas AsA showed a declining trend; the POD activity only rose at 50%. The antioxidants favored the fruit body to alleviate oxidative damage and strengthened its tolerance to air humidity stress. The antioxidant defense system could be an important mechanism for the fruit body of A. heimuer in air humidity stress.

Membrane Lipids and Osmolytes in the Response of the Acidophilic Basidiomycete Phlebiopsis gigantea to Heat, Cold, and Osmotic Shocks.

Previously, we found for the first time the participation of osmolytes in adaptation to acidic conditions in three acidophilic fungi. Because trehalose can protect membranes, we hypothesized a relationship between osmolyte and membrane systems in adaptation to stressors. In the mycelium of Phlebiopsis gigantea, the level of osmolytes reaches 8% of the dry mass, while trehalose and arabitol make up 60% and 33% of the sum, respectively. Cold shock does not change the composition of osmolytes, heat shock causes a twofold increase in the trehalose level, and osmotic shock leads to a marked increase in the amount of trehalose and arabitol. Predominance of phospholipids (89% of the sum) and low proportions of sterols and sphingolipids are characteristic features of the membrane lipids' composition. Phosphatidic acids, along with phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylcholines, are the main membrane lipids. The composition of the membrane lipids remains constant under all shocks. The predominance of linoleic (75% of the sum) and palmitic (20%) acids in phospholipids results in a high degree of unsaturation (1.5). Minor fluctuations in the fatty acid composition are observed under all shocks. The results demonstrate that maintaining or increasing the trehalose level provides stability in the membrane lipid composition during adaptation.

Exploring the Antioxidant Potential of Methanolic Extracts of Wild Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms from Darma Valley, Pithoragaph, Kumaun (Himalaya, India).

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the methanolic extracts of nine species of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) native to the Darma Valley in the Kumaun Himalaya region. The investigation encompasses the assessment of various biochemical attributes, including total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), total tannins (TT) contents, the ABTS assay, and the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Among the nine WEM species examined, Clavatia craniiformis stands out for displaying the highest antioxidant capacities, indicated by exceptional TP (54.94 ± 0.54 mg gallic acid equivalenta/g dry weight) and TT (4.23 ± 0.17 mg tannic acid equivalents/g dry weight) contents, along with noteworthy ABTS (10.44 ± 0.34 mg abscorbic acid equivalents/g dw) and DPPH activity (0.335 ± 0.001 mg abscorbic acid equivalents/g dry weight). Subsequent antioxidant potential are mushrooms Ramaria fennica, Ramaria botrytis, Ramaria sanguinea, Ramaria flava, Gomphus. clavatus, Clavaria zollingeri, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Kuehneromyces mutabilis. Variations in antioxidant capacities align with distinct phenolic content. This study underscores as a remarkable source of antioxidants, suggesting its potential suitability for nutraceutical applications. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the antioxidant properties inherent in wild edible mushrooms, particularly emphasizing the prominence of C. craniiformis.

Bioactivities and Medicinal Value of the Fruiting Body Extracts of Laetiporus sulphureus and Meripilus giganteus Polypore Mushrooms (Agaricomycetes).

In the present investigation methanol and acetone extracts of basidiocarps of mushrooms Laetiporus sulphureus and Meripilus giganteus were evaluated for their antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antioxidant/prooxidant effects. The antimicrobial potential was determined by the microdilution method against ten microorganisms. Cytotoxic effects were evaluated by MTT test, while changes of the redox status parameters (superoxide anion radical, nitrites and reduced glutathione) were determined spectrophotometrically on a human colorectal cancer cell line and human health fibroblasts cells. The results were measured 24 and 72 h after the treatment. Tested extracts exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity with MIC values from 0.004 to 20 mg/mL. The maximum antimicrobial activity was found in the methanol extracts of the M. giganteus against Bacillus subtilis, which was better than positive control. The acetone extract of M. giganteus with IC5072h = 13.36 µg/mL showed significant cytotoxic effect with strong cell selectivity (selectivity index = 37.42) against cancer human colorectal cancer cells. The tested extracts, especially M. giganteus acetone extract, induced an increase in oxidative stress parameters in tested cell lines, but significantly heightened it in human colorectal cancer cells. The obtained results suggest that these extracts, especially M. giganteus acetone extract, can be proposed as a novel source of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Structural characterization of Russula griseocarnosa polysaccharide and its improvement on hematopoietic function.

The hematopoietic function of a polysaccharide derived from Russula griseocarnosa was demonstrated in K562 cells, and subsequently purified through chromatography to obtain RGP1. RGP1 is a galactan composed of 1,6-α-D-Galp as the main chain, with partial substitutions. A -CH3 substitution was detected at O-3 of 1,6-α-D-Galp. The possible branches at O-2 of 1,6-α-D-Galp was α-L-Fucp. In mice with cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced hematopoietic dysfunction, RGP1 alleviated bone marrow damage and multinucleated giant cell infiltration of the spleen, increased the number of long-term hematopoietic stem cells, and regulated the levels of myeloid cells in the peripheral blood. Furthermore, RGP1 promoted the differentiation of activated T cells and CD4+ T cells without affecting natural killer cells and B cells. Proteomic analysis, detection of cytokines, and western blotting revealed that RGP1 could alleviate hematopoietic dysfunction by promoting the activation of CD4+ T cells and the Janus kinase/ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway. The present study provides experimental evidence to support the application of RGP1 in CTX-induced hematopoietic dysfunction.

Methionine oxidation of carbohydrate-active enzymes during white-rot wood decay.

White-rot fungi employ secreted carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) along with reactive oxygen species (ROS), like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), to degrade lignocellulose in wood. H2O2 serves as a co-substrate for key oxidoreductases during the initial decay phase. While the degradation of lignocellulose by CAZymes is well documented, the impact of ROS on the oxidation of the secreted proteins remains unclear, and the identity of the oxidized proteins is unknown. Methionine (Met) can be oxidized to Met sulfoxide (MetO) or Met sulfone (MetO2) with potential deleterious, antioxidant, or regulatory effects. Other residues, like proline (Pro), can undergo carbonylation. Using the white-rot Pycnoporus cinnabarinus grown on aspen wood, we analyzed the Met content of the secreted proteins and their susceptibility to oxidation combining H218O2 with deep shotgun proteomics. Strikingly, their overall Met content was significantly lower (1.4%) compared to intracellular proteins (2.1%), a feature conserved in fungi but not in metazoans or plants. We evidenced that a catalase, widespread in white-rot fungi, protects the secreted proteins from oxidation. Our redox proteomics approach allowed the identification of 49 oxidizable Met and 40 oxidizable Pro residues within few secreted proteins, mostly CAZymes. Interestingly, many of them had several oxidized residues localized in hotspots. Some Met, including those in GH7 cellobiohydrolases, were oxidized up to 47%, with a substantial percentage of sulfone (13%). These Met are conserved in fungal homologs, suggesting important functional roles. Our findings reveal that white-rot fungi safeguard their secreted proteins by minimizing their Met content and by scavenging ROS and pinpoint redox-active residues in CAZymes.IMPORTANCEThe study of lignocellulose degradation by fungi is critical for understanding the ecological and industrial implications of wood decay. While carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) play a well-established role in lignocellulose degradation, the impact of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on secreted proteins remains unclear. This study aims at evaluating the effect of H2O2 on secreted proteins, focusing on the oxidation of methionine (Met). Using the model white-rot fungi Pycnoporus cinnabarinus grown on aspen wood, we showed that fungi protect their secreted proteins from oxidation by reducing their Met content and utilizing a secreted catalase to scavenge exogenous H2O2. The research identified key oxidizable Met within secreted CAZymes. Importantly, some Met, like those of GH7 cellobiohydrolases, undergone substantial oxidation levels suggesting important roles in lignocellulose degradation. These findings highlight the adaptive mechanisms employed by white-rot fungi to safeguard their secreted proteins during wood decay and emphasize the importance of these processes in lignocellulose breakdown.

Hormographiella aspergillata pulmonary infections: Detection and identification of the fungus using pan-fungal PCR assays and DNA sequencing.

Hormographiella aspergillata is a basidiomycete exceptionally involved in invasive fungal infections (IFI). We report a case of H. aspergillata pulmonary infection in a 30-year-old female in a context of pancytopenia and relapsed of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She presented with fever, thoracic pain, left pleural effusion and pneumonia, diagnosed on chest X-ray and CT-scan. Direct examination of a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimen performed on day (d) 10 was negative, while the culture was positive on d30. H. aspergillata was suspected, considering macroscopic and microscopic examination. Its identification was confirmed using Microflex® Bruker mass spectrometry and pan-fungal (PF)-PCR assay followed by DNA sequencing. After this initial diagnosis, the patient was monitored for 2.8 years. She was treated with liposomal amphotericin B and/or voriconazole until switching to isavuconazole on d298 due to side-effects. This antifungal treatment was maintained until d717 and then discontinued, the patient being considered as cured. Over this follow-up period, the patient was submitted to recurrent pulmonary sampling. Each time, cultures were negative, while PF - PCR assays and DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of H. aspergillata. The present case-report is the 32nd observation of H. aspergillata invasive infection showing that this IFI is still infrequent. Fifteen have occurred in patients with AML, which appears as the most frequent underlying disease favoring this IFI. Six recent case-reports in addition to ours highlight PF-PCR assays and DNA sequencing as relevant diagnostic tools that must be included in routine diagnosis and monitoring of IFI, specifically those due to rare basidiomycetes.

Wild mushrooms as potential reservoirs of plant pathogenic bacteria: a case study on Burkholderia gladioli.

Fruit bodies (sporocarps) of wild mushrooms growing in natural environments play a substantial role in the preservation of microbial communities, for example, clinical and food-poisoning bacteria. However, the role of wild mushrooms as natural reservoirs of plant pathogenic bacteria remains almost entirely unknown. Furthermore, bacterial transmission from a mushroom species to agricultural plants has rarely been recorded in the literature. In September 2021, a creamy-white Gram-negative bacterial strain was isolated from the sporocarp of Suillus luteus (slippery jack) growing in Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) lawn in Southern Iran. A similar strain was isolated from the same fungus in the same area in September 2022. Both strains were identified as Burkholderia gladioli based on phenotypic features as well as phylogeny of 16S rRNA and three housekeeping genes. The strains were not only pathogenic on white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) but also induced hypersensitive reaction (HR) on tobacco and common bean leaves and caused soft rot on a set of diverse plant species, that is, chili pepper, common bean pod, cucumber, eggplant, garlic, gladiolus, narcissus, onion, potato, spring onion, okra, kohlrabi, mango, and watermelon. Isolation of plant pathogenic B. gladioli strains from sporocarp of S. luteus in two consecutive years in the same area could be indicative of the role of this fungus in the preservation of the bacterium in the natural environment. B. gladioli associated with naturally growing S. luteus could potentially invade neighboring agricultural crops, for example, vegetables and ornamentals. The potential role of wild mushrooms as natural reservoirs of phytopathogenic bacteria is further discussed.IMPORTANCEThe bacterial genus Burkholderia contains biologically heterogeneous strains that can be isolated from diverse habitats, that is, soil, water, diseased plant material, and clinical specimens. In this study, two Gram-negative pectinolytic bacterial strains were isolated from the sporocarps of Suillus luteus in September 2021 and 2022. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that both strains belonged to the complex species Burkholderia gladioli, while the pathovar status of the strains remained undetermined. Biological investigations accomplished with pathogenicity and host range assays showed that B. gladioli strains isolated from S. luteus in two consecutive years were pathogenic on a set of diverse plant species ranging from ornamentals to both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous vegetables. Thus, B. gladioli could be considered an infectious pathogen capable of being transmitted from wild mushrooms to annual crops. Our results raise a hypothesis that wild mushrooms could be considered as potential reservoirs for phytopathogenic B. gladioli.

Co-inoculation of Soybean Seedling with Trichoderma asperellum and Irpex laceratus Promotes the Absorption of Nitrogen and Phosphorus.

Soybean are one of the main oil crops in the world. The study demonstrated that co-inoculation with Trichoderma asperellum (Sordariomycetes, Hypocreomycetidae) and Irpex laceratus (Basidiomycota, Polyporales) isolated from Kosteletzkya virginica can promote the growth of soybean seedlings. The two fungi were found to produce various enzymes, including cellulase, amylase, laccase, protease, and urease. Upon inoculation, T. asperellum mainly colonized within the phloem of the roots in soybean seedlings, while I. laceratus mainly in the xylem and phloem of the roots. Physiological parameters, such as plant height, root length, and fresh weight, were significantly increased in soybean seedlings co-inoculated with T. asperellum and I. laceratus. Moreover, the expression of key genes related to N and P absorption and metabolism was also increased, leading to improved N and P utilization efficiency in soybean seedlings. These results indicate that the two fungi may have complementary roles in promoting plant growth, co-inoculation with T. asperellum and I. laceratus can enhance the growth and nutrient uptake of soybean. These findings suggest that T. asperellum and I. laceratus have the potential to be used as bio-fertilizers to improve soybean growth and yield.

The potato rhizosphere microbiota correlated to the yield of three different regions in Korea.

We examined potato rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities across three regions: Cheongju, Pyeongchang, and Gangneung. These regions have varying soil and climate conditions, resulting in different yields. We found that precipitation was the main limiting factor in our study while soil physiochemical factors affect bacterial and fungal microbiota in correlation with yield. Both bacterial and fungal microbiota showed distinct patterns according to the regions. ASVs positively correlated with yield were predominantly found in the Pyeongchang region which also produced the highest yields, while ASVs negatively correlated with yield were associated with Gangneung where the lowest yields were observed. The greatest bacterial and fungal diversity was detected in Pyeongchang consisting of Propionibacteriales, Burkholderiales, and Vicinamibacteriales. Gangneung, on the other hand primarily belong to Sordariales, Mortierellales, Cystofilobasidiales, and Tremellales. The putative yield-negative ASVs detected in Gangneung may have been influenced by drought stress. This work has highlighted key bacterial and fungal taxa as well as core taxa that may potentially be associated with high and low yields of potato in relation to metadata which includes soil chemical and physical parameters as well as weather data. Taken together we suggest that this information can be used to assess site suitability for potato production.

Chemical Compounds, Bioactivities, and Potential Applications of the Mushroom Species of Genus Suillus (Agaricomycetes): A Review.

The genus Suillus, also known as "Song mo," falls under the order Boletales and consists of various higher fungi. It establishes mycorrhizae primarily with pine trees and has a good taste and medicinal values. Herein, we reviewed the chemical compounds present in the genus Suillus, including polysaccharides, steroids, phenols, polyprenyl phenol derivatives, fatty acids, organic acids, and amino acids, and their reported bioactivities and potential applications. This review aims to promote the utilization of the resources belonging to the genus Suillus and serves as a theoretical basis for their future studies and clinical applications.

Meirols A-C: Bioactive Catecholic Compounds from the Marine-Derived Fungus Meira sp. 1210CH-42.

Three new catecholic compounds, named meirols A-C (2-4), and one known analog, argovin (1), were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Meira sp. 1210CH-42. Their structures were determined by extensive analysis of 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESIMS spectroscopic data. Their absolute configurations were elucidated based on ECD calculations. All the compounds exhibited strong antioxidant capabilities with EC50 values ranging from 6.01 to 7.47 µM (ascorbic acid, EC50 = 7.81 µM), as demonstrated by DPPH radical scavenging activity assays. In the α-glucosidase inhibition assay, 1 and 2 showed potent in vitro inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 184.50 and 199.70 µM, respectively (acarbose, IC50 = 301.93 µM). Although none of the isolated compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against one normal and six solid cancer cell lines, 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against the NALM6 and RPMI-8402 blood cancer cell lines with GI50 values of 9.48 and 21.00 µM, respectively. Compound 2 also demonstrated weak cytotoxicity against the NALM6 blood cancer cell line with a GI50 value of 29.40 µM.

Investigation of the effects of different substrates on the promotion of the soil microbial consortium, encompassing bacteria and fungi, in the bioremediation of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209).

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is recognized as an emerging and hazardous pollutant in numerous ecosystems. Despite this, only a few studies have concurrently investigated the biodegradation of BDE-209 by a microbial consortium comprising both bacteria and fungi. Consequently, the interactions between bacterial and fungal populations and their mutual effects on BDE-209 degradation remain unclear. Our main objective was to concurrently assess the changes and activity of bacterial and fungal communities during the biodegradation of BDE-209 in a real soil matrix. In the present study, various organic substrates were employed to promote soil biomass for the biodegradation of BDE-209. Soil respiration and molecular analysis were utilized to monitor biological activity and biomass community structure, respectively. The findings revealed that the use of wheat straw in the soil matrix resulted in the highest soil respiration and microbial activity among the treatments. This approach obviously provided suitable habitats for the soil microflora, which led to a significant increase in the biodegradability of BDE-209 (49%). Biomass survival efforts and the metabolic pathway of lignin degradation through co-metabolism contributed to the biodegradation of BDE-209. Microbial community analysis identified Proteobacteria (Alphaproteobacteria-Betaproteobacteria), Firmicutes, Bacteroides (bacterial phyla), as well as Ascomycota and Basidiomycota (fungal phyla) as the key microorganisms in the biological community involved in the biodegradation of BDE-209. This study demonstrated that applying wheat straw can improve both the biological activity and the biodegradation of BDE-209 in the soil of polluted sites.

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal a new species of Anthracophyllum (Omphalotaceae, Agaricales) in Zhejiang Province, China.

During the investigations of macrofungi resources in Zhejiang Province, China, an interesting wood rot fungus was collected. Based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies, it is described as a new species, Anthracophyllum sinense. A. sinense is characterized by its sessile, charcoal black and pleurotoid pileus, sparse lamellae occasionally branching, clavate basidia with long sterigmata [(3-)6-7(-8) µm], and non-heteromorphous cystidia. A. sinense establishes a separate lineage close to A. archeri and A. lateritium in the phylogenetic tree.

Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides induce ferroptosis in Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer by inactivating NRF2/HO-1 signaling.

Approximately 10% of gastric cancers are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPs) are characterized by antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in different diseases. However, whether TFP improves EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) has never been explored. The effects of TFP on EBV-infected GC cell viability were determined using a CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were performed to explore the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins. The CCK-8 assay showed that TFP decreased EBV-infected GC cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry assays indicated that TFP significantly induced EBV-infected GC cell death. TFP also reduced the migratory capacity of EBV-infected GC cells. Furthermore, treatment with TFP significantly increased the mRNA levels of PTGS2 and Chac1 in EBV-infected GC cells. Western blot assays indicated that TFP suppressed the expression of NRF2, HO-1, GPX4 and xCT in EBV-infected GC cells. More importantly, overexpression of NRF2 could obviously rescue TFP-induced downregulation of GPX4 and xCT in EBV-infected GC cells. In summary, we showed novel data that TFP induced ferroptosis in EBV-infected GC cells by inhibiting NRF2/HO-1 signaling. The current findings may shed light on the potential clinical application of TFP in the treatment of EBVaGC.