Sugarcane leaves-derived polyphenols alleviate metabolic syndrome and modulate gut microbiota of ob/ob mice

Sugarcane leaves-derived polyphenols(SLP)have been demonstrated to have diverse health-promoting benefits,but the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated.This study aimed to investigate the anti-metabolic disease effects of SLP and the underlying mechanisms in mice.In the current study,we prepared the SLP mainly consisting of three flavonoid glycosides,three phenol derivatives,and two lignans including one new compound,and further demonstrated that SLP reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation,improved glucose and lipid metabolism disorders,ameliorated hepatic steatosis,and regulated short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)production and secondary bile acids metabolism in ob/ob mice.Notably,SLP largely altered the gut microbiota composition,especially enriching the commensal bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides acidifaciens.Oral gavage with the above two strains ameliorated metabolic syndrome(MetS),regulated secondary bile acid metabolism,and increased the production of SCFAs in high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obese mice.These results demonstrated that SLP could be used as a prebiotic to attenuate MetS via regulating gut microbiota composition and further activating the secondary bile acids-mediated gut-adipose axis.

The human-derived novel gut commensal Luoshenia tenuis regulates body weight and food intake in mice

Many studies have revealed that gut microbes modulate host metabolism.In this study,we characterized the therapeutic effects of a novel gut commensal Luoshenia tenuis against host metabolic disorders.First,by in silico analysis,we demonstrated that the L.tenuis was prevalent in the gut microbiomes of healthy humans but were depleted specifically in obesity cohorts.Further in vitro cultivation revealed that L.tenuis produced short chain fatty acids that were verified to modulate host metabolism and some other volatile metabolites to benefit hosts by anti-inflammation and anti-tumor.Second,gavage of the L.tenuis significantly decreased the body weight gain and food intake of high-fat diet-feeding C57BL/6J mice,which was in parallel with the changed expression level of genes related to satiety and feeding behavior.We then performed the gavage trial using diet induced obese mice,and it revealed that the administration of L.tenuis alleviated significantly the abnormal glucose and lipid metabolisms and reduced the inflammatory response.In summary,this study revealed a previously-unknown human gut commensal microbe that benefited host metabolism,and set the stage for the development of novel next-generation probiotic applicable for treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Different mechanisms underlie similar species-area relationships in two tropical archipelagoes

Despite much research in the field of island biogeography,mechanisms regulating insular diversity remain elusive.Here,we aim to explore mechanisms underlying plant species-area relationships in two tropical archipelagoes in the South China Sea.We found positive plant species-area relationships for both coral and continental archipelagoes.However,our results showed that different mechanisms contributed to similar plant species-area relationships between the two archipelagoes.For coral islands,soil nutrients and spatial distance among communities played major roles in shaping plant community structure and species diversity.By contrast,the direct effect of island area,and to a lesser extent,soil nutrients determined plant species richness on continental islands.Intriguingly,increasing soil nutrients availability(N,P,K)had opposite effects on plant diversity between the two archipelagoes.In summary,the habitat quality effect and dispersal limitation are important for regulating plant diversity on coral islands,whereas the passive sampling effect,and to a lesser extent,the habitat quality effect are important for regulating plant diversity on continental islands.More generally,our findings indicate that island plant species-area relationships are outcomes of the interplay of both niche and neutral processes,but the driving mechanisms behind these relationships depends on the type of islands.

Amelioration of metabolic disorders by a mushroom-derived polyphenols correlates with the reduction of Ruminococcaceae in gut of DIO mice

A polyphenolic alkaloid-enriched extract(PAE)was prepared from the fruiting bodies of a wild edible mushroom Sarcodon leucopus.Oral administration of PAE reduced hyperglycemia,hyperlipidemia,hepatic steatosis,and LPS-related infl ammation in high fat diet-induced obese(DIO)mice.Furthermore,we show that PAE produces taxonomic and predicted functional changes in the gut microbiome of DIO mice.A signifi cant decrease in the family of Ruminococcaceae,especially the secondary bile acid-producing bacteria of Intestinimonas and Anaerotruncus,is detected in the gut microbiome of PAE-treate mice.Accordingly,reductions of deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid are found in the feces of PAE-treated DIO mice,which benefi ts for the intestinal integrity and the reduction of infl ammation.A gut microbiota related mechanism for the anti-metabolic syndrome effects of the PAE is proposed.We suppose the polyphenolic alkaloid extract from S.leucopus be a new and benefi cial prebiotic regulating glucose and lipid metabolisms.

Three New Heptelidic Acid Derivatives from the Culture of Mushroom Lentinellus ursinus

Three new heptelidic acid derivatives(1-3)including two new dimeric esters and two known heptelidic acid analogues(4 and 5)were isolated from the solid culture of mushroom Lentinellus ursinus.The structures of new compounds were confirmed by the analysis of NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic data.The biosynthetic origin of compounds 1-5 was postulated.Compounds 1-5 exhibited no antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at the dose of 100 μM.

Evaluating effective Trichoderma isolates for biocontrol of Rhizoctonia solani causing root rot of Vigna unguiculata

The highly diverse genus Trichoderma has provided many formulations that are alternatives to the chemical pesticides in agriculture.The present study was undertaken to investigate the biocontrol potential of eight Trichoderma species,T.atrobrunneum,T.guizhouense,T.paratroviride,T.pyramidale,T.rufobrunneum,T.simmonsii,T.thermophilum and T.viridulum,against the phytopathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani.Trichoderma isolates were first evaluated in vitro by dual culture tests for their antagonism,mycoparasitic ability and antifungal activity against R.solani.Their growth promoting potential was further assessed in relation to phosphate solubilization,indole acetic acid and siderophore production.Five of the isolates were selected and evaluated for their abilities to prompt plant growth and to control R.solani infecting Vigna unguiculata(cowpea)seedlings in vivo.Two most effective isolates,T.guizhouense 9185 and T.simmonsii 8702,significantly(P<0.05)reduced the disease severity incidences(36.6 and 45.0%,respectively)and promoted plant growth,which have good prospects for application.

The enriched gut commensal Faeciroseburia intestinalis contributes to the anti-metabolic disorders effects of the Ganoderma meroterpene derivative

Previous study demonstrated that Ganoderma meroterpene derivative(GMD)increased the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria in gut and subsequently delivered anti-metabolic disorder effect of host.To specify the key commensal bacteria associating with the beneficial effects,we tried to isolate and compare the microbiota from the cecal samples of GMD-and vehicle-treated ob/ob mice,and further identified butyrate-producing bacterial strains.It was found that Faeciroseburia intestinalis was enriched and 11 strains affiliated to F.intestinalis were cultivated from the gut of GMD-treated mice.In vitro assay attested butyrate production by representative strain of F.intestinalis.Oral administration with F.intestinalis further demonstrated its benefits on regulating hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia,on decreasing plasma lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and inflammation,and on improving hepatic injuries.Treatment with F.intestinalis effectively enhanced the level of gut butyrate,which subsequently ameliorated the intestinal barrier function and activated epithelial PPAR-γ signaling pathway to regulate microbiome homeostasis in gut.Our study demonstrated that the causal relationship between the butyrate-producing bacteria and the GMD's therapeutic effects and confirmed the important function of the butyrate-producing F.intestinalis in maintaining host metabolism homeostasis.

Nucleotide differences in the mbf1 gene of the lichenized fungus Umbilicaria decussata collected in polar and non-polar regions

Multiprotein bridging factor 1 （MBF1） is a transcriptional co-activator related to stress tolerance in various organisms. We investigated the nucleotide differences in the mbfl gene in the lichen-forming fungus Umbilicaria decussata collected from polar （i.e., Antarctica and the Arctic） and non-polar （i.e., Armenia） regions. The 552-bp Udmbfl genes isolated from eight samples contained numerous sequence variations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms as well as insertions and deletions. The frequency of nucleotide changes was higher in the intron than in the coding sequence. The nucleotide polymorphism levels （n=0.01792, 0=-0.01792） and haplotype diversity （Hd=-l） in the Udmbfl gene from Antarctic samples were relatively high. Additionally, of the 19 detected nucleotide sequence variation sites, 15 were observed only in Antarctic samples. The resulting amino acid changes occurred in the N-terminal, whose function remains unknown. Although these DNA polymorphisms and amino acid changes have been verified in Antarctic samples of U. decussata, there is still little evidence indicating that different environmental conditions affected the functional evolution of Udmbfl. Additional studies involving more U. decussata samples fi＇om representative ecotypes will be necessary to tmcover the relationships among DNA polymorphisms, functional gene evolution, and lichen habitats.

Vegetative Growth and Molecular Identification of Fusarium equiseti Isolated from Wilt Disease of Centella asiatica L. in Bangladesh

Centella asiatica (L.) is commonly known as Thankuni plant and has ethnobotanical importance in Bangladesh. Present experiment was conceded to investigate the wilt disease of C. asiatica, vegetative growth and molecular characterization of pathogenic fungi. Pathogenic fungus, Fusarium equiseti was identified as a causal agent of wilt disease in C. asiatica. The effect of culture media on the mycelial growth of F. equiseti showed the highest (89.25 mm) on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium followed by carrot agar (CA) medium and the lowest growth (40.25 mm) was measured in HA medium. The optimal temperature and pH for mycelial growth of F. equiseti were 30&deg;C and 7, respectively. The genetic variation of the selected species of fungi, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified using ITS4 and ITS5 primers and sequenced. The PCR product of the ITS region of F. equiseti was 535 bp. Phylogenetic tree of thirty-seven strains of Fusarium sp. based on the nucleotide sequences of the ITS region using the neighbor-joining method with 1000 bootstrapping indicated that 98% - 100% identity with MN886590.1 JUF0046 (F. equiseti). ITS sequences are generally constant, or show little variation within species, but vary between species in a genus. The ITS region is relatively short and can be easily amplified by PCR using universal single primer pairs. Genetic distance exhibited high level of similarity with identical ITS sequences. To date, no published research articles are found on the molecular identification of F. equiseti, the causal agent of fusarium wilt disease of C. asiatica in Bangladesh.

First record of Eutypella vitis causing branch dieback on new host trees in Canada

Eutypella vitis is reported for the first time on several new host trees viz.Fagus grandifolia,Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Syringa reticulata with associated branch dieback symptoms in the Niagara Region of Southern Ontario,Canada.Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of ITS sequence data confirmed the species identification.Eutypella vitis is known as a woody plant pathogen causing dieback of grapevines and other economically important fruit trees widely cultivated in Ontario.The fungus ability to infect several alternate new hosts can promote its faster and wider spread across vineyards and consequently increase a dieback hazard to viticulture in Canada.

Taxonomic circumscription and phylogenetics of novel didymellaceous taxa with brown muriform spores

Sexual morph of didymellaceous taxa are characterized by their ascomata with relatively thin peridium,cylindric-clavate to clavate,short-pedicellate or apedicellate asci,hyaline to brown,1-septate to muriform ascospores.Its asexual morphs are coelomycetous and comprising pycnidial or acervulus conidiomata,phialidic,hyaline conidiogenous cells and hyaline or pale brown,septate or aseptate conidia.The majority of these cosmopolitan species are plant associated fungi which can be pathogens on a wide range of hosts and some species are of particular relevance for quarantine measures.Recent studies have significantly improved the taxonomy and systematics of didymellaceous taxa based on molecular phylogenetics.In contrast to the accurate and detailed studies on the asexual morphs which are common obligate pathogens,information on their usually saprobic sexual morphs is still limited.Among these phenotypically diverse species,spore characteristics are quite unique as most have hyaline spores with 0-1 septum,while only Neomicrosphaeropsis and Didymellocamarosporium are reported as producing pigmented,muriform spores.These dematiaceous muriform spores are characteristic of a considerable number of species that may be quite divergent in other characters.During taxonomic investigations on the diversity of didymellaceous taxa,we have isolated species from Alhagi pseudalhagi,Coronilla emerus,Cytisus sp.,Elaeagnus angustifolia and Spartium junceum in Italy,Russia and Uzbekistan.A comprehensive phylogeny,based on four loci(ITS,LSU,rpb2 and tub2)is used to infer species relationships.Comprehensive morphological descriptions and in-depth phylogenetic investigations of five new species viz.Ascochyta coronillae-emeri,Microsphaeropsis spartii-juncei,Neomicrosphaeropsis alhagi-pseudalhagi,N.cytisicola and N.elaeagni are presented.

The chemical structures,biosynthesis,and biological activities of secondary metabolites from the culinary-medicinal mushrooms of the genus Hericium:a review

Fungal phytochemicals derived from higher fungi,particularly those from the culinary-medicinal genus Hericium,have gained significant attention in drug discovery and healthcare.This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the chemical structures,biosynthetic pathways,biological activities,and pharmacological properties of monomeric compounds isolated from Hericium species.Over the past 34 years,253 metabolites have been identified from various Hericium species,including cyathane diterpenes,alkaloids,benzofurans,chromenes,phenols,pyrones,steroids,and other miscellaneous compounds.Detailed investigations into the biosynthesis of erinacines,a type of cyathane diterpene,have led to the discovery of novel cyathane diterpenes.Extensive research has highlighted the biological activities and pharmacological properties of Hericium-derived compounds,with particular emphasis on their neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects,immunomodulatory capabilities,anti-cancer activity,antioxidant properties,and antimicrobial actions.Erinacine A,in particular,has been extensively studied.Genomic,transcriptomic,and proteomic analyses of Hericium species have facilitated the discovery of new compounds and provided insights into enzymatic reactions through genome mining.The diverse chemical structures and biological activities of Hericium compounds underpin their potential applications in medicine and as dietary supplements.This review not only advances our understanding of Hericium compounds but also encourages further research into Hericium species within the realms of medicine,health,functional foods,and agricultural microbiology.The broad spectrum of compound types and their diverse biological activities present promising opportunities for the development of new pharmaceuticals and edible products.

Pan-omics-based characterization and prediction of highly multidrugadapted strains from an outbreak fungal species complex

Strains from the Cryptococcus gattii species complex(CGSC)have caused the Pacific Northwest cryptococcosis outbreak,the largest cluster of lifethreatening fungal infections in otherwise healthy human hosts known to date.In this study,we utilized a pan-phenome-based method to assess the fitness outcomes of CGSC strains under 31 stress conditions,providing a comprehensive overview of 2,821 phenotype-strain associations within this pathogenic clade.Phenotypic clustering analysis revealed a strong correlation between distinct types of stress phenotypes in a subset of CGSC strains,suggesting that shared determinants coordinate their adaptations to various stresses.Notably,a specific group of strains,including the outbreak isolates,exhibited a remarkable ability to adapt to all three of the most commonly used antifungal drugs for treating cryptococcosis(amphotericin B,5-fluorocytosine,and fluconazole).By integrating pan-genomic and pan-transcriptomic analyses,we identified previously unrecognized genes that play crucial roles in conferring multidrug resistance in an outbreak strain with high multidrug adaptation.From these genes,we identified biomarkers that enable the accurate prediction of highly multidrug-adapted CGSC strains,achieving maximum accuracy and area under the curve(AUC)of 0.79 and 0.86,respectively,using machine learning algorithms.Overall,we developed a pan-omic approach to identify cryptococcal multidrug resistance determinants and predict highly multidrug-adapted CGSC strains that may pose significant clinical concern.

Mechanisms and molecular approaches for heat tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under climate change scenario

Rice, a staple cereal crop in many parts of the world, has been confronted with multiple environmental stresses including high temperature, negatively impacts the booting as well as anthesis growth stages. The situation is further complicated by the changing climatic conditions, resulting in gradual escalation of temperature as well as changing the rainfall pattern and frequency, thus raising a concern of food security worldwide. The situation can be combat by developing rice varieties with excellent genetics with improved morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms, together can minimize the adverse effects of heat stress. Here, several strategies(encompassing genetic and genomic, and mechanisms involved) for mitigating the impact of high temperature on rice have been discussed. Finally, the utilization of genomic knowledge in augmenting the conventional breeding approaches have been comprehensively elaborated to develop heat tolerant germplasm.

Cytosporinols A-C,new caryophyllene sesquiterpenoids from Cytospora sp.

Three new caryophyllene sesquiterpenoids,cytosporinols A-C(1-3),have been isolated from solid cultures of Cytospora sp.The structures of 1-3 were elucidated primarily by NMR spectroscopy,and 3 was further confirmed by X-ray crystallography.The absolute configurations of the C-11 secondary alcohol in 1 and the 6,8-diol moiety in 3 were deduced using the modified Mosher and Snatzke’s method,respectively.Compounds 2 and 3 showed moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cells.

Global view on virus infection in non-human primates and implications for public health and wildlife conservation

Viruses can be transmitted from animals to humans(and vice versa)and across animal species.As such,host-virus interactions and transmission have attracted considerable attention.Non-human primates(NHPs),our closest evolutionary relatives,are susceptible to human viruses and certain pathogens are known to circulate between humans and NHPs.Here,we generated global statistics on virus infections in NHPs(VI-NHPs)based on a literature search and public data mining.In total,140 NHP species from 12 families are reported to be infected by 186 DNA and RNA virus species,68.8%of which are also found in humans,indicating high potential for crossing species boundaries.

Cryptococcus neoformans,a global threat to human health

Background Emerging fungal pathogens pose important threats to global public health. The World Health Organization has responded to the rising threat of traditionally neglected fungal infections by developing a Fungal Priority Pathogens List (FPPL). Taking the highest-ranked fungal pathogen in the FPPL,Cryptococcus neoformans, as a paradigm, we review progress made over the past two decades on its global burden, its clinical manifestation and management of cryptococcal infection, and its antifungal resistance. The purpose of this review is to drive research efforts to improve future diagnoses, therapies, and interventions associated with fungal infections.Methods We first reviewed trends in the global burden of HIV-associated cryptococcal infection, mainly based on a series of systematic studies. We next conducted scoping reviews in accordance with the guidelines described in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews using PubMed and ScienceDirect with the keywordCryptococcus neoformans to identify case reports of cryptococcal infections published since 2000. We then reviewed recent updates on the diagnosis and antifungal treatment of cryptococcal infections. Finally, we summarized knowledge regarding the resistance and tolerance ofC. neoformans to approved antifungal drugs.Results There has been a general reduction in the estimated global burden of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis since 2009, probably due to improvements in highly active antiretroviral therapies. However, cryptococcal meningitis still accounts for 19% of AIDS-related deaths annually. The incidences of CM in Europe and North America and the Latin America region have increased by approximately two-fold since 2009, while other regions showed either reduced or stable numbers of cases. Unfortunately, diagnostic and treatment options for cryptococcal infections are limited, and emerging antifungal resistance exacerbates the public health burden.Conclusions The rising threat ofC. neoformans is compounded by accumulating evidence for its ability to infect immunocompetent individuals and the emergence of antifungal-resistant variants. Emphasis should be placed on further understanding the mechanisms of pathogenicity and of antifungal resistance and tolerance. The development of novel management strategies through the identification of new drug targets and the discovery and optimization of new and existing diagnostics and therapeutics are key to reducing the health burden.

Species diversity, updated classification and divergence times of the phylum Mucoromycota

Zygomycetes are phylogenetically early diverging,ecologically diverse,industrially valuable,agriculturally beneficial,and clinically pathogenic fungi.Although new phyla and subphyla have been constantly established to accommodate spe-cific members and a subkingdom Mucoromyceta,comprising Calcarisporiellomycota,Glomeromycota,Mortierellomycota and Mucoromycota,was erected to unite core zygomycetous fungi,phylogenetic relationships within phyla have not been well resolved.Taking account of the information of monophyly and divergence time estimated from ITS and LSU rDNA sequences,the present study updates the classification framework of the phylum Mucoromycota from the class down to the generic rank:three classes,three orders,20 families(including five new families Circinellaceae,Protomycocladaceae,Rhizomucoraceae,Syzygitaceae and Thermomucoraceae)and 64 genera.The taxonomic hierarchy was calibrated with estimated divergence times:phylum earlier than 617 Mya,classes and orders earlier than 547 Mya,families earlier than 199 Mya,and genera earlier than 12 Mya.Along with this outline,all genera of Mucoromycota are annotated and 58 new species are described.In addition,three new combinations are proposed.In this study,we update the taxonomic backbone of the phylum Mucoromycota and reinforce its phylogeny.We also contribute numerous new taxa and enrich the diversity of Mucoromycota.

Quantitative characterization of filamentous fungal promoters on a single-cell resolution to discover cryptic natural products

Characterization of filamentous fungal regulatory elements remains challenging because of time-consuming transformation technologies and limited quantitative methods.Here we established a method for quantitative assessment of filamentous fungal promoters based on flow cytometry detection of the superfolder green fluorescent protein at single-cell resolution.Using this quantitative method,we acquired a library of 93 native promoter elements from Aspergillus nidulans in a high-throughput format.The strengths of identified promoters covered a 37-fold range by flow cytometry.P_(zipA) and P_(sltA)were identified as the strongest promoters,which were 2.9-and 1.5-fold higher than that of the commonly used constitutive promoter P_(gpdA).Thus,we applied P_(zipA)and P_(sltA)to activate the silent nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene Afpes1 from Aspergillus fumigatus in its native host and the heterologous host A.nidulans.The metabolic products of Afpes1 were identified as new cyclic tetrapeptide derivatives,namely,fumiganins A and B.Our method provides an innovative strategy for natural product discovery in fungi.

Polycephalomycetaceae,a new family of clavicipitoid fungi segregates from Ophiocordycipitaceae

Clavicipitoid fungi comprise three families,namely Clavicipitaceae,Cordycipitaceae,and Ophiocordycipitaceae.They are found worldwide and are specialized pathogens of invertebrate,plant and fungal hosts.Over the last decade,morphology-and phylogeny-based studies on clavicipitoid fungi have increased.The latter have revealed that Polycephalomyces,Perennicordyceps and Pleurocordyceps consistently cluster together.These genera are currently considered as members of Ophiocordycipitaceae.Nonetheless,information with regard to their diversity and ecology remains sparse.To fill this gap,we collected 29 fresh specimens from insect and fungal substrates from tropical and subtropical evergreen forests in Thailand and southwestern China.We performed detailed morphological analyses and constructed photoplates for all isolated fungi.We used extensive taxon sampling and a dataset comprising internal transcribed spacer gene region(ITS),small subunit ribosomal RNA gene region(SSU),large subunit rRNA gene region(LSU),translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene region(TEF-1α),RNA polymerase II largest subunit gene region(RPB1)and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit(RPB2)to infer order-,family and genus-level phylogenetic trees.Based on these biphasic analyses,we segregate Polycephalomyces,Perennicordyceps,and Pleurocordyceps from Ophiocordycipitaceae and introduce the new family Polycephalomycetaceae to accomodate these three genera.The majority of species in this family have a vast range of insect and fungal hosts.The sexual morph of Polycephalomycetaceae has stromatic ascomata,long stipes,thick peridium,and cylindrical secondary spores.The asexual morph is characterized by colonies on the host surface or synnemata with stipes on the host,one or two types of phialides,and cylindrical to fusiform conidia.We expand the number of taxa in the new family by introducing seven new species(Polycephalomyces albiramus,Perennicordyceps lutea,Pleurocordyceps parvicapitata,Pleurocordyceps lanceolatus,Pleurocordyceps nutansis,Pleurocordyceps heilongtanensis,Pleurocordyceps vitellina),nine new hosts,and one new combination(Perennicordyceps elaphomyceticola).The results herein hint at a high level of diversity for Polycephalomycetaceae.Future investigations focusing on obtaining additional collections and specimens from different geographical areas would help to reveal not only the extent of the group’s diversity,but also resolve its deeper phylogenetic placement.