Your Weekly Dose of Mycology Research
This study examines the correlation between genome-wide sequence divergence and species delineation across eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Notably, eukaryotic species, including fungi, generally exhibit <1% sequence divergence, while prokaryotic species endure higher divergence yet maintain gene flow. Findings suggest >1% divergence likely indicates distinct eukaryotic species, contrasting with prokaryotic recombination thresholds.
Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast, and ESKAPE pathogens, known for their role in hospital-acquired infections, are prevalent on the skin of nursing home residents. This study identifies the skin as a significant reservoir, harboring these clonal pathogenic organisms and their associated antimicrobial-resistance genes, highlighting a critical public health concern in such communal settings.
Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, facilitating a nutrient exchange network. Recent research reveals that these fungi develop as self-regulating travelling waves. This network architecture, characterized by growing tips pulling nutrient-absorbing mycelium, balances the density through fusion, effectively addressing competing trade demands.
Metabolic engineering involves modifying microbial gene expressions to enhance production efficiency of chemicals. This study introduces a computational method that identifies genetic targets to improve the production of 103 chemicals in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Notably, the pipeline identifies gene sets applicable across multiple chemicals, paving the way for versatile platform strains in bioproduction.