MycoWeekly Newsletter

Your Weekly Dose of Mycology Research

Integrated Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of the mRNA Vaccine Building Block N1-Methylpseudouridine Triphosphate.

2025-05-27
Angewandte Chemie • Level 3 (4 panels)
M. Pfeiffer, Leo Krammer, Johannes Zöhrer, Rolf Breinbauer, B. Nidetzky

N1-Methylpseudouridine Triphosphate (m1ΨTP) and pseudouridine-5'-triphosphate (ΨTP) are vital components in mRNA vaccines. This research introduces an efficient chemoenzymatic synthesis of ΨTP (83% yield) and m1ΨTP (68% yield), employing a biocatalytic route that significantly enhances reaction efficiency and reduces waste, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

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Two distinct host-specialized fungal species cause white-nose disease in bats.

2025-05-28
Nature • Level 3 (24 panels)
Nicola M. Fischer, Imogen Dumville, B. Nabholz, Violeta Zhelyazkova, Ruth-Marie Stecker, Anna S. Blomberg, S. Dool, Marcus Fritze, Marie-Ka Tilak, Andriy-Taras Bashta, Clothilde Chenal, Anna-Sophie Fiston-Lavier, Sébastien J. Puechmaille

White-nose disease, a devastating condition impacting bat populations, is caused by two distinct, host-specialized fungal species. This study highlights the genetic differentiation and recombination observed within each species, emphasizing the importance of incorporating pathogen variability into disease management strategies. Significant structural differences were also noted in their genome organization.

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The evolution of thermal performance curves in response to rising temperatures across the model genus yeast.

2025-05-20
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America • Level 3 (24 panels)
Jennifer Molinet, Rike B. Stelkens

In the study of thermal performance curves (TPCs), researchers explored the adaptive capacity of yeast (Saccharomyces spp.) to rising temperatures. Over 600 generations, warm-tolerant species enhanced their growth temperature and tolerance, supporting the "hotter is wider" hypothesis, while cold-tolerant species broadened thermal breadth with reduced performance, illustrating climate adaptation's complexity across the genus.

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The GRAS protein RAM1 interacts with WRI transcription factors to regulate plant genes required for arbuscule development and function.

2025-05-19
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America • Level 3 (24 panels)
Michael Paries, K. Hobecker, Sofia Hernandez Luelmo, Filippo Binci, Angelica M. Guercio, Annika Usländer, Catarina Cardoso, Yang Si, Lotta Wankner, Sagar Bashyal, Philip Troycke, Franziska Brückner, P. Pimprikar, N. Shabek, C. Gutjahr

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis involves fungi forming arbuscules in plant roots for nutrient exchange. The GRAS protein RAM1, lacking direct DNA affinity, interacts with APETALA 2 transcription factors, particularly of the WRINKLED1 family, to regulate genes crucial for arbuscule function. This study illuminates RAM1's role in activating promoters critical for symbiotic processes.

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