Fungal Planet description sheets: 1614-1696.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Baobabopsis sabindy in leaves of Eragrostis spartinoides, Cortinarius magentiguttatus among deep leaf litter, Laurobasidium azarandamiae from uredinium of Puccinia alyxiae on Alyxia buxifolia, Marasmius pseudoelegans on well-rotted twigs and litter in mixed wet sclerophyll and subtropical rainforest. Bolivia, Favolaschia luminosa on twigs of Byttneria hirsuta, Lecanora thorstenii on bark, in savannas with shrubs and trees. Brazil, Asterina costamaiae on leaves of Rourea bahiensis, Purimyces orchidacearum (incl. Purimyces gen. nov.) as root endophyte on Cattleya locatellii. Bulgaria, Monosporascus bulgaricus and Monosporascus europaeus isolated from surface-sterilised, asymptomatic roots of Microthlaspi perfoliatum. Finland, Inocybe undatolacera on a lawn, near Betula pendula. France, Inocybe querciphila in humus of mixed forest. Germany, Arrhenia oblongispora on bare soil attached to debris of herbaceous plants and grasses. Greece, Tuber aereum under Quercus coccifera and Acer sempervirens. India, Alfoldia lenyadriensis from the gut of a Platynotus sp. beetle, Fulvifomes subramanianii on living Albizzia amara, Inosperma pavithrum on soil, Phylloporia parvateya on living Lonicera sp., Tropicoporus maritimus on living Peltophorum pterocarpum. Indonesia, Elsinoe atypica on leaf of Eucalyptus pellita. Italy, Apiotrichum vineum from grape wine, Cuphopyllus praecox among grass. Madagascar, Pisolithus madagascariensis on soil under Intsia bijuga. Netherlands, Cytosporella calamagrostidis and Periconia calamagrostidicola on old leaves of Calamagrostis arenaria, Hyaloscypha caricicola on leaves of Carex sp., Neoniesslia phragmiticola (incl. Neoniesslia gen. nov.) on leaf sheaths of standing dead culms of Phragmites australis, Neptunomyces juncicola on culms of Juncus maritimus, Zenophaeosphaeria calamagrostidis (incl. Zenophaeosphaeria gen. nov.) on culms of Calamagrostis arenaria. Norway, Hausneria geniculata (incl. Hausneria gen. nov.) from a gallery of Dryocoetes alni on Alnus incana. Pakistan, Agrocybe auriolus on leaf litter of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Rhodophana rubrodisca in nutrient-rich loamy soil with Morus alba. Poland, Cladosporium nubilum from hypersaline brine, Entomortierella ferrotolerans from soil at mines and postmining sites, Pseudopezicula epiphylla from sooty mould community on Quercus robur, Quixadomyces sanctacrucensis from resin of Pinus sylvestris, Szafranskia beskidensis (incl. Szafranskia gen. nov.) from resin of Abies alba. Portugal, Ascocoryne laurisilvae on degraded wood of Laurus nobilis, Hygrocybe madeirensis in laurel forests, Hygrocybula terracocta (incl. Hygrocybula gen. nov.) on mossy areas of laurel forests planted with Cryptomeria japonica. Republic of Kenya, Penicillium gorferi from a sterile chicken feather embedded in a soil sample. Slovakia, Cerinomyces tatrensis on bark of Pinus mugo, Metapochonia simonovicovae from soil. South Africa, Acremonium agapanthi on culms of Agapanthus praecox, Alfaria elegiae on culms of Elegia ebracteata, Beaucarneamyces stellenboschensis (incl. Beaucarneamyces gen. nov.) on dead leaves of Beaucarnea stricta, Gardeniomyces kirstenboschensis (incl. Gardeniomyces gen. nov.) rotting fruit of Gardenia thunbergia, Knufia dianellae on dead leaves of Dianella caerulea, Lomaantha quercina on twigs of Quercus suber. Melanina restionis on dead leaves of Restio duthieae, Microdochium buffelskloofinum on seeds of Eragrostis cf. racemosa, Thamnochortomyces kirstenboschensis (incl. Thamnochortomyces gen. nov.) on culms of Thamnochortus fraternus, Tubeufia hagahagana on leaves of Hypoxis angustifolia, Wingfieldomyces cypericola on dead leaves of Cyperus papyrus. Spain, Geastrum federeri in soil under Quercus suber and Q. canariensis, Geastrum nadalii in calcareous soil under Juniperus, Quercus, Cupressus, Pinus and Robinia, Hygrocybe garajonayensis in laurel forests, Inocybe cistophila on acidic soil under Cistus ladanifer, Inocybe sabuligena in a mixed Quercus ilex subsp. ballota/Juniperus thurifera open forest, Mycena calongei on mossy bark base of Juniperus oxycedrus, Rhodophana ulmaria on soil in Ulmus minor forest, Tuber arriacaense in soil under Populus pyramidalis, Volvariella latispora on grassy soils in a Quercus ilex ssp. rotundifolia stand. Sweden, Inocybe iota in alpine heath on calcareous soil. Thailand, Craterellus maerimensis and Craterellus sanbuakwaiensis on laterite and sandy soil, Helicocollum samlanense on scale insects, Leptosporella cassiae on dead twigs of Cassia fistula, Oxydothis coperniciae on dead leaf of Copernicia alba, Russula mukdahanensis on soil, Trechispora sangria on soil, Trechispora sanpatongensis on soil. Türkiye, Amanita corylophila in a plantation of Corylus avellana. Ukraine, Pararthrophiala adonis (incl. Pararthrophiala gen. nov.) on dead stems of Adonis vernalis. USA, Cladorrhinum carnegieae from Carnegiea gigantea, Dematipyriformia americana on swab from basement wall, Dothiora americana from outside air, Dwiroopa aeria from bedroom air, Lithohypha cladosporioides from hospital swab, Macroconia verruculosa on twig of Ilex montana, associated with black destroyed ascomycetous fungus and Biatora sp., Periconia floridana from outside air, Phytophthora fagacearum from necrotic leaves and shoots of Fagus grandifolia, Queenslandipenidiella californica on wood in crawlspace. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Jurjevic Z, Balashov S, De la Peña-Lastra S, Mateos A, Pinruan U, Rigueiro-Rodríguez A, Osieck ER, Altés A, Czachura P, Esteve-Raventós F, Gunaseelan S, Kaliyaperumal M, Larsson E, Luangsa-ard JJ, Moreno G, Pancorbo F, Piatek M, Sommai S, Somrithipol S, Asif M, Delgado G, Flakus A, Illescas T, Kezo K, Khamsuntorn P, Kubátová A, Labuda R, Lavoise C, Lebel T, Lueangjaroenkit P, Maciá-Vicente JG, Paz A, Saba M, Shivas RG, Tan YP, Wingfield MJ, Aas T, Abramczyk B, Ainsworth AM, Akulov A, Alvarado P, Armada F, Assyov B, Avchar R, Avesani M, Bezerra JL, Bhat JD, Bilanski P, Bily DS, Boccardo F, Bozok F, Campos JC, Chaimongkol S, Chellappan N, Costa MM, Dalecká M, Darmostuk V, Daskalopoulos V, Dearnaley J, Dentinger BTM, De Silva NI, Dhotre D, Carlavilla JR, Doungsa-ard C, Dovana F, Erhard A, Ferro LO, Gallegos SC, Giles CE, Gore G, Gorfer M, Guard FE, Hanson S-A, Haridev P, Jankowiak R, Jeffers SN, Kandemir H, Karich A, Kislo K, Kiss L, Krisai-Greilhuber I, Latha KPD, Lorenzini M, Lumyong S, Manimohan P, Manjón JL, Maula F, Mazur E, Mesquita NLS, Mlynek K, Mongkolsamrit S, Morán P, Murugadoss R, Nagarajan M, Nalumpang S, Noisripoom W, Nosalj S, Novaes QS, Nowak M, Pawlowska J, Peiger M, Pereira OL, Pinto A, Plaza M, Polemis E, Polhorský A, Ramos DO, Raza M, Rivas-Ferreiro M, Rodriguez-Flakus P, Ruszkiewicz-Michalska M, Sánchez A, Santos A, Schüller A, Scott PA, Sen I, Shelke D, Sliwa L, Solheim H, Sonawane H, Strasiftáková D, Stryjak-Bogacka M, Sudsanguan M, Suwannarach N, Suz LM, Syme K, Taskin H, Tennakoon DS, Tomka P, Vaghefi N, Vasan V, Vauras J, Wiktorowicz D, Villarreal M, Vizzini A, Wrzosek M, Yang X, Yingkunchao W, Zapparoli G, Zervakis GI, Groenewald JZ (2024). Fungal Planet description sheets: 1614-1696. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 13: 183-440. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2024.13.11.

The genus Fomitopsis (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) reconsidered.

Based on seven- and three-gene datasets, we discuss four alternative approaches for a reclassification of Fomitopsidaceae (Polyporales, Basidiomycota). After taking into account morphological diversity in the family, we argue in favour of distinguishing three genera only, viz. Anthoporia, Antrodia and Fomitopsis. Fomitopsis becomes a large genus with 128 accepted species, containing almost all former Fomitopsis spp. and most species formerly placed in Antrodia, Daedalea and Laccocephalum. Genera Buglossoporus, Cartilosoma, Daedalea, Melanoporia, Neolentiporus, alongside twenty others, are treated as synonyms of Fomitopsis. This generic scheme allows for morphologically distinct genera in Fomitopsidaceae, unlike other schemes we considered. We provide arguments for retaining Fomitopsis and suppressing earlier (Daedalea, Caloporus) or simultaneously published generic names (Piptoporus) considered here as its synonyms. Taxonomy of nine species complexes in the genus is revised based on ITS, ITS + TEF1, ITS + TEF1 + RPB1 and ITS + TEF1 + RPB2 datasets. In total, 17 species are described as new to science, 26 older species are reinstated and 26 currently accepted species names are relegated to synonymy. A condensed identification key for all accepted species in the genus is provided. Taxonomic novelties: New species: Fomitopsis algumicola Grebenc & Spirin, F. caseosa Vlasák & Spirin, F. cupressicola Vlasák, J. Vlasák Jr. & Spirin, F. derelicta Vlasák & Spirin, F. dollingeri Vlasák & Spirin, F. fissa Vlasák & Spirin, F. lapidosa Miettinen & Spirin, F. lignicolor Vlasák & Spirin, F. maculosa Miettinen & Spirin, F. pannucea Runnel & Spirin, F. perhiemata Viner & Spirin, F. purpurea Spirin & Ryvarden, F. retorrida Spirin & Kotiranta, F. solaris Rivoire, A.M. Ainsworth & Vlasák, F. tristis Miettinen & Spirin, F. tunicata Miettinen & Spirin, F. visenda Miettinen & Spirin. New combinations: Fomitopsis aculeata (Cooke) Spirin & Miettinen, F. aethalodes (Mont.) Spirin, F. alaskana (D.V. Baxter) Spirin & Vlasák, F. albidoides (A. David & Dequatre) Bernicchia & Vlasák, F. amygdalina (Berk. & Ravenel) Spirin & Vlasák, F. angusta (Spirin & Vlasák) Spirin & Vlasák, F. atypa (Lév.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. caespitosa (Murrill) Spirin & Miettinen, F. calcitrosa (Spirin & Miettinen) Spirin & Miettinen, F. circularis (B.K. Cui & Hai J. Li) Spirin, F. concentrica (G. Cunn.) M.D. Barrett, F. cyclopis (Miettinen & Spirin) Miettinen & Spirin, F. dickinsii (Berk. ex Cooke) Spirin, F. elevata (Corner) Spirin & Miettinen, F. eucalypti (Kalchbr.) Spirin, F. ferrea (Cooke) Spirin & Viner, F. flavimontis (Vlasák & Spirin) Vlasák & Spirin, F. foedata (Berk.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. gilvidula (Bres.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. glabricystidia (Ipulet & Ryvarden) Miettinen & Ryvarden, F. globispora (Ryvarden & Aime) Spirin, F. hartmannii (Cooke) M.D. Barrett & Spirin, F. hyalina (Spirin, Miettinen & Kotir.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. hypoxantha (Bres.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. incana (Lév.) Spirin & V. Malysheva, F. infirma (Renvall & Niemelä) Miettinen & Niemelä, F. juniperina (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. kuzyana (Pilát ex Pilát) Spirin & Vlasák, F. leioderma (Mont.) Spirin & Vlasak, F. leucaena (Y.C. Dai & Niemelä) Spirin & Miettinen, F. luzonensis (Murrill) Spirin & Miettinen, F. maculatissima (Lloyd) Spirin, F. madronae (Vlasák & Ryvarden) Vlasák & Ryvarden, F. malicola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Spirin, F. marchionica (Mont.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. marianii (Bres.) Spirin, Vlasák & Cartabia, F. mellita (Niemelä & Penttilä) Niemelä & Miettinen, F. microcarpa (B.K. Cui & Shun Liu) Spirin, F. micropora (B.K. Cui & Shun Liu) Spirin, F. modesta (Kuntze ex Fr.) Vlasák & Spirin, F. monomitica (Yuan Y. Chen) Spirin & Viner, F. morganii (Lloyd) Spirin & Vlasák, F. moritziana (Lév.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. neotropica (D.L. Lindner, Ryvarden & T.J. Baroni) Vlasák, F. nigra (Berk.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. nivosella (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. oboensis (Decock, Amalfi & Ryvarden) Spirin, F. oleracea (R.W. Davidson & Lombard) Spirin & Vlasák, F. philippinensis (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. primaeva (Renvall & Niemelä) Miettinen & Niemelä, F. psilodermea (Berk. & Mont.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. pulverulenta (Rivoire) Rivoire, F. pulvina (Pers.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. pulvinascens (Pilát ex Pilát) Niemelä & Miettinen, F. quercina (L.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. ramentacea (Berk. & Broome) Spirin & Vlasák, F. renehenticii (Rivoire, Trichies & Vlasák) Rivoire & Vlasák, F. roseofusca (Romell) Spirin & Vlasák, F. sagraeana (Mont.) Vlasák & Spirin, F. sandaliae (Bernicchia & Ryvarden) Bernicchia & Vlasák, F. sclerotina (Rodway) M.D. Barrett & Spirin, F. serialiformis (Kout & Vlasák) Vlasák, F. serialis (Fr.) Spirin & Runnel, F. serrata (Vlasák & Spirin) Vlasák & Spirin, F. squamosella (Bernicchia & Ryvarden) Bernicchia & Ryvarden, F. stereoides (Fr.) Spirin, F. subectypa (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. substratosa (Malençon) Spirin & Miettinen, F. tropica (B.K. Cui) Spirin, F. tumulosa (Cooke) M.D. Barrett & Spirin, F. tuvensis (Spirin, Vlasák & Kotir.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. uralensis (Pilát) Spirin & Miettinen, F. ussuriensis (Bondartsev & Ljub.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. variiformis (Peck) Vlasák & Spirin, F. yunnanensis (M.L. Han & Q. An) Spirin, Daedaleopsis candicans (P. Karst.) Spirin, Megasporoporia eutelea (Har. & Pat.) Spirin & Viner, Neofomitella hemitephra (Berk.) M.D. Barrett, Pseudophaeolus soloniensis (Dubois) Spirin & Rivoire, P. trichrous (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Vlasák & Spirin. New synonyms: Antrodia bondartsevae Spirin, A. huangshanensis Y.C. Dai & B.K. Cui, A. taxa T.T. Chang & W.N. Chou, A. wangii Y.C. Dai & H.S. Yuan, Antrodiella subnigra Oba, Mossebo & Ryvarden, Antrodiopsis Audet, Boletus quercinus Schrad., Brunneoporus Audet, Buglossoporus Kotl. & Pouzar, Buglossoporus eucalypticola M.L. Han, B.K. Cui & Y.C. Dai, Caloporus P. Karst., Cartilosoma Kotlaba & Pouzar, Coriolus clemensiae Murrill, C. cuneatiformis Murrill, C. hollickii Murrill, C. parthenius Hariot & Pat., C. rubritinctus Murrill, Daedalea Pers., Daedalea allantoidea M.L. Han, B.K. Cui & Y.C. Dai, D. americana M.L. Han, Vlasák & B.K. Cui, D. radiata B.K. Cui & Hai J. Li, D. rajchenbergiana Kossmann & Drechsler-Santos, D. sinensis Lloyd, Daedalella B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, Dentiporus Audet, Flavidoporia Audet, Fomes subferreus Murrill, Fomitopsis cana B.K. Cui, Hai J. Li & M.L. Han, F. caribensis B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, F. cystidiata B.K. Cui & M.L. Han, F. ginkgonis B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, F. iberica Melo & Ryvarden, F. incarnata K.M. Kim, J.S. Lee & H.S. Jung, F. subfeei B.K. Cui & M.L. Han, F. subtropica B.K. Cui & Hai J. Li, Fragifomes B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Leptoporus epileucinus Pilát, Melanoporia Murrill, Neoantrodia Audet, Neolentiporus Rajchenb., Nigroporus macroporus Ryvarden & Iturr., Niveoporofomes B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Pilatoporus Kotl. & Pouzar, Piptoporus P. Karst., Polyporus aurora Ces., P. durescens Overh. ex J. Lowe, P. griseodurus Lloyd, Poria incarnata Pers., Pseudoantrodia B.K. Cui, Y.Y. Chen & Shun Liu, Pseudofomitopsis B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, Ranadivia Zmitr., Rhizoporia Audet, Rhodofomes Kotl. & Pouzar, Rhodofomitopsis B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Rhodofomitopsis pseudofeei B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, R. roseomagna Nogueira-Melo, A.M.S. Soares & Gibertoni, Rubellofomes B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Subantrodia Audet, Trametes fulvirubida Corner, T. lignea Murrill, T. lusor Corner, T. pseudodochmia Corner, T. subalutacea Bourdot & Galzin, T. supermodesta Ryvarden & Iturr., T. tuberculata Bres., Tyromyces multipapillatus Corner, T. ochraceivinosus Corner, T. palmarum Murrill, T. singularis Corner, T. squamosellus Núñez & Ryvarden, Ungulidaedalea B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai. Lectotypes: Hexagonia sulcata Berk., Polyporus castaneae Bourdot & Galzin, Poria incarnata Pers., Trametes subalutacea Bourdot & Galzin, Ungulina substratosa Malençon. Neotypes: Agaricus soloniensis Dubois, Boletus pulvinus Pers. Citation: Spirin V, Runnel K, Vlasák J, Viner I, Barrett MD, Ryvarden L, Bernicchia A, Rivoire B, Ainsworth AM, Grebenc T, Cartabia M, Niemelä T, Larsson K-H, Miettinen O (2024). The genus Fomitopsis (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) reconsidered. Studies in Mycology 107: 149-249. doi: 10.3114/sim.2024.107.03.

Four new species of Hydnellum (Thelephorales, Basidiomycota) with a note on Sarcodon illudens.

Four new Hydnellum species are described. Hydnellum roseoviolaceum sp. nov. grows in dry pine heaths on acidic, sandy soil. It is close to H. fuligineoviolaceum, another pine-associated species, but differs by smaller spores, an initially rose-coloured instead of violet flesh in fresh basidiomata and a mild taste. Hydnellum scabrosellum sp. nov. grows in coniferous forests on calcareous soil. It shares a general morphology with H. scabrosum, which also is its closest relative. It differs by having smaller and slenderer basidiomata and by the yellowish ochraceous colour of flesh and spines in dried specimens compared to the whitish or reddish brown colour seen in H. scabrosum. Hydnellum fagiscabrosum sp. nov. is another species with morphological and phylogenetic affinities to H. scabrosum. However, it is associated with trees from Fagales whereas H. scabrosum is associated with Pinaceae. Hydnellum nemorosum sp. nov. is yet another species that associates with broadleaved trees. It seems to be a rare species, morphologically reminiscent of H. fuligineoviolaceum, H. ioeides and H. scabrosum, but it is phylogenetically close to H. fennicum. Sequences from the type specimens of H. glaucopus, H. lepidum, H. scabrosum, Sarcodon illudens and S. regalis are included in the analyses. Specimens given the provisional name "Sarcodon pseudoglaucopus" in Sweden are now shown to be referable to S. illudens. The analyses further showed that S. illudens is close to H. lepidum. The new combination Hydnellum illudens is proposed. Sarcodon regalis and H. lepidum are shown to be conspecific and, although their basionyms were simultaneously published, the name S. regalis was only validated in a later publication. Hydnellum lepidum therefore takes priority and S. regalis becomes a synonym. Citation: Nitare J, Ainsworth AM, Larsson E, Parfitt D, Suz LM, Svantesson S, Larsson K-H (2021). Four new species of Hydnellum (Thelephorales, Basidiomycota) with a note on Sarcodon illudens. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 7: 233-254. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2021.07.12.

Novel reduced benzo[j]fluranthen-3-ones from Cladosporium cf. cladosporioides with cytokine production and tyrosine kinase inhibitory properties.

A series of reduced benzo[j]fluoranthen-3-ones (1-4) was isolated from fermentations of a fungal strain CBUK20700 (CBS 100220), classified as Cladosporium cf. cladosporioides, during a microbial extract screening programme to identify inhibitors of anti-CD28-induced interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by Jurkat E6-1 cells as potential immunosuppressive agents. These compounds were also found to be tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The structures of compounds 1-4 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including the HMQC, HMBC and NOESY NMR experiments. The most potent compound in the series, (6bS,7R,8S)-7-methoxy-4,8,9-trihydroxy-1,6b,7,8-tetrahydro-2H-benzo[j]fluoranthen-3-one (1) inhibited anti-CD28-induced IL-2 production and Abl tyrosine kinase with IC50 values of 400 and 60 nM respectively. The 6b-stereoisomeric 2 was a moderate inhibitor of both IL-2 production and Abl tyrosine kinase while the 8-oxo derivative 3 was inactive in both assays. The 8-O-methyl ether 4 was a moderate inhibitor of IL-2 production but exhibited potent inhibition of Abl tyrosine kinase with an IC50 of 45 nM.

Epilithic and planktonic leucine aminopeptidase activity and leucine assimilation along the River Tweed, Scottish Borders.

The microbial organic-nitrogen transformation variables, extracellular leucine aminopeptidase activity, and leucine assimilation, were determined at stone surfaces and in river water at six sites along 138 km of the River Tweed and also in a major tributary, the River Teviot. Sampling was on 3 days, representative of spring, summer and autumn. The variables, except for epilithic leucine assimilation, all showed significant downstream increase on at least 2 of the sampling days. Their values tended to be lowest in spring (early April). Aminopeptidase activity, leucine assimilation, microbial abundance, and pattern of downstream increase in the Tweed were shown to be broadly similar to in the River Swale, northern England. Microbial organic-nitrogen transformations and abundance in the Teviot tended to equal or exceed those in the lower Tweed, probably because of enrichment of the tributary by sewage-works discharges.

Downstream change in leucine aminopeptidase activity and leucine assimilation by epilithic microbiota along the River Swale, northern England.

Parallel determinations of epilithic extracellular leucine aminopeptidase activity and leucine assimilation were made at five sites along 112 km of the River Swale and also in two tributaries, the River Wiske and Cod Beck. Epilithic leucine aminopeptidase activity along the Swale increased with distance downstream; this increase was gradual, rather than stepwise in response to specific sewage-works outfalls. Epilithic leucine assimilation, in contrast, did not consistently increase along the river. Epilithic leucine aminopeptidase activity and leucine assimilation were both potentially controlled by epilithic microbial variables (bacterial abundance and chlorophyll a) while leucine aminopeptidase activity was also strongly related to water-quality variables, especially temperature, pH and conductivity. Epilithic leucine aminopeptidase activity and leucine assimilation were coupled, but the magnitude of aminopeptidase activity was always substantially greater than that of leucine assimilation. Arguments are presented, however, which suggest that this did not necessarily indicate the constant availability of excess leucine, and by inference amino-acid nitrogen, to epilithic bacteria. Values of epilithic leucine aminopeptidase activity and leucine assimilation, expressed relative to rates in overlying water, suggested that most activity and assimilation was epilithic rather than planktonic, although the planktonic contribution was proportionately greater at the deeper, more downstream, sites. In the tributaries, River Wiske and Cod Beck, values of epilithic leucine aminopeptidase activity and epilithic microbial abundance, as well as those of many water-quality variables, resembled values in the middle and lower Swale. Thus, these tributaries were essentially lowland, enriched watercourses being very different from the headstreams of the main river.

A novel (6S)-4,6-dimethyldodeca-2E,4E-dienoyl ester of phomalactone and related alpha-pyrone esters from a Phomopsis sp. with cytokine production inhibitory activity.

A series of novel 6-substituted 5,6-dihydro-5-hydroxy-alpha-pyrone esters, 1 approximately 3, isolated from fermentations of a Phomopsis sp. (Xenova culture collection no. X22502) have been identified as inhibitors of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine production. These include the (6S)-4,6-dimethyldodecadien-2E,4E-dienoyl ester of phomalactone, 1, and two analogues bearing a prop-2E-enoic acid moiety at the 6-position of the alpha-pyrone ring. (6S)-4,6-Dimethyl-2E,4E-dienoic acid, 4, and a hydroxylated analogue, 5, were also isolated and characterised. The most potent cytokine production inhibitor was 1, which inhibited LPS-induced tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) production by U937 cells and LPS-induced interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with IC50 values of 80 nM and 190 nM respectively. The effect of 1 in PBMC was selective for IL-1beta relative to TNFalpha. The inhibition of IL-1beta production by 1 involved a post-translational mechanism of action at the level of IL-1beta secretion as demonstrated by the lack of an effect on cell-associated IL-1beta production. 1 showed no effect on the activity of caspase 1 in cytosolic extracts from the THP1 monocytic cell line.

Hyperthermia enhances cytomegalovirus regulation of HIV-1 and TNF-alpha gene expression.

The immediate-early (IE) genes of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be expressed in monocytic cells and are known to regulate viral and cellular genes. Reactivation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) may be stimulated by a variety of factors including other viruses and inflammatory cytokines. These studies examine the role of hyperthermia and CMV in the regulation of HIV-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. THP-1 cells were transfected with the CMV IE genes. HIV-1 and TNF-alpha transcription were assessed with chloramphenicol acetyltransferase promoter constructs. Hyperthermia sufficient to stimulate production of heat shock proteins was used to stimulate the cells. Hyperthermia significantly enhances the effect of CMV IE gene products on the expression of HIV-1 and TNF-alpha. The increases in HIV-1 transcription appear to be in part due to increases in TNF-alpha. Heat shock proteins induced by hyperthermia may play an important role in the viral regulation of monocytic function by CMV.

Structural elucidation of XR586, a peptaibol-like antibiotic from Acremonium persicinum.

A novel peptide, XR586, has been isolated from fermentations of Acremonium persicinum (Xenova culture collection number X21488). The structure of XR586 has been elucidated by means of NMR spectroscopy, electrospray and fast-atom bombardment MS, derivatization and enzymic digestion. It has been shown to be helical by CD measurements. XR586 shows many structural and conformational features in common with peptaibols, particularly the zervamicins. Peptaibol antibiotics are peptides, typically of 15-20 residues, containing a large proportion of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) residues. These peptides adopt a helical conformation in solution and display anti-bacterial and toxic properties due to their ability to form pores in membranes. However, while XR586 contains several Aib residues, it lacks a terminal phenylalaninol and terminates in the sequence Phe-Gly. The lack of reduction of the penultimate residue at the C-terminus may indicate that this step is normally at the end of the biosynthetic pathway of peptaibols and occurs with cleavage of Gly. The 1H chemical shift assignments of XR586 are reported in Supplementary Publication SUP 50179 (3 pages), which has been deposited at the British Library Document Supply Centre, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1996) 313, 9 ("Deposition of data').

Novel beta-methoxyacrylates of the 9-methoxystrobilurin and oudesmansin classes produced by the basidiomycete Favolaschia pustulosa.

Submerged liquid cultures of the basidiomycete Favolaschia pustulosa (Xenova culture collection no. X27732) afforded the novel 9-methoxystrobilurin derivatives, 9-methoxystrobilurin L (1) and 9-methoxystrobilurin E (2), and the related oudemansin derivative, oudemansin L (3). Their structures were established by 2D NMR experiments. Compounds 1 and 3 possess a novel arrangement of two isoprenoid units fused to the aromatic nucleus. Both 1 and 2 have the EEE-configuration in the pentadienyl side chain as reported previously for 9-methoxystrobilurins. Compound 1 was cytotoxic to cells of the human B lymphoblastoid cell line (Jijoye), with an IC50 of 1.8 nM. This cytotoxicity was observed in a 5- day assay only and was not apparent after 2 days. Compound 1 showed some antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 0.9 microM) and antifungal activity against Candida albicans (MIC = 6 microM).

Novel drimane sesquiterpene esters from Aspergillus ustus var. pseudodeflectus with endothelin receptor binding activity.

A series of novel drimane sesquiterpene esters (1-6) was isolated from fermentations of Aspergillus ustus var. pseudodeflectus and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic methods including the HMQC, HMBC and INADEQUATE NMR experiments. The major component of the fermentation, 1, was (2'E,4'E,6'E)-6-(1'-carboxy-2',4',6'-trien)-9-hydroxydrim-7-ene-11 ,12-olide. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 5 exhibited endothelin receptor binding inhibitory activity against rabbit endothelin-A and rat endothelin-B receptors with IC50 values in the range 20-150 microM. These compounds had similar levels of activity in assays for binding to human endothelin A and endothelin B receptors. The isolation of 9,11-dihydroxy-6-oxodrim-7-ene, 7, a probable biosynthetic precursor to the drimane esters is also reported.

Azaphilones with endothelin receptor binding activity produced by Penicillium sclerotiorum: taxonomy, fermentation, isolation, structure elucidation and biological activity.

A series of azaphilones produced by Penicillium sclerotiorum (Xenova culture collection number X11853) active in assays for the detection of antagonists of the endothelin-A (ETA) and endothelin-B (ETB) receptors has been identified. The series includes two novel sclerotiorin analogues, (8S,8 alpha-R)-7-deacetyl-1,O8,8,8a-tetrahydro-7-epi-sclerotiorin, 1, and its 5-dechloro analogue, 2. It also includes 5-chloroisorotiorin, 6, previously unreported as a natural product, in addition to the major product of these fermentations, (+)-sclerotiorin, 5. Data for the inhibition of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and endothelin-3 (ET-3) binding in the ETA and ETB receptor assays respectively are reported for this series. Compounds 1 and 2 were more selective for the rabbit ETA receptor than for the rat ETB receptor. The IC50 values for 1 and 2 were 9 and 28 microM respectively in an assay based on binding of ET-1 to rabbit ETA receptors. In an assay based on the binding of ET-3 to the rat ETB receptor compounds 1 and 2 exhibited IC50's of 77 and 172 microM. Members of this series of compounds demonstrated antagonist behavior in a secondary assay based on blockade of ET-1 stimulated arachidonic acid release from rabbit renal artery smooth muscle cells, when present at concentrations of > or = 30 microM.

Xenovulene A, a novel GABA-benzodiazepine receptor binding compound produced by Acremonium strictum.

Xenovulene A, a novel inhibitor of benzodiazepine binding to the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor is produced by submerged fermentation of Acremonium strictum. It was isolated from the mycelium by solvent extraction and purified by chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 and octadecyl silica. The structure of xenovulene A was determined to be a novel oxygenated sesquiterpene containing a humulene moiety by interpretation of various spectroscopic data, especially from 2D NMR experiments. Xenovulene A inhibited binding of the benzodiazepine, flunitrazepam, with an IC50 of 40 nM in an in vitro assay using bovine synaptosome membrane preparations.

Origin of familial malignant melanomas from heritable melanocytic lesions. 'The B-K mole syndrome'.

Distinctive melanocytic moles are described in 37 patients from six melanoma families. Among the family members examined by the authors, 15 of 17 patients with melanoma and 22 of 41 nonmelanoma relatives had the unique moles. The clinical and histological features of these moles have been designated the "B-K mole syndrome." The clinical features of the syndrome include the presence of less than 10 to greater than 100 moles prominent of the upper trunk and extremities, and variability of mole size (5 mm to 15 mm), outline, and color combination. Histologically, B-K moles show atypical melanocytic hyperplasia, lymphocytic infiltration, delicate fibroplasia, and new blood vessels that occur within a compound nevus or de novo. The transformation of two B-K moles into malignant melanomas was documented photographically.

Precursor lesions in familial melanoma. A new genetic preneoplastic syndrome.

In seven consecutive melanoma-prone families, pigmented lesions with distinctive clinical and histologic characteristics occurred in 18 of 20 melanoma patients (90%) and 24 of 43 first-degree relatives (56%). Recognition of these lesions led to the detection of early-stage melanoma in six family members. This syndrome appears to represent an autosomal dominant trait and may serve as a cutaneous marker to identify persons at high risk for melanoma.

The accuracy of predicting lymph nodes metastases in malignant melanoma by clinical examination and microstaging.

Since 1971, a prospective treatment regimen for primary cutaneous malignant melanoma performed by a single clinician has revealed the following early observations: 1) A significantly higher number of females with level II disease; 2) No recurrences or metastases to date in 29 patients with level II lesions treated by appropriate surgery; 3) The apparent clinical predictability of lymph node metastases in the group microstaged at level III. 4) An inability to predict lymph node metastases (or their delayed development) in patients with level IV disease; 5) A correlation between lymph node metastases and the development of disseminated disease.

Primary malignant melanoma of the urinary bladder.

A melanin-synthesizing tumor of the urinary bladder was studied by light and electron microscopy. Careful clinical evaluation did not reveal evidence for a primary melanoma elsewhere in the patient. The clinical presentation, course of the disease, and demonstration of melanocytes in the bladder epithelium and malignant melanocytes comprising the tumor by light and electron microscopy indicated that the neoplasm was a primary malignant melanoma arising in the bladder.