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Tanamachi C, Iwahashi J, Togo A, Ohta K, Miura M, Sakamoto T, Gotoh K, Horita R, Kamei K, Watanabe H. Molecular Analysis for Potential Hospital-Acquired Infection Caused by Aspergillus Tubingensis Through the Environment. Kurume Med J 2024; 69:185-193. [PMID: 38233176 DOI: 10.2739/kurumemedj.ms6934013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The identification of Aspergillus species has been performed mainly by morphological classification. In recent years, however, the revelation of the existence of cryptic species has required genetic analysis for accurate identification. The purpose of this study was to investigate five Aspergillus section Nigri strains isolated from a patient and the environment in a university hospital. Species identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry identified all five black Aspergillus strains as Aspergillus niger. However, calmodulin gene sequence analysis revealed that all five strains were cryptic species, four of which, including the clinical strain, were Aspergillus tubingensis. Hospital-acquired infection of the patient with the A. tubingensis strain introduced from the environment was suspected, but sequencing of six genes from four A. tubingensis strains revealed no environmental strain that completely matched the patient strain. The amount of in vitro biofilm formation of the four examples of the A. tubingensis strain was comparable to that of Aspergillus fumigatus. An extracellular matrix was observed by electron microscopy of the biofilm of the clinical strain. This study suggests that various types of biofilm-forming A. tubingensis exist in the hospital environment and that appropriate environmental management is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyoko Tanamachi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kurume University Hospital
| | - Jun Iwahashi
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University School of Medicine
| | - Akinobu Togo
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Kurume University School of Medicine
| | - Keisuke Ohta
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Kurume University School of Medicine
| | - Miho Miura
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University Hospital
| | - Toru Sakamoto
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University Hospital
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University School of Medicine
| | - Kenji Gotoh
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University Hospital
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University School of Medicine
| | - Rie Horita
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kurume University Hospital
| | - Katsuhiko Kamei
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University
| | - Hiroshi Watanabe
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University Hospital
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University School of Medicine
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2
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Ben Miri Y, Benabdallah A, Chentir I, Djenane D, Luvisi A, De Bellis L. Comprehensive Insights into Ochratoxin A: Occurrence, Analysis, and Control Strategies. Foods 2024; 13:1184. [PMID: 38672856 PMCID: PMC11049263 DOI: 10.3390/foods13081184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic mycotoxin produced by some mold species from genera Penicillium and Aspergillus. OTA has been detected in cereals, cereal-derived products, dried fruits, wine, grape juice, beer, tea, coffee, cocoa, nuts, spices, licorice, processed meat, cheese, and other foods. OTA can induce a wide range of health effects attributable to its toxicological properties, including teratogenicity, immunotoxicity, carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. OTA is not only toxic to humans but also harmful to livestock like cows, goats, and poultry. This is why the European Union and various countries regulate the maximum permitted levels of OTA in foods. This review intends to summarize all the main aspects concerning OTA, starting from the chemical structure and fungi that produce it, its presence in food, its toxicity, and methods of analysis, as well as control strategies, including both fungal development and methods of inactivation of the molecule. Finally, the review provides some ideas for future approaches aimed at reducing the OTA levels in foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamina Ben Miri
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohamed Boudiaf University, BP 166, M’sila 28000, Algeria;
| | - Amina Benabdallah
- Laboratory on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Pollution, Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences, University Chadli Bendjedid, El-Tarf 36000, Algeria;
| | - Imene Chentir
- Laboratory of Food, Processing, Control and Agri-Resources Valorization, Higher School of Food Science and Agri-Food Industry, Algiers 16200, Algeria;
| | - Djamel Djenane
- Food Quality and Safety Research Laboratory, Department of Food Sciences, Mouloud Mammeri University, BP 17, Tizi-Ouzou 15000, Algeria;
| | - Andrea Luvisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento Palazzina A—Centro Ecotekne via Prov, le Lecce Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Luigi De Bellis
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento Palazzina A—Centro Ecotekne via Prov, le Lecce Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
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Nuankaew S, Boonyuen N, Thumanu K, Pornputtapong N. Development of a machine learning model for systematics of Aspergillus section Nigri using synchrotron radiation-based fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26812. [PMID: 38439823 PMCID: PMC10909729 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus section Nigri (black aspergilli) fungi are economically important food spoilage agents. Some species in this section also produce harmful mycotoxins in food. However, it is remarkably difficult to identify this fungal group at the species level using morphological and chemical characteristics. The molecular approach for classification is preferable; however, it is time-consuming, making it inappropriate for rapid testing of large numbers of samples. To address this, we explored synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (SR-FTIR) as a rapid method for obtaining data suitable for species classification. SR-FTIR data were obtained from the mycelia/conidia of 22 black aspergilli species. The Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) approach, a supervised deep learning algorithm, was used with SR-FTIR data to classify black aspergilli at the species level. A subset of the data was used to train the CNN model, and the model classification performance was evaluated using the validation data subsets. The model demonstrated a 95.97% accuracy in species classification on the testing (blind) data subset. The technique presented herein could be an alternative method for identifying problematic black aspergilli in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salilaporn Nuankaew
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Nattawut Boonyuen
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Kanjana Thumanu
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute (SLRI), Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Natapol Pornputtapong
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in DNA Barcoding of Thai Medicinal Plants, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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Li K, Zheng J, Yu L, Wang B, Pan L. Exploration of the Strategy for Improving the Expression of Heterologous Sweet Protein Monellin in Aspergillus niger. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050528. [PMID: 37233239 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus niger is a primary cell factory for food-grade protein (enzyme) production due to its strong protein secretion capacity and unique safety characteristics. The bottleneck issue for the current A. niger expression system is the difference in expression yield of heterologous proteins of non-fungal origin compared to those of fungal origin, which is about three orders of magnitude. The sweet protein monellin, derived from West African plants, has the potential to become a food-grade sweetener due to its high sweetness and the benefit of not containing sugar itself, but it is extremely difficult to establish a research model for heterologous expression in A. niger, owing to extremely low expression, a small molecular weight, and being undetectable with conventional protein electrophoresis. HiBiT-Tag was fused with low-expressing monellin in this work to create a research model for heterologous protein expression in A. niger at ultra-low levels. We increased monellin expression by increasing the monellin copy number, fusing monellin with the endogenous highly expressed glycosylase glaA, and eliminating extracellular protease degradation, among other strategies. In addition, we investigated the effects of overexpression of molecular chaperones, inhibiting the ERAD pathway, and enhancing the synthesis of phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylcholine, and diglycerides in the biomembrane system. Using medium optimization, we finally obtained 0.284 mg/L of monellin in the supernatant of the shake flask. This is the first time recombinant monellin has been expressed in A. niger, with the goal of investigating ways to improve the secretory expression of heterologous proteins at ultra-low levels, which can serve as a model for the expression of other heterologous proteins in A. niger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Junwei Zheng
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Leyi Yu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li Pan
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Wang X, Jarmusch SA, Frisvad JC, Larsen TO. Current status of secondary metabolite pathways linked to their related biosynthetic gene clusters in Aspergillus section Nigri. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:237-274. [PMID: 35587705 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00074h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Covering: up to the end of 2021Aspergilli are biosynthetically 'talented' micro-organisms and therefore the natural products community has continually been interested in the wealth of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) encoding numerous secondary metabolites related to these fungi. With the rapid increase in sequenced fungal genomes combined with the continuous development of bioinformatics tools such as antiSMASH, linking new structures to unknown BGCs has become much easier when taking retro-biosynthetic considerations into account. On the other hand, in most cases it is not as straightforward to prove proposed biosynthetic pathways due to the lack of implemented genetic tools in a given fungal species. As a result, very few secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways have been characterized even amongst some of the most well studied Aspergillus spp., section Nigri (black aspergilli). This review will cover all known biosynthetic compound families and their structural diversity known from black aspergilli. We have logically divided this into sub-sections describing major biosynthetic classes (polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, terpenoids, meroterpenoids and hybrid biosynthesis). Importantly, we will focus the review on metabolites which have been firmly linked to their corresponding BGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Wang
- DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Scott A Jarmusch
- DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Jens C Frisvad
- DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Thomas O Larsen
- DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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Cosseboom SD, Hu M. Off-target selection of resistance to azoxystrobin in Aspergillus species associated with grape late season rots. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:105227. [PMID: 36464347 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to recent evidence of Aspergillus uvarum pathogenicity on wine grapes and variable fungicide sensitivity to quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides, the identity and QoI sensitivity of Aspergillus isolates from the Mid-Atlantic United States was investigated. Phylogenic analysis of 31 isolates revealed 26 as A. uvarum and 5 as A. japonicus, both of which have been previously isolated from grape. The A. uvarum isolates had variable sensitivities to the QoI azoxystrobin, and the genomic region that codes for the target of QoIs, cytochrome b, was sequenced. Translation of the cytochrome b coding sequence revealed that the most resistant isolates (termed cytb3) contained three mutations, S108A, F129L, and A194V, and the moderately sensitive isolates (termed cytb2) contained two mutations S108A and A194V. This is the first report of an amino acid variation in cytochrome b at position 108. Cytb3 isolates were significantly less inhibited than the cytb2 and wild-type isolates (cytbWT) in vitro, and were significantly less inhibited than the cytbWT isolates on detached fruit. Molecular docking analysis revealed similar differences, with azoxystrobin binding most securely in the cytbWT variant of cytochrome b than cytb2 and cytb3. As Aspergillus rot has not been a target disease of fungicide sprays in the U.S., the selection of resistant phenotypes is likely resultant from sprays for other diseases. Resistance is of concern due to the pathogenicity of A. uvarum and A. japonicus on wine grapes, and the ability of these species to be mycotoxigenic or pathogenic for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D Cosseboom
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States of America
| | - Mengjun Hu
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States of America.
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Wei L, Zhang Q, Xie A, Xiao Y, Guo K, Mu S, Xie Y, Li Z, He T. Isolation of Bioactive Compounds, Antibacterial Activity, and Action Mechanism of Spore Powder From Aspergillus niger xj. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:934857. [PMID: 35898902 PMCID: PMC9309528 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.934857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fungi can produce a wide range of secondary metabolites, and they have represented a potential resource of novel bioactive compounds. Bacterial plant diseases have a serious impact on the sustainable development of agriculture worldwide, so it is necessary to use natural antibacterial compounds in microorganisms to control plant pathogens. This study was conducted to investigate the bioactive compounds of Aspergillus niger xj, three plant pathogens (Agrobacterium tumefaciens T-37, Erwinia carotovora EC-1, and Ralstonia solanacearum RS-2) were used as indicator bacteria, according to the biological activity tracking, five compounds were isolated from A. niger xj spore powder, and characterization of compounds was done by NMR (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR) and EI-MS and was identified as ergosterol (1), β-sitosterol (2), 5-pentadecylresorcinol (3), 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (4), and succinimide (5). Compounds 3 and 5 were isolated from A. niger xj for the first time. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of five compounds against three plant pathogens was evaluated, the results showed that compound 4 exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity against tested bacteria, and RS-2 was the most sensitive to compound 4, showing the lowest MIC of 15.56 μg/ml. We concluded that the mechanism of action of the compound 4 against RS-2 might be described as compound 4 acting on bacterial protein synthesis and intracellular metabolism according to the results of the scanning electron microscopy observation, permeability of cell membrane and SDS-PAGE. These results indicated that compound 4 has good potential to be as a biocontrol agent. In conclusion, the results from this study demonstrated that the compounds with antibacterial activity are of great significance of the prevention and control of plant phytopathogenic bacteria, and they may be applicable to exploring alternative approaches to integrated control of phytopathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfeng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology, Guiyang, China
| | - Qinyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ailin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Institution of Supervision and Inspection Product Quality of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, China
| | - Kun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shuzhen Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yudan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhu Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology, Guiyang, China
| | - Tengxia He
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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Comparative Evaluation of the Capacity of Commercial and Autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains to Remove Ochratoxin A from Natural and Synthetic Grape Juices. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14070465. [PMID: 35878203 PMCID: PMC9321701 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14070465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we assessed the ability of two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in viable and dead forms, to remove ochratoxin A (OTA) from an artificially contaminated synthetic grape juice medium (SGM) (10 µg OTA/L) and a naturally contaminated grape juice (6.64 µg OTA/L). The first strain, named Levulin FB, is a commercial yeast used in making wine. The second, named SC5, is an autochthonous strain isolated from table grapes. OTA concentrations in juices before and after their contact with yeast cells were assessed. A significant decrease in OTA level (p < 0.05) in the SGM medium and in the natural grape juice was observed after 1 h of adding yeast cells (20 g/L) in viable and heat-treated forms. It was inferred that the dead forms of the two strains were more able to eliminate OTA than their viable forms in both media. This study demonstrates the potential application of an autochthonous yeast for the natural decontamination of grape juice from fungal toxins.
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Seekles SJ, Punt M, Savelkoel N, Houbraken J, Wösten HAB, Ohm RA, Ram AFJ. Genome sequences of 24 Aspergillus niger sensu stricto strains to study strain diversity, heterokaryon compatibility, and sexual reproduction. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:jkac124. [PMID: 35608315 PMCID: PMC9258588 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Mating-type distribution within a phylogenetic tree, heterokaryon compatibility, and subsequent diploid formation were studied in 24 Aspergillus niger sensu stricto strains. The genomes of the 24 strains were sequenced and analyzed revealing an average of 6.1 ± 2.0 variants/kb between Aspergillus niger sensu stricto strains. The genome sequences were used together with available genome data to generate a phylogenetic tree revealing 3 distinct clades within Aspergillus niger sensu stricto. The phylogenetic tree revealed that both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 mating types were present in each of the 3 clades. The phylogenetic differences were used to select for strains to analyze heterokaryon compatibility. Conidial color markers (fwnA and brnA) and auxotrophic markers (pyrG and nicB) were introduced via CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in a selection of strains. Twenty-three parasexual crosses using 11 different strains were performed. Only a single parasexual cross between genetically highly similar strains resulted in a successful formation of heterokaryotic mycelium and subsequent diploid formation, indicating widespread heterokaryon incompatibility as well as multiple active heterokaryon incompatibility systems between Aspergillus niger sensu stricto strains. The 2 vegetatively compatible strains were of 2 different mating types and a stable diploid was isolated from this heterokaryon. Sclerotium formation was induced on agar media containing Triton X-100; however, the sclerotia remained sterile and no ascospores were observed. Nevertheless, this is the first report of a diploid Aspergillus niger sensu stricto strain with 2 different mating types, which offers the unique possibility to screen for conditions that might lead to ascospore formation in A. niger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjoerd J Seekles
- TIFN, 6708 PW, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Department Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2333 BE, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Punt
- TIFN, 6708 PW, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Niki Savelkoel
- Department Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2333 BE, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jos Houbraken
- TIFN, 6708 PW, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Applied & Industrial Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Han A B Wösten
- TIFN, 6708 PW, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Robin A Ohm
- TIFN, 6708 PW, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Arthur F J Ram
- TIFN, 6708 PW, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Department Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2333 BE, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Bai F, Cai C, Zhang T, Wang P, Shi L, Zhai L, Li H, Zhang L, Yao S. Genome-Based Analysis of Aspergillus niger Aggregate Species from China and Their Potential for Fumonisin B 2 and Ochratoxin A Production. Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:193. [PMID: 35579721 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-02876-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Based on entire genome sequencing, this study focused on the classification of Aspergillus niger aggregation species and investigated their potential for fumonisin B2 (FB2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) production. In the current study, 22 strains were used, namely 17 A. niger strains, four A. welwitschiae strains, and one A. lacticoffeatus (a synonym of A. niger) strain. Traditional multigene phylogenetic analysis, average nucleotide identity analysis (ANI), and the whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses were used to reconfirm the taxonomic status of A. niger, A. welwitschiae, and A. lacticoffeatus. The ability of A. niger to produce FB2 and OTA on five culture substrates was determined, and the association between FB2 and OTA gene clusters and toxin-producing abilities was explored. The results revealed that the ANI method could distinguish A. niger from A. welwitschiae, with an ANI value of < 98%. The SNP-based phylogenetic analysis suggested that A. niger and A. welwitschiae were two independent phylogenetic species. The ANI, SNP, and multigene phylogenetic analysis supported previous findings that A. lacticoffeatus was a synonymous species of A. niger. Aspergillus niger strains exhibited the varied potential of producing FB2 and OTA on different culture media. The A. niger genome sequence analysis revealed no significant difference in fumonisin gene clusters between FB2-nonproducing isolates and FB2-producing isolates, and the integrity of the ochratoxin biosynthesis genes cluster was clearly associated with OTA production. In conclusion, gene sequencing can be useful in assessing A. niger's ability to produce OTA, but it cannot reliably predict its ability to produce FB2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feirong Bai
- China Center of Industrial Culture Collection (CICC), China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Chengshan Cai
- China Center of Industrial Culture Collection (CICC), China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Tianci Zhang
- China Center of Industrial Culture Collection (CICC), China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Penghui Wang
- China Center of Industrial Culture Collection (CICC), China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Liang Shi
- China Center of Industrial Culture Collection (CICC), China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Lei Zhai
- China Center of Industrial Culture Collection (CICC), China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Hui Li
- China Center of Industrial Culture Collection (CICC), China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- China Center of Industrial Culture Collection (CICC), China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Su Yao
- China Center of Industrial Culture Collection (CICC), China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China.
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11
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Li Y, Li C, Huang H, Rao S, Zhang Q, Zhou J, Li J, Du G, Liu S. Significantly Enhanced Thermostability of Aspergillus niger Xylanase by Modifying Its Highly Flexible Regions. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:4620-4630. [PMID: 35404048 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the thermostability of an acid-resistant GH11 xylanase (xynA) from Aspergillus niger AG11 was enhanced through systematic modification of its four highly flexible regions (HFRs) predicted using MD simulations. Among them, HFR I (residues 92-100) and HFR II (residues 121-130) were modified by iterative saturation mutagenesis (ISM), yielding mutants G92F/G97S/G100K and T121V/A124P/I126V/T129L/A130N, respectively. For HFR III, the N-(residues 1-37) and C-termini (residues 179-188) were, respectively, substituted with the corresponding sequences from thermophilic EvXyn11TS and Nesterenkonia xinjiangensis xylanase. N-Glycosylation was introduced into HFR IV (residues 50-70) through site-directed mutation (A55N/D57S/S61N) and the recombinant expression in A. niger AG11. Combining these positive mutations from each HFR yielded the variant xynAm1 with 137.6- and 1.3-fold increases in half-life at 50 °C and specific activity compared to the wild-type xynA, respectively. With the highest thermostability at 80 and 90 °C in reports, xynAm1 could be a robust candidate for industrial applications in functional foods, feed products, and bioethanol production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Cen Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hao Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Shengqi Rao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 214122, China
| | - Quan Zhang
- Dalian Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals, SINOPEC, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Provisional Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jianghua Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Guocheng Du
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Song Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, China
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12
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Study of protease activity from Aspergillus awamori INCQS2B.361U2/1 extracellular fraction and modification of culture medium composition to isolate a novel aspartic protease. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1599-1611. [PMID: 35411453 PMCID: PMC9433587 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00750-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus awamori was cultivated in a modified Breccia medium, and the extracellular fraction was obtained, which presented 260 ± 15 µg of protein/mg and specific protease activity of 3.87 ± 0.52 mM.min-1.mg of protein-1 using Nα-p-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-TAME) as substrate. This fraction showed major proteins about 104 and 44 kDa and maximal protease activity at pH 5.5, 6.5, and 9.0, suggesting that A. awamori secretes acidic, neutral, and alkaline proteases with expressive thermal stability, however, aspartic protease was the most important activity. When yeast extract was supplemented to a modified Breccia medium, A. awamori protein secretion and protease activity were maximal and the affinity chromatography on pepstatin-agarose was employed to isolate the aspartic protease activity, which was called ASPA, with approximately 75 kDa. ASPA maximal activity was obtained at pH 4.5 and 6.5, and 50 °C. Pepstatin inhibited about 80% of ASPA activity, with IC50 and Ki values of 0.154 and 0.072 μM, respectively. ASPA cleaved protein and peptides substrates with the highest activity against gelatin (95 U/mg) and good peptidase activity with KM 0.0589 mM and Vmax 1.909 mM.min-1.mg protein-1, using L-TAME as substrate. A. awamori extracellular fraction is a source of proteases with important activity, and the supplementation of modified Breccia medium increased the aspartic protease production. This enzyme presented different biochemical characteristics from the previously reported A. awamori aspartic proteases. Therefore, ASPA is an excellent candidate for biotechnological application due to its important activity and thermostability.
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13
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Laothanachareon T, Bunterngsook B, Champreda V. Profiling multi-enzyme activities of Aspergillus niger strains growing on various agro-industrial residues. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:17. [PMID: 34926121 PMCID: PMC8671598 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-03086-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Agro-industrial wastes provide potential sources of carbon for production of fungal enzymes applied for various biotechnological applications. In this study, 23 strains of Aspergillus niger were systematically investigated for their capability on production of carbohydrate-processing enzymes used in industries. The strains were grown on glucose or selected agricultural wastes comprising varied chemical compositions as the sole carbon source. As a control, glucose induced basal activities of amylase, pectinase, and xylanase in only a few strains, while the CMCase, β-glucanase, and invertase activities were detected only when the carbon source was switched to the agro-industrial biomass. According to one-way ANOVA analysis, banana peels containing lignocellulosic components with high pectin and starch contents with its easily digestible nature, were found to be the best carbon source for inducing production of most target enzymes, while the cellulose-rich sugarcane bagasse efficiently promoted maximal levels of β-glucanase and xylanase activities. The starch fiber-rich cassava pulp also effectively supported the activities of amylase and most other enzymes, but at relatively lower levels compared to those obtained with banana peel. The A. niger TL11 strain was considered the most potent strain for production of all target enzymes with the CMCase, xylanase, pectinase, β-glucanase, amylase, and invertase activities of 76.15, 601.59, 160.89, 409.20, 426.73, and 1186.94 U/mL, respectively. The results provide insights into the efficiency of various carbon sources with different chemical compositions on inducing the target enzymes as well as the dissimilarity of A. niger strains on the production of different carbohydrate-processing enzymes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03086-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanaporn Laothanachareon
- Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Biorefinery and Bioproduct Technology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 113 Thailand Science Park, Khlong Luang, 12120 Pathumthani Thailand
| | - Benjarat Bunterngsook
- Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Biorefinery and Bioproduct Technology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 113 Thailand Science Park, Khlong Luang, 12120 Pathumthani Thailand
| | - Verawat Champreda
- Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Biorefinery and Bioproduct Technology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 113 Thailand Science Park, Khlong Luang, 12120 Pathumthani Thailand
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14
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Díaz GV, Coniglio RO, Chungara CI, Zapata PD, Villalba LL, Fonseca MI. Aspergillus niger LBM 134 isolated from rotten wood and its potential cellulolytic ability. Mycology 2021; 12:160-173. [PMID: 34567828 PMCID: PMC8462884 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2020.1823509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus is a genus of filamentous and cosmopolitan fungi that includes important species for medical mycology, food, basic research and agro-industry areas. Aspergillus section Nigri are efficient producers of hydrolytic enzymes such as cellulases that are employed in the cellulose conversion. Hence, the search of new cellulolytic isolates and their correct identification is important for carrying out safe biotechnological processes. This study aimed to characterise the cellulolytic potential of Aspergillus sp. LBM 134, isolated from the Paranaense rainforest (Argentina) and to identify the isolate through a polyphasic approach. The fungus was identified as Aspergillus niger and its cellulolytic potential was evaluated by using Congo red technique and fluorescence plate assays for carboxymethyl cellulase, β-glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase, respectively. All three cellulase activities were positive; this bio-prospective positioned A. niger LBM 134 as a promising alternative for industries that require organisms capable of carrying out cellulosic biomass processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Verónica Díaz
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología Misiones "María Ebe Reca" CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Ruta, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Romina Olga Coniglio
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología Misiones "María Ebe Reca" CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Ruta, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Clara Inés Chungara
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología Misiones "María Ebe Reca" CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Ruta, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Pedro Darío Zapata
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología Misiones "María Ebe Reca" CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Ruta, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Laura Lidia Villalba
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología Misiones "María Ebe Reca" CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Ruta, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
| | - María Isabel Fonseca
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología Misiones "María Ebe Reca" CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Ruta, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
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15
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Khuna S, Suwannarach N, Kumla J, Frisvad JC, Matsui K, Nuangmek W, Lumyong S. Growth Enhancement of Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana) and Onion ( Allium cepa) With Inoculation of Three Newly Identified Mineral-Solubilizing Fungi in the Genus Aspergillus Section Nigri. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:705896. [PMID: 34456888 PMCID: PMC8397495 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.705896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Some soil fungi play an important role in supplying elements to plants by the solubilizing of insoluble minerals in the soil. The present study was conducted to isolate the mineral-solubilizing fungi from rhizosphere soil in some agricultural areas in northern Thailand. Seven fungal strains were obtained and identified using a polyphasic taxonomic approach with multilocus phylogenetic and phenotypic (morphology and extrolite profile) analyses. All obtained fungal strains were newly identified in the genus Aspergillus section Nigri, Aspergillus chiangmaiensis (SDBR-CMUI4 and SDBR-CMU15), Aspergillus pseudopiperis (SDBR-CMUI1 and SDBR-CMUI7), and Aspergillus pseudotubingensis (SDBR-CMUO2, SDBR-CMUO8, and SDBR-CMU20). All fungal strains were able to solubilize the insoluble mineral form of calcium, copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, feldspar, and kaolin in the agar plate assay. Consequently, the highest phosphate solubilization strains (SDBR-CMUI1, SDBR-CMUI4, and SDBR-CMUO2) of each fungal species were selected for evaluation of their plant growth enhancement ability on Arabidopsis and onion in laboratory and greenhouse experiments, respectively. Plant disease symptoms were not found in any treatment of fungal inoculation and control. All selected fungal strains significantly increased the leaf number, leaf length, dried biomass of shoot and root, chlorophyll content, and cellular inorganic phosphate content in both Arabidopsis and onion plants under supplementation with insoluble mineral phosphate. Additionally, the inoculation of selected fungal strains also improved the yield and quercetin content of onion bulb. Thus, the selected strains reveal the potential in plant growth promotion agents that can be applied as a biofertilizer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surapong Khuna
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nakarin Suwannarach
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jaturong Kumla
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jens Christian Frisvad
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU-Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kenji Matsui
- Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Wipornpan Nuangmek
- Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Saisamorn Lumyong
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
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16
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Endo R, Tanaka R, Kamei K, Takase T, Nomura T, Kanzaki M. Primary cutaneous aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus welwitschiae: A case report. J Dermatol 2021; 48:e554-e555. [PMID: 34402536 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.16121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruriko Endo
- Department of Dermatology, Mito Saiseikai General Hospital, Mito, Japan.,Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryota Tanaka
- Department of Dermatology, Mito Saiseikai General Hospital, Mito, Japan.,Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Kamei
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Toshifumi Nomura
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Mirei Kanzaki
- Department of Dermatology, Mito Saiseikai General Hospital, Mito, Japan
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17
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Zhao Z, Lou Y, Shui Y, Zhang J, Hu X, Zhang L, Li M, Wu H, Li X. Ochratoxigenic fungi in post-fermented tea and inhibitory activities of Bacillus spp. from post-fermented tea on ochratoxigenic fungi. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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18
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Nikolchina I, Rodrigues P. A preliminary study on mycobiota and ochratoxin a contamination in commercial palm dates (Phoenix dactylifera). Mycotoxin Res 2021; 37:215-220. [PMID: 34018144 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-021-00432-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of mycotoxins and mycotoxigenic fungi in palm dates has not been thoroughly documented. The aims of the present study were to identify the mycobiota present in commercial date samples (n = 19), to determine the ability of the isolated fungi to produce mycotoxins, and to determine and quantify the presence of OTA in date fruits. The majority of products originated from Tunisia (n = 14) and Algeria (n = 3). The dominant fungal species were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tubingensis and Aspergillus flavus which were most frequently found in premium quality and organic produce, produced without chemical preservatives. OTA was found in only one sample at a concentration of 0.75 µg/kg, as determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Although this preliminary study did not find elevated levels of OTA, its presence in one out of 19 samples indicates that palm dates for human consumption require continuous and stringent control, in order to prevent contaminated produce from entering the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Nikolchina
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Paula Rodrigues
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253, Bragança, Portugal.
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19
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Habschied K, Krstanović V, Zdunić Z, Babić J, Mastanjević K, Šarić GK. Mycotoxins Biocontrol Methods for Healthier Crops and Stored Products. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:348. [PMID: 33946920 PMCID: PMC8145935 DOI: 10.3390/jof7050348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Contamination of crops with phytopathogenic genera such as Fusarium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Penicillium usually results in mycotoxins in the stored crops or the final products (bread, beer, etc.). To reduce the damage and suppress the fungal growth, it is common to add antifungal substances during growth in the field or storage. Many of these antifungal substances are also harmful to human health and the reduction of their concentration would be of immense importance to food safety. Many eminent researchers are seeking a way to reduce the use of synthetic antifungal compounds and to implement more eco-friendly and healthier bioweapons against fungal proliferation and mycotoxin synthesis. This paper aims to address the recent advances in the effectiveness of biological antifungal compounds application against the aforementioned fungal genera and their species to enhance the protection of ecological and environmental systems involved in crop growing (water, soil, air) and to reduce fungicide contamination of food derived from these commodities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Habschied
- Faculty of Food Technology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (V.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Vinko Krstanović
- Faculty of Food Technology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (V.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Zvonimir Zdunić
- Agricultural Institute Osijek, Južno predgrađe 17, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Jurislav Babić
- Faculty of Food Technology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (V.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Krešimir Mastanjević
- Faculty of Food Technology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (V.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Gabriella Kanižai Šarić
- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
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20
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Sperandio GB, Filho EXF. An overview of Trichoderma reesei co-cultures for the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:3019-3025. [PMID: 33825000 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11261-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Biorefineries are core facilities for implementing a sustainable circular bioeconomy. These facilities rely on microbial enzymes to hydrolyze lignocellulosic substrates into fermentable sugars. Fungal co-cultures mimic the process of natural biodegradation and have been shown to increase certain enzyme activities. Trichoderma reesei and its many mutant strains are major cellulase producers and are heavily utilized as a source of carbohydrate-active enzymes. Several reports have demonstrated that T. reesei co-cultures present higher enzyme activities compared with its monocultures, especially in the context of β-glucosidase activity. The performance of T. reesei during co-culturing has been assessed with several fungal partners, including Aspergillus niger, one of the most recurrent partners. Various aspects of co-cultivation still need further investigation, especially regarding the molecular interactions between fungi in controlled environments and the optimization of the resulting enzyme cocktails. Since plenty of genetic and physiological data on T. reesei is available, the species is an outstanding candidate for future co-culture investigations. Co-cultures are still a developing field for industrial enzyme production, and many aspects of the technique need further improvement before real applications. KEY POINTS: • T. reesei co-cultures are an alternative for producing lignocellulolytic enzymes. • Several reports suggest an increase in certain enzyme activities in co-cultures. • More in-depth investigations of co-cultures are necessary for advancing this field.
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21
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Takeda K, Suzuki J, Watanabe A, Matsuki M, Higa K, Inoue E, Akashi S, Shimada M, Kawashima M, Ohshima N, Fukami T, Masuda K, Yamane A, Tamura A, Nagai H, Matsui H, Tohma S, Kamei K. Species identification, antifungal susceptibility, and clinical feature association of Aspergillus section Nigri isolates from the lower respiratory tract. Med Mycol 2020; 58:310-314. [PMID: 31240316 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Species of Aspergillus section Nigri are generally identified by molecular genetics approaches, whereas in clinical practice, they are classified as A. niger by their morphological characteristics. This study aimed to investigate whether the species of Aspergillus section Nigri isolated from the respiratory tract vary depending on clinical diagnosis. Forty-four Aspergillus section Nigri isolates isolated from the lower respiratory tracts of 43 patients were collected from February 2012 to January 2017 at the National Hospital Organization (NHO) Tokyo National Hospital. Species identification was carried out based on β-tubulin gene analysis. Drug susceptibility tests were performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38 3rd edition, and the clinical characteristics were retrospectively reviewed. A. welwitschiae was isolated most frequently, followed by A. tubingensis. More than half of the A. tubingensis isolates exhibited low susceptibility to azoles in contrast to only one A. welwitschiae isolate. Approximately three quarters of the patients from whom A. welwitschiae was isolated were diagnosed with colonization, whereas more than half the patients from whom A. tubingensis was isolated were diagnosed with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). More attention needs to be given to the drug choice for patients with CPA with Aspergillus section Nigri infection because A. tubingensis, which was found to be frequently azole-resistant, was the most prevalent in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Takeda
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Basic Mycobacteriology, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Junko Suzuki
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mei Matsuki
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Higa
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Inoue
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Akashi
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shimada
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kawashima
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuharu Ohshima
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Fukami
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Masuda
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Yamane
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuhisa Tamura
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Nagai
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Matsui
- Center for Pulmonary Diseases, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeto Tohma
- Asthma, Allergy and Rheumatology Center, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Kamei
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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22
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Gherbawy YA, Maghraby TA, Hamza LHA, El-Dawy EGAM. New morphological criteria and molecular characterization of black aspergilli aggregate from corn, sorghum and wheat grains. Arch Microbiol 2020; 203:355-366. [PMID: 32959153 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-020-02024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Corn, sorghum and wheat grains are used as livestock feed in the world. Identification of black aspergilli associated with these grains is necessary to make sure of the safety of the grains because its occurrence is an indicator of mycotoxin production. Forty-five isolates were isolated from the samples collected from Upper Egypt's markets and identified morphologically based on colony color, conidia, stipe and vesicle size and molecularly by using β-tubulin and calmodulin genes. Isolates were divided into 30 strains of Aspergillus welwitschiae and 15 strains of A. niger. We have found new criteria in the morphological identification of A. welwitschiae as its colony color was black to brown with yellow edge, but in A. niger was black with white edge, also A. welwitschiae sometimes produced finely-to-distinctly roughened brownish conidia on malt extract agar (MEA) media. Thirteen isolates of A. welwitschiae and six of A. niger were recognized as potential producers for ochratoxin A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssuf A Gherbawy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.,Applied and Environmental Microbiology Center, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Thanaa A Maghraby
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa H A Hamza
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Eman G A M El-Dawy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt. .,Applied and Environmental Microbiology Center, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.
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Mikušová P, Caboň M, Melichárková A, Urík M, Ritieni A, Slovák M. Genetic Diversity, Ochratoxin A and Fumonisin Profiles of Strains of Aspergillus Section Nigri Isolated from Dried Vine Fruits. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090592. [PMID: 32937759 PMCID: PMC7551007 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in raisin samples purchased from Slovak markets and determined the diversity of black-spored aspergilli as potential OTA and fumonisin (FB1 and FB2) producers. The taxonomic identification was performed using sequences of the nuclear ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 region, the calmodulin and beta-tubulin genes. We obtained 239 isolates from eight fungal genera, of which 197 belonged to Aspergillus (82%) and 42 strains (18%) to other fungal genera. OTA contamination was evidenced in 75% of the samples and its level ranged from 0.8 to 10.6 µg/kg. The combination of all three markers used enabled unambiguous identification of A. carbonarius, A. luchuensis, A. niger, A. tubingensis and A. welwitschiae. The dominant coloniser, simultaneously having the highest within-species diversity isolated from our raisin samples, was A. tubingensis. Out of all analysed strains, only A. carbonarius was found to produce OTA, but in relatively high quantity (2477–4382 µg/kg). The production of FB1 and FB2 was evidenced in A. niger strains only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Mikušová
- Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Institute of Botany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, SK-845 23 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (A.M.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Miroslav Caboň
- Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Institute of Botany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, SK-845 23 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (A.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Andrea Melichárková
- Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Institute of Botany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, SK-845 23 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (A.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin Urík
- Institute of Laboratory Research on Geomaterials, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, SK-842 15 Bratislava 4, Slovakia;
| | - Alberto Ritieni
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Staff of Unesco Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, 801 31 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Marek Slovák
- Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Institute of Botany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, SK-845 23 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (A.M.); (M.S.)
- Department of Botany, Charles University, Benátská 2, CZ-128 01 Praha 2, Czech Republic
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Li C, Zhou J, Du G, Chen J, Takahashi S, Liu S. Developing Aspergillus niger as a cell factory for food enzyme production. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 44:107630. [PMID: 32919011 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus niger has become one of the most important hosts for food enzyme production due to its unique food safety characteristics and excellent protein secretion systems. A series of food enzymes such as glucoamylase have been commercially produced by A. niger strains, making this species a suitable platform for the engineered of strains with improved enzyme production. However, difficulties in genetic manipulations and shortage of expression strategies limit the progress in this regard. Moreover, several mycotoxins have recently been detected in some A. niger strains, which raises the necessity for a regulatory approval process for food enzyme production. With robust strains, processing engineering strategies are also needed for producing the enzymes on a large scale, which is also challenging for A. niger, since its culture is aerobic, and non-Newtonian fluid properties are developed during submerged culture, making mixing and aeration very energy-intensive. In this article, the progress and challenges of developing A. niger for the production of food enzymes are reviewed, including its genetic manipulations, strategies for more efficient production of food enzymes, and elimination of mycotoxins for product safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Jiangsu Provisional Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Guocheng Du
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Jian Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Jiangsu Provisional Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Shunji Takahashi
- Natural Product Biosynthesis Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Song Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
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25
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Acur A, Arias RS, Odongo S, Tuhaise S, Ssekandi J, Adriko J, Muhanguzi D, Buah S, Kiggundu A. Genetic diversity of aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus isolated from selected groundnut growing agro-ecological zones of Uganda. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:252. [PMID: 32795262 PMCID: PMC7427931 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01924-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Groundnut pre- and post-harvest contamination is commonly caused by fungi from the Genus Aspergillus. Aspergillus flavus is the most important of these fungi. It belongs to section Flavi; a group consisting of aflatoxigenic (A. flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius) and non-aflatoxigenic (A. oryzae, A. sojae and A. tamarii) fungi. Aflatoxins are food-borne toxic secondary metabolites of Aspergillus species associated with severe hepatic carcinoma and children stuntedness. Despite the well-known public health significance of aflatoxicosis, there is a paucity of information about the prevalence, genetic diversity and population structure of A. flavus in different groundnut growing agro-ecological zones of Uganda. This cross-sectional study was therefore conducted to fill this knowledge gap. Results The overall pre- and post-harvest groundnut contamination rates with A. flavus were 30.0 and 39.2% respectively. Pre- and post-harvest groundnut contamination rates with A. flavus across AEZs were; 2.5 and 50.0%; (West Nile), 55.0 and 35.0% (Lake Kyoga Basin) and 32.5 and 32.5% (Lake Victoria Basin) respectively. There was no significant difference (χ2 = 2, p = 0.157) in overall pre- and post-harvest groundnut contamination rates with A. flavus and similarly no significant difference (χ2 = 6, p = 0.199) was observed in the pre- and post-harvest contamination of groundnut with A. flavus across the three AEZs. The LKB had the highest incidence of aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus isolates while WN had no single Aspergillus isolate with aflatoxin-producing potential. Aspergillus isolates from the pre-harvest groundnut samples had insignificantly higher incidence of aflatoxin production (χ2 = 2.667, p = 0.264) than those from the post-harvest groundnut samples. Overall, A. flavus isolates exhibited moderate level (92%, p = 0.02) of genetic diversity across the three AEZs and low level (8%, p = 0.05) of genetic diversity within the individual AEZs. There was a weak positive correlation (r = 0.1241, p = 0.045) between genetic distance and geographic distance among A. flavus populations in the LKB, suggesting that genetic differentiation in the LKB population might be associated to geographic distance. A very weak positive correlation existed between genetic variation and geographic location in the entire study area (r = 0.01, p = 0.471), LVB farming system (r = 0.0141, p = 0.412) and WN farming system (r = 0.02, p = 0.478). Hierarchical clustering using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) revealed two main clusters of genetically similar A. flavus isolates. Conclusions These findings provide evidence that genetic differentiation in A. flavus populations is independent of geographic distance. This information can be valuable in the development of a suitable biocontrol management strategy of aflatoxin-producing A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Acur
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 7065, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Renée S Arias
- National Peanut Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 509, 1011 Forrester Drive, S.E, Dawson, GA, 39842, USA
| | - Steven Odongo
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samuel Tuhaise
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 7065, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ssekandi
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 7065, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Adriko
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 7065, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dennis Muhanguzi
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Buah
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 7065, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Andrew Kiggundu
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 7065, Kampala, Uganda
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Wang BT, Hu S, Yu XY, Jin L, Zhu YJ, Jin FJ. Studies of Cellulose and Starch Utilization and the Regulatory Mechanisms of Related Enzymes in Fungi. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12030530. [PMID: 32121667 PMCID: PMC7182937 DOI: 10.3390/polym12030530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Polysaccharides are biopolymers made up of a large number of monosaccharides joined together by glycosidic bonds. Polysaccharides are widely distributed in nature: Some, such as peptidoglycan and cellulose, are the components that make up the cell walls of bacteria and plants, and some, such as starch and glycogen, are used as carbohydrate storage in plants and animals. Fungi exist in a variety of natural environments and can exploit a wide range of carbon sources. They play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle because of their ability to break down plant biomass, which is composed primarily of cell wall polysaccharides, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. Fungi produce a variety of enzymes that in combination degrade cell wall polysaccharides into different monosaccharides. Starch, the main component of grain, is also a polysaccharide that can be broken down into monosaccharides by fungi. These monosaccharides can be used for energy or as precursors for the biosynthesis of biomolecules through a series of enzymatic reactions. Industrial fermentation by microbes has been widely used to produce traditional foods, beverages, and biofuels from starch and to a lesser extent plant biomass. This review focuses on the degradation and utilization of plant homopolysaccharides, cellulose and starch; summarizes the activities of the enzymes involved and the regulation of the induction of the enzymes in well-studied filamentous fungi.
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27
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Tavakol Noorabadi M, Babaeizad V, Zare R, Asgari B, Haidukowski M, Epifani F, Stea G, Moretti A, Logrieco AF, Susca A. Isolation, Molecular Identification, and Mycotoxin Production of Aspergillus Species Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Sugarcane in the South of Iran. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E122. [PMID: 32075204 PMCID: PMC7076768 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the genetic diversity detected among fungal species belonging to the genus Aspergillus is of key importance for explaining their important ecological role in the environment and agriculture. The current study aimed to identify Aspergillus species occurring in the rhizosphere of sugarcane in the South of Iran, and to investigate their mycotoxin profiles. One-hundred and twenty-five Aspergillus strains were isolated from the soil of eight major sugarcane-producing sites, and were molecularly identified using sequences of partial -tubulin (benA) and partial calmodulin (CaM) genes. Our molecular and phylogenetic results showed that around 70% of strains belonged to the Aspergillus section Nigri, and around 25% of species belonged to the Aspergillus section Terrei. Species belonging to both sections are able to produce different mycotoxins. The production of mycotoxins was measured for each species, according to their known mycotoxin profile: patulin (PAT) and sterigmatocystin (STG) for Aspergillusterreus; ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisins for Aspergilluswelwitschiae; and OTA alone for Aspergillustubingensis. The data showed that the production of OTA was detected in only 4 out of 10 strains of A.welwitschiae, while none of the A.tubingensis strains analyzed produced the mycotoxin. Fumonisins were produced by 8 out of 10 strains of A.welwitschiae. Finally, none of the 23 strains of A.terreus produced STG, while 13 of them produced PAT. The occurrence of such mycotoxigenic plant pathogens among the fungal community occurring in soil of sugarcane fields may represent a significant source of inoculum for the possible colonization of sugarcane plants, since the early stages of plant growth, due to the mycotoxin production capability, could have worrisome implications in terms of both the safety and loss of products at harvest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Tavakol Noorabadi
- Department of Plant Protection, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, 48181 68984 Sari, Iran; (M.T.N.); (V.B.)
| | - Valiollah Babaeizad
- Department of Plant Protection, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, 48181 68984 Sari, Iran; (M.T.N.); (V.B.)
| | - Rasoul Zare
- Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), 19858 13111 Tehran, Iran; (R.Z.); (B.A.)
| | - Bita Asgari
- Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), 19858 13111 Tehran, Iran; (R.Z.); (B.A.)
| | - Miriam Haidukowski
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.H.); (F.E.); (G.T.); (A.F.L.)
| | - Filomena Epifani
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.H.); (F.E.); (G.T.); (A.F.L.)
| | - Gaetano Stea
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.H.); (F.E.); (G.T.); (A.F.L.)
| | - Antonio Moretti
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.H.); (F.E.); (G.T.); (A.F.L.)
| | - Antonio Francesco Logrieco
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.H.); (F.E.); (G.T.); (A.F.L.)
| | - Antonia Susca
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.H.); (F.E.); (G.T.); (A.F.L.)
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28
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Greco G, Di Piazza S, Gallus L, Amaroli A, Pozzolini M, Ferrando S, Bertolino M, Scarfì S, Zotti M. First identification of a fatal fungal infection of the marine sponge Chondrosia reniformis by Aspergillus tubingensis. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2019; 135:227-239. [PMID: 31535618 DOI: 10.3354/dao03397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sponges are considered promising sources of biomolecules for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic interests as well as for the production of biomaterials suitable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Accordingly, the ability to grow sponges in captivity and in healthy conditions to increase their biomass is a required goal for the development of sponge aquaculture systems. To date, little information is available about the pathogenicity of fungi associated with sponges. In our study, we identified an infection in freshly collected specimens of Chondrosia reniformis (Porifera, Demospongiae) and determined that the fungus Aspergillus tubingensis was the pathogen responsible. This is the first description of a natural infection of C. reniformis by A. tubingensis. Despite raising an inflammatory response by means of an increase in tumour necrosis factor (TNF) mRNA, the infected C. reniformis specimens were not able to control the fungal infection, leading to rotting in 15 d. Characterization of this infection shows that a widely distributed fungus can represent a potential hazard to sponge aquaculture industries and how, especially in stressed or compromised marine environments, this fungus could represent a fatal opportunistic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Greco
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Italy
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29
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Pasin TM, dos Anjos Moreira E, de Lucas RC, Benassi VM, Ziotti LS, Cereia M, Polizeli MDLTDM. Novel amylase-producing fungus hydrolyzing wheat and brewing residues, Aspergillus carbonarius, discovered in tropical forest remnant. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2019; 65:173-184. [DOI: 10.1007/s12223-019-00720-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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30
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Draft Genome Sequence of Aspergillus awamori IFM 58123 NT. Microbiol Resour Announc 2019; 8:MRA01453-18. [PMID: 30701239 PMCID: PMC6346188 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01453-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Species of the Aspergillus section Nigri are taxonomically very complex. The taxonomic assignment of Aspergillus awamori is unclear. Species of the Aspergillus section Nigri are taxonomically very complex. The taxonomic assignment of Aspergillus awamori is unclear. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of A. awamori strain IFM 58123NT.
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31
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Filiatrault-Chastel C, Navarro D, Haon M, Grisel S, Herpoël-Gimbert I, Chevret D, Fanuel M, Henrissat B, Heiss-Blanquet S, Margeot A, Berrin JG. AA16, a new lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase family identified in fungal secretomes. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2019; 12:55. [PMID: 30923563 PMCID: PMC6420742 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-019-1394-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lignocellulosic biomass is considered as a promising alternative to fossil resources for the production of fuels, materials and chemicals. Efficient enzymatic systems are needed to degrade the plant cell wall and overcome its recalcitrance. A widely used producer of cellulolytic cocktails is the ascomycete Trichoderma reesei, but this organism secretes a limited set of enzymes. To improve the saccharification yields, one strategy is to upgrade the T. reesei enzyme cocktail with enzymes produced by other biomass-degrading filamentous fungi isolated from biodiversity. RESULTS In this study, the enzymatic cocktails secreted by five strains from the genus Aspergillus (Aspergillus japonicus strains BRFM 405, 1487, 1489, 1490 and Aspergillus niger strain BRFM 430) were tested for their ability to boost a T. reesei reference cocktail for the saccharification of pretreated biomass. Proteomic analysis of fungal secretomes that significantly improved biomass degradation showed that the presence of proteins belonging to a putative LPMO family previously identified by genome analysis and awaiting experimental demonstration of activity. Members of this novel LPMO family, named AA16, are encountered in fungi and oomycetes with life styles oriented toward interactions with plant biomass. One AA16 protein from Aspergillus aculeatus (AaAA16) was produced to high level in Pichia pastoris. LPMO-type enzyme activity was demonstrated on cellulose with oxidative cleavage at the C1 position of the glucose unit. AaAA16 LPMO was found to significantly improve the activity of T. reesei CBHI on cellulosic substrates. CONCLUSIONS Although Aspergillus spp. has been investigated for decades for their CAZymes diversity, we identified members of a new fungal LPMO family using secretomics and functional assays. Properties of the founding member of the AA16 family characterized herein could be of interest for use in biorefineries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Filiatrault-Chastel
- Biodiversité et Biotechnologie Fongiques, UMR1163, INRA, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, 1 et 4 avenue de Bois-Préau, 92852 Rueil-Malmaison, France
| | - David Navarro
- Biodiversité et Biotechnologie Fongiques, UMR1163, INRA, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Mireille Haon
- Biodiversité et Biotechnologie Fongiques, UMR1163, INRA, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Sacha Grisel
- Biodiversité et Biotechnologie Fongiques, UMR1163, INRA, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Herpoël-Gimbert
- Biodiversité et Biotechnologie Fongiques, UMR1163, INRA, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Chevret
- Plateforme d’Analyse Protéomique de Paris Sud-Ouest, Institut Micalis, UMR1319, INRA, Agro-ParisTech, Jouy-En-Josas, France
| | - Mathieu Fanuel
- UR1268, INRA, Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, Nantes, France
| | - Bernard Henrissat
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, UMR7257, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- USC1408, INRA, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Marseille, France
| | - Senta Heiss-Blanquet
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, 1 et 4 avenue de Bois-Préau, 92852 Rueil-Malmaison, France
| | - Antoine Margeot
- IFP Energies Nouvelles, 1 et 4 avenue de Bois-Préau, 92852 Rueil-Malmaison, France
| | - Jean-Guy Berrin
- Biodiversité et Biotechnologie Fongiques, UMR1163, INRA, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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Abarca ML, Bragulat MR, Castellá G, Cabañes FJ. Impact of some environmental factors on growth and ochratoxin A production by Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus welwitschiae. Int J Food Microbiol 2018; 291:10-16. [PMID: 30419474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxic mycotoxin which may contaminate various foods and feed products worldwide. Aspergillus niger is one of the species responsible for OTA contamination in grapes and derived products. This species has recently been split into A. niger and Aspergillus welwitschiae. Both species can not be distinguished by phenotypic or extrolite profiles and to date there is no ecophysiological information of A. welwitschiae. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of water activity (aw) (0.90; 0.95 and 0.98-0.99), culture media (Yeast Extract Sucrose Broth (YESB); Synthetic Grape Juice Medium (SGM); White grape juice (WGJ)) and temperature (15 °C, 25 °C and 35 °C) on the growth and OTA production of four strains of A. niger and six strains of A. welwitschiae. The assay was performed in microtiter plates, determining the absorbance at 530 nm and the concentration of OTA at 1, 2, 4 and 10 days. No significant differences were observed in absorbance and OTA values between the two species under study. The highest absorbance values were recorded in YESB, followed by SGM and WGJ. Absorbance values increased with increasing aw and temperature. The highest OTA values were obtained at 0.98-0.99 aw and the best culture media for OTA production was YESB, followed by WGJ and SGM. The studied strains of A. niger produced the highest mean OTA level at 25 °C whereas A. welwitschiae strains produced the highest mean OTA concentration at 15 °C, although not differing significantly from concentration produced at 25 °C. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the impact of some environmental factors on growth and OTA production by A. welwitschiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Abarca
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - M R Bragulat
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - G Castellá
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - F J Cabañes
- Veterinary Mycology Group, Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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Identification of Aspergillus tubingensis in a primary skin infection. J Mycol Med 2018; 28:274-278. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Abstract
Food processing, packaging, and formulation strategies are often specifically designed to inhibit or control microbial growth to prevent spoilage. Some of the most restrictive strategies rely solely or on combinations of pH reduction, preservatives, water activity limitation, control of oxygen tension, thermal processing, and hermetic packaging. In concert, these strategies are used to inactivate potential spoilage microorganisms or inhibit their growth. However, for select microbes that can overcome these controls, the lack of competition from additional background microbiota helps facilitate their propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail B Snyder
- 1 Department of Extension, The Ohio State University, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, Ohio 44691
| | - Randy W Worobo
- 2 Department of Food Science, Cornell University, 411 Tower Road, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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Genomic diversity in ochratoxigenic and non ochratoxigenic strains of Aspergillus carbonarius. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5439. [PMID: 29615708 PMCID: PMC5883058 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23802-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic effects on animals and humans. Aspergillus carbonarius is the main responsible for OTA contamination of grapes and derived products. We present the genome resequencing of four A. carbonarius strains, one OTA producer and three atypical and unique non-OTA producing strains. These strains were sequenced using Illumina technology and compared with a reference genome of this species. We performed some specific bioinformatics analyses in genes involved in OTA biosynthesis. Data obtained in this study revealed the high genomic diversity within A. carbonarius strains. Although some gaps of more than 1,000 bp were identified in non-ochratoxigenic strains, no large deletions in functional genes related with OTA production were found. Moreover, the expression of five genes of the putative OTA biosynthetic cluster was down regulated under OTA-inducing conditions in the non-ochratoxigenic strains. Knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms involved in OTA biosynthesis will provide a deeper understanding of these non-ochratoxigenic strains.
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Kamali Sarwestani Z, Hashemi SJ, Rezaie S, Gerami Shoar M, Mahmoudi S, Elahi M, Bahardoost M, Tajdini A, Abutalebian S, Daie Ghazvini R. Species identification and in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing of Aspergillus section Nigri strains isolated from otomycosis patients. J Mycol Med 2018. [PMID: 29540288 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aspergillus niger is the most commonly reported etiology of otomycosis based on morphological characteristics. This fungus is a member of Aspergillus section Nigri, a set of morphologically indistinguishable species that can harbor various antifungal susceptibility patterns. The aim of this study was to accurately identify and determine the susceptibility pattern of a set of black aspergilli isolated from otomycosis patients. METHODS Forty-three black Aspergillus isolates from otomycosis patients were identified by using the PCR-sequencing of the β-tubulin gene. Furthermore, the susceptibility of isolates to three antifungal drugs, including fluconazole (FLU), clotrimazole (CLT) and nystatin (NS), were tested according to CLSI M38-A2. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software (version 15). RESULTS The majority of isolates were identified as A. tubingensis (32/43, 74.42%) followed by A. niger (11/43, 25.58%). The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were observed for NS with geometric means (GM) of 4.65μg/mL and 4.83μg/mL against A. tubingensis and A. niger isolates, respectively. CLT showed wide MIC ranges and a statistically significant inter-species difference was observed between A. tubingensis and A. niger isolates (P<0.05). FLU was inactive against both species with GMs>64μg/mL. CONCLUSION Species other than A. niger can be more frequent as observed in our study. In addition, considering the low and variable activity of tested antifungal drugs, empirical treatment can result in treatment failure. Accurate identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of isolates is, however, recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Kamali Sarwestani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina st., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, Iran
| | - S J Hashemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina st., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, Iran
| | - S Rezaie
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina st., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, Iran
| | - M Gerami Shoar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina st., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, Iran
| | - S Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina st., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, Iran; Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Elahi
- Department of Head and Neck surgery, AmirAlam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Bahardoost
- Colorectal research center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Tajdini
- Department of Head and Neck surgery, AmirAlam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Abutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - R Daie Ghazvini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina st., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, Iran.
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Yi P, Xiao K, Dong C, Zou S, Li X. Effects of mould on electrochemical migration behaviour of immersion silver finished printed circuit board. Bioelectrochemistry 2018; 119:203-210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Greco G, Cecchi G, Di Piazza S, Cutroneo L, Capello M, Zotti M. Fungal characterisation of a contaminated marine environment: the case of the Port of Genoa (North-Western Italy). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00837792.2017.1417964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Sinha M, Weyda I, Sørensen A, Bruno KS, Ahring BK. Alkane biosynthesis by Aspergillus carbonarius ITEM 5010 through heterologous expression of Synechococcus elongatus acyl-ACP/CoA reductase and aldehyde deformylating oxygenase genes. AMB Express 2017; 7:18. [PMID: 28058634 PMCID: PMC5216010 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-016-0321-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we describe the heterologous expression of the recently identified cyanobacterial pathway for long chain alkane biosynthesis, involving the reduction of fatty acyl-ACP to fatty aldehyde and the subsequent conversion of this into alkanes, in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus carbonarius ITEM 5010. Genes originating from Synechococcus elongatus strain PCC7942, encoding acyl-ACP/CoA reductase and aldehyde deformylating oxygenase enzymes, were successfully expressed in A. carbonarius, which lead to the production of pentadecane and heptadecane, alkanes that have not been previously produced by this fungus. Titers of 0.2, 0.5 and 2.7 mg/l pentadecane and 0.8, 1.6 and 10.2 mg/l heptadecane were achieved using glucose, Yeast malt and oatmeal media, respectively. Besides producing alkanes, we found elevated levels of internal free fatty acids and triglycerides in the alkane producing transformant. These findings can indicate that a yet unidentified, native fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase channels back the fatty aldehydes into the fatty acid metabolism, thus competing for substrate with the heterologously expressed fatty aldehyde deformylating oxygenase. These findings will potentially facilitate the future application of robust, fungal cell factories for the production of advanced biofuels from various substrates.
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Maia TF, Fraga ME. Bioprospecting Aspergillus section Nigri in Atlantic Forest soil and plant litter. ARQUIVOS DO INSTITUTO BIOLÓGICO 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1808-1657000502015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT: The use of fungi as a source of enzymes has become widespread in various industrial and commercial areas, and Aspergillus section Nigri has significant potential for producing enzymes. The aim of this study was to isolate Aspergillus section Nigri from plant litter and soil from the Atlantic Forest biome and evaluate it with regards to hydrolytic enzyme production. The trials for producing the enzymes were carried out in Petri dishes, using different culture mediums adapted for microbial growth and with the respective substrates for inducing enzyme production - cellulase (carboxymethyl cellulose), protease (skimmed milk), amylase (soluble starch), pectinase (citrus pectin), and phytase (Pikovskaya medium). Forty-two fungi were isolated, 16.7% derived from the plant litter layer and 83.3% derived from soil at a depth of 0 to 5 cm and 5 to 10 cm. All of the isolated lineages presented amylase, protease, and phytase production, with 90.4% producing cellulase and no lineage producing pectinase. From the results, the significant potential for Atlantic Forest fungi as hydrolytic enzyme producers could be perceived. The enzymatic activity evaluations presented a satisfactory result when compared with the scientific literature.
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Kotta-Loizou I, Coutts RHA. Mycoviruses in Aspergilli: A Comprehensive Review. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1699. [PMID: 28932216 PMCID: PMC5592211 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi, similar to all species, are susceptible to viral infection. Aspergillus is arguably the most well studied fungal genus because of its medical, ecological and economical significance. Mycoviruses were initially detected in Aspergillus species almost 50 years ago and the field continues to be active today with ground-breaking discoveries. The aim of the present review is to cover the scientific progress in all aspects of mycovirology as exemplified by Aspergillus-focused research. Initially an overview of the population studies illustrating the presence of mycoviruses in numerous important Aspergillus species, such as A. niger, A. flavus, and A. fumigatus with be presented. Moreover the intricacies of mycovirus transmission, both inter- and intra-species, will be discussed together with the methodologies used to investigate viral dispersion in a laboratory setting. Subsequently, the genomic features of all molecularly characterized mycoviruses to date will be analyzed in depth. These include members of established viral families, such as Partitiviridae, Chrysoviridae and Totiviridae, but also more recent, novel discoveries that led to the proposal of new viral families, such as Polymycoviridae, Alternaviridae and, in the context of the present review, Exartaviridae. Finally, the major issue of phenotypic effects of mycoviral infection on the host is addressed, including aflatoxin production in A. flavus, together with growth and virulence in A. fumigatus. Although the molecular mechanisms behind these phenomena are yet to be elucidated, recent studies suggest that by implication, RNA silencing may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioly Kotta-Loizou
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College LondonLondon, United Kingdom
| | - Robert H A Coutts
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of HertfordshireHatfield, United Kingdom
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Kogkaki EA, Sofoulis M, Natskoulis P, Tarantilis PA, Pappas CS, Panagou EZ. Differentiation and identification of grape-associated black aspergilli using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic analysis of mycelia. Int J Food Microbiol 2017; 259:22-28. [PMID: 28779624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of FT-IR spectroscopy as a high-throughput method for rapid differentiation among the ochratoxigenic species of Aspergillus carbonarius and the non-ochratoxigenic or low toxigenic species of Aspergillus niger aggregate, namely A. tubingensis and A. niger isolated previously from grapes of Greek vineyards. A total of 182 isolates of A. carbonarius, A. tubingensis, and A. niger were analyzed using FT-IR spectroscopy. The first derivative of specific spectral regions (3002-2801cm-1, 1773-1550cm-1, and 1286-952cm-1) were chosen and evaluated with respect to absorbance values. The average spectra of 130 fungal isolates were used for model calibration based on Discriminant analysis and the remaining 52 spectra were used for external model validation. This methodology was able to differentiate correctly 98.8% in total accuracy in both model calibration and validation. The per class accuracy for A. carbonarius was 95.3% and 100% for model calibration and validation, respectively, whereas for A. niger aggregate the per class accuracy amounted to 100% in both cases. The obtained results indicated that FT-IR could become a promising, fast, reliable and low-cost tool for the discrimination and differentiation of closely related fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstathia A Kogkaki
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biotechnology of Foods, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Manos Sofoulis
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biotechnology of Foods, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Pantelis Natskoulis
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biotechnology of Foods, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros A Tarantilis
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos S Pappas
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Z Panagou
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biotechnology of Foods, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece.
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Drug Sensitivity and Resistance Mechanism in Aspergillus Section Nigri Strains from Japan. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.02583-16. [PMID: 28607016 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02583-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus niger and its related species, known as Aspergillus section Nigri, are ubiquitously distributed across the globe and are often isolated from clinical specimens. In Japan, Aspergillus section Nigri is second most often isolated from clinical specimens following Aspergillus fumigatus We determined the species of Aspergillus section Nigri isolated in Japan by DNA sequencing of partial β-tubulin genes and investigated drug susceptibility by the CLSI M38-A2 method. The collection contained 20 Aspergillus niger, 59 Aspergillus welwitschiae, and 39 Aspergillus tubingensis strains. Drug susceptibility testing revealed 30 to 55% of A. niger, 6.8 to 18.6% of A. welwitschiae, and 79.5 to 89.7% of A. tubingensis isolates to be less susceptible (so-called resistant) to itraconazole (ITC) and/or voriconazole (VRC) according to the epidemiologic cutoff values (ECVs) proposed for A. niger previously. MIC distributions of ITC or VRC showed no remarkable differences between clinical and environmental isolates. When the cyp51A sequences were compared between susceptible and resistant strains, 18 amino acid mutations were specific for resistant isolates of A. niger and A. tubingensis; however, none of them were confirmed to be associated with azole resistance. Three nonrelated A. welwitschiae isolates possessed a partial deletion in cyp51A, likely attributable to being more susceptible to azoles than other isolates. One of five ITC-resistant A. tubingensis isolates showed higher expression of cyp51A than did susceptible strains. Our results show that cyp51A point mutations may have no association with azole resistance but that in some cases the overexpression of cyp51A may lead to the azole resistance in these species.
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Paul S, Ludeña Y, Villena GK, Yu F, Sherman DH, Gutiérrez-Correa M. High-quality draft genome sequence of a biofilm forming lignocellulolytic Aspergillus niger strain ATCC 10864. Stand Genomic Sci 2017; 12:37. [PMID: 28725336 PMCID: PMC5514509 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-017-0254-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger has high industrial value due to their lignocellulolytic enzyme activities and ATCC 10864 is one of the few type strains of A. niger which has a unique biofilm forming capability. Here we report the first draft genome sequence of A. niger ATCC 10864 strain. The genome of A. niger ATCC 10864 is 36,172,237 bp long and comprise of 310 scaffolds with 49.5% average GC content. A total of 10,804 protein-coding genes were predicted among which 10,761 genes were with putative functions. A. niger ATCC 10864 genome coded for 709 putative carbohydrate active enzyme families distributed in six functional categories and among them glycoside hydrolases (GHs) represent the most number of families (279). Genes that include pepA, brlA, exgA, LaeA, rodA, GCN have also been identified in this study, which may play a role in biofilm formation. This high-quality draft genome sequence will facilitate our understanding of the mechanisms behind fungal biofilm formation and higher lignocellulolytic enzyme production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujay Paul
- Laboratorio de Micología y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Av. La Molina s/n, 12 Lima, Peru
| | - Yvette Ludeña
- Laboratorio de Micología y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Av. La Molina s/n, 12 Lima, Peru
| | - Gretty K Villena
- Laboratorio de Micología y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Av. La Molina s/n, 12 Lima, Peru
| | - Fengan Yu
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, 210 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2216 USA
| | - David H Sherman
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, 210 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2216 USA
| | - Marcel Gutiérrez-Correa
- Laboratorio de Micología y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Av. La Molina s/n, 12 Lima, Peru
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Pantelides IS, Aristeidou E, Lazari M, Tsolakidou MD, Tsaltas D, Christofidou M, Kafouris D, Christou E, Ioannou N. Biodiversity and ochratoxin A profile of Aspergillus section Nigri populations isolated from wine grapes in Cyprus vineyards. Food Microbiol 2017. [PMID: 28648287 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the biodiversity of Aspergillus section Nigri populations from Cyprus vineyards by morphological, toxigenic and phylogenetic analysis. Aspergillus section Nigri populations were isolated from grapes of the varieties 'Maratheftiko' and 'Cabernet Sauvignon' originating from six growing regions of Cyprus during 2010 and 2011 years. The isolation frequency of Aspergillus section Nigri from grape samples was 43.3% and a total of 284 isolates were selected for further analyses based on the macroscopic characteristics of black aspergilli. The isolates were characterized by sequencing analysis of the calmodulin gene in order to identify species responsible for ochratoxin A (OTA) production. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates were grouped in three major clusters. The A. tubingensis cluster included 262 isolates (92.25%), the A. niger cluster included 15 isolates identified as A. niger (5.3%) and 6 isolates identified as A. welwitschiae (2.1%). One isolate was classified as A. carbonarius (0.35%) and was grouped in a cluster together with the reference isolates of A. carbonarius, A. sclerotioniger, A. sclerotiocarbonarius and A. ibericus. All the isolates were evaluated for their ochratoxigenic ability by HPLC coupled with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) and the positive isolates were re-examined using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The Aspergillus carbonarius isolate produced an average quantity of 1436.1 ng OTA/g Czapek Yeast Agar (CYA); From the A. niger strains three isolates (20%) produced OTA and only one isolate from A. welwitschiae (16.7%) was proved ochratoxigenic with toxin production average at 23.9 ng/g and 9.1 ng/g CYA respectively. Grape must samples derived from the collected berries were also analyzed for OTA and none of the samples were found contaminated with the mycotoxin. The results showed that the geographic area and the meteorological conditions had no significant effect on the incidence and the distribution of black aspergilli in this 2-year project. However, absence of rainfall and low humidity during the harvesting period were critical for the low incidence of the ochratoxigenic A. carbonarius on grapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iakovos S Pantelides
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.
| | - Efi Aristeidou
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Maria Lazari
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Maria-Dimitra Tsolakidou
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Dimitris Tsaltas
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | | | | | - Nicolas Ioannou
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
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Li Q, Loman AA, Coffman AM, Ju LK. Soybean hull induced production of carbohydrases and protease among Aspergillus and their effectiveness in soy flour carbohydrate and protein separation. J Biotechnol 2017; 248:35-42. [PMID: 28315372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Soybean hull consists mainly of three major plant carbohydrates, i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. It is inexpensive and a good potential substrate for carbohydrase production because it is capable of inducing a complete spectrum of activities to hydrolyze complex biomass. Aspergillus is known for carbohydrase production but no studies have evaluated and compared, among Aspergillus species and strains, the soybean hull induced production of various carbohydrases. In this study, A. aculeatus, A. cinnamomeus, A. foetidus, A. phoenicis and 11 A. niger strains were examined together with T. reesei Rut C30, another known carbohydrase producer. The carbohydrases evaluated included pectinase, polygalacturonase, xylanase, cellulase, α-galactosidase and sucrase. Growth morphology and pH profiles were also followed. Among Aspergillus strains, morphology was found to correlate with both carbohydrase production and pH decrease profile. Filamentous strains gave higher carbohydrase production while causing slower pH decrease. The enzyme broths produced were also tested for separation of soy flour carbohydrate and protein. Defatted soy flour contains about 53% protein and 32% carbohydrate. The enzymatic treatment can increase protein content and remove indigestible oligo-/poly-saccharides, and improve use of soy flour in feed and food. Protease production by different strains was therefore also compared for minimizing protein degradation. A. niger NRRL 322 and A. foetidus NRRL 341 were found to be the most potent strains that produced maximal carbohydrases and minimal protease under soybean hull induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States
| | - Abdullah Al Loman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States
| | - Anthony M Coffman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States
| | - Lu-Kwang Ju
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States.
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Weyda I, Yang L, Vang J, Ahring BK, Lübeck M, Lübeck PS. A comparison of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and protoplast-mediated transformation with CRISPR-Cas9 and bipartite gene targeting substrates, as effective gene targeting tools for Aspergillus carbonarius. J Microbiol Methods 2017; 135:26-34. [PMID: 28159628 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Revised: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, versatile genetic tools have been developed and applied to a number of filamentous fungi of industrial importance. However, the existing techniques have limitations when it comes to achieve the desired genetic modifications, especially for efficient gene targeting. In this study, we used Aspergillus carbonarius as a host strain due to its potential as a cell factory, and compared three gene targeting techniques by disrupting the ayg1 gene involved in the biosynthesis of conidial pigment in A. carbonarius. The absence of the ayg1 gene leads to phenotypic change in conidia color, which facilitated the analysis on the gene targeting frequency. The examined transformation techniques included Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (AMT) and protoplast-mediated transformation (PMT). Furthermore, the PMT for the disruption of the ayg1 gene was carried out with bipartite gene targeting fragments and the recently adapted CRISPR-Cas9 system. All three techniques were successful in generating Δayg1 mutants, but showed different efficiencies. The most efficient method for gene targeting was AMT, but further it was shown to be dependent on the choice of Agrobacterium strain. However, there are different advantages and disadvantages of all three gene targeting methods which are discussed, in order to facilitate future approaches for fungal strain improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Weyda
- Section for Sustainable Biotechnology, Aalborg University Copenhagen, A. C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, SV, Denmark; Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL), Washington State University Tri-Cities, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Lei Yang
- Section for Sustainable Biotechnology, Aalborg University Copenhagen, A. C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, SV, Denmark
| | - Jesper Vang
- Section for Sustainable Biotechnology, Aalborg University Copenhagen, A. C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, SV, Denmark
| | - Birgitte K Ahring
- Section for Sustainable Biotechnology, Aalborg University Copenhagen, A. C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, SV, Denmark; Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL), Washington State University Tri-Cities, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Mette Lübeck
- Section for Sustainable Biotechnology, Aalborg University Copenhagen, A. C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, SV, Denmark
| | - Peter S Lübeck
- Section for Sustainable Biotechnology, Aalborg University Copenhagen, A. C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, SV, Denmark.
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Zemni H, Sghaier A, Khiari R, Chebil S, Ben Ismail H, Nefzaoui R, Hamdi Z, Lasram S. Physicochemical, Phytochemical and Mycological Characteristics of Italia Muscat Raisins Obtained Using Different Pre-treatments and Drying Techniques. FOOD BIOPROCESS TECH 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11947-016-1837-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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50
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Ferranti LS, Correa B, Fungaro MHP, Iamanaka BT, Massi FP, Phippen CBW, Frisvad JC, Taniwaki MH. Occurrence and fumonisin B2 producing potential of Aspergillus section Nigri in Brazil nuts. Mycotoxin Res 2016; 33:49-58. [DOI: 10.1007/s12550-016-0262-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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