Aspergilli comprise a diversity of species that have been extensively studied due to their catabolic diversity, biotechnological and ecological value, and pathogenicity. An impressive level of structural and functional conservation has been shown for aspergilli, regardless of many (yet) cryptic genomic elements. We have hypothesized the existence of conserved genes responsive to stress in aspergilli. To test the hypothesis of such conserved stress regulators in aspergilli, a straightforward computational strategy integrating well-established bioinformatic tools was used as the starting point. Specifically, five transcriptome-based datasets on exposure to organic compounds were used, covering three distinct Aspergillus species. Among the identified up-regulated genes, only one gene showed the same response in all conditions, AN9181. This gene encodes a protein containing a phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductase-like domain and a Nitrogen metabolite repressor regulator domain (NmrA). Deletion of this gene caused significant phenotypic alterations compared to that of the parental strain across diverse conditions. Specifically, the deletion of AN9181 raised the mutant\'s metabolic activity in different nitrogen sources. The acquired data supports that AN9181 acts by repressing (slowing down) A. nidulans growth when exposed to aromatic compounds in a concentration dependent manner. The same phenotype was observed for amphotericin B. Finally, AN9181 underwent differential upregulation under oxidative stress conditions. Collectively, the data suggest that AN9181, herein assigned as NmrB (Nitrogen Metabolite Repression Regulator B), builds up the genetic machinery of perception of oxidative stress by negatively regulating growth under such conditions.

Aspergillus species encompass a variety of infections, ranging from invasive aspergillosis to allergic conditions, contingent upon the immune status of the host. In this spectrum, Aspergillus terreus stands out due to its emergence as a notable pathogen and its intrinsic resistance to amphotericin-B. The significance of Aspergillus-associated infections has witnessed a marked increase in the past few decades, particularly with the increasing number of immunocompromised individuals. The exploration of epidemiology, morphological transitions, immunopathology, and novel treatment approaches such as new antifungal drugs (PC945, olorofim) and combinational therapy using antifungal drugs and phytochemicals (Phytochemicals: quercetin, shikonin, artemisinin), also using immunotherapies to modulate immune response has resulted in better outcomes. Furthermore, in the context COVID-19 era and its aftermath, fungal infections have emerged as a substantial challenge for both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. This is attributed to the use of immune-suppressing therapies during COVID-19 infections and the increase in transplant cases. Consequently, this review aims to provide an updated overview encompassing the epidemiology, germination events, immunopathology, and novel drug treatment strategies against Aspergillus terreus-associated infections.

Analyses of fungal genomes of escalate from biological and evolutionary investigations. The biochemical analyses of putative enzymes will inevitably lag behind and only a selection will be characterized. Plant-pathogenic fungi secrete manganese-lipoxygenases (MnLOX), which oxidize unsaturated fatty acids to hydroperoxides to support infection. Six MnLOX have been characterized so far including the 3D structures of these enzymes of the Rice blast and the Take-all fungi. The goal was to use this information to evaluate MnLOX-related gene transcripts to find informative specimens for further studies. Phylogenetic analysis, determinants of catalytic activities, and the C-terminal amino acid sequences divided 54 transcripts into three major subfamilies. The six MnLOX belonged to the same \"prototype\" subfamily with conserved residues in catalytic determinants and C-terminal sequences. The second subfamily retained the secretion mechanism, presumably necessary for uptake of Mn2+, but differed in catalytic determinants and by cysteine replacement of an invariant Leu residue for positioning (\"clamping\") of fatty acids. The third subfamily contrasted with alanine in the Gly/Ala switch for regiospecific oxidation and a minority contained unprecedented C-terminal sequences or lacked secretion signals. With these exceptions, biochemical analyses of transcripts of the three subfamilies appear to have reasonable prospects to find active enzymes.

Chemical modifications of DNA and histone proteins impact the organization of chromatin within the nucleus. Changes in these modifications, catalysed by different chromatin-modifying enzymes, influence chromatin organization, which in turn is thought to impact the spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression. While combinations of different histone modifications, the histone code, have been studied in several model species, we know very little about histone modifications in the fungal genus Aspergillus, whose members are generally well studied due to their importance as models in cell and molecular biology as well as their medical and biotechnological relevance. Here, we used phylogenetic analyses in 94 Aspergilli as well as other fungi to uncover the occurrence and evolutionary trajectories of enzymes and protein complexes with roles in chromatin modifications or regulation. We found that these enzymes and complexes are highly conserved in Aspergilli, pointing towards a complex repertoire of chromatin modifications. Nevertheless, we also observed few recent gene duplications or losses, highlighting Aspergillus species to further study the roles of specific chromatin modifications. SET7 (KMT6) and other components of PRC2 (Polycomb Repressive Complex 2), which is responsible for methylation on histone H3 at lysine 27 in many eukaryotes including fungi, are absent in Aspergilli as well as in closely related Penicillium species, suggesting that these lost the capacity for this histone modification. We corroborated our computational predictions by performing untargeted MS analysis of histone post-translational modifications in Aspergillus nidulans. This systematic analysis will pave the way for future research into the complexity of the histone code and its functional implications on genome architecture and gene regulation in fungi.

UNASSIGNED: This study was designed to isolate, identify, and determine the prevalence of Aspergilli in commercial chicken in selected areas of Bangladesh.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 50 lung samples from suspected dead chickens, comprising broilers (n = 32) and layers (n = 18), aged between 5 days and 45 weeks, were collected from poultry farms located in the Gazipur district in Bangladesh. Fungi were primarily identified based on the colony morphology using potato dextrose agar (PDA). DNA was extracted from the suspected colonies. Aspegillus spp. was detected by genus-specific ASAP-1 and ASAP-2. Aspergillus spp. were then screened by polymerase chain reaction targeting Aspergillus flavus (FLA-1 and FLA-2), Aspergillus fumigatus (ASPU and Af3r), and Aspergillus niger (ASPU and Nilr).
UNASSIGNED: The overall prevalence of Aspergillus spp. was 44% (n = 22/50; p < 0.05). Among the Aspergilli, A. flavus was detected in 10% (n = 5/50) of the samples. Similarly, A. fumigatus and A. niger were detected at 26% (n = 13/50) and 8% (n = 4/50) respectively. Three samples were associated with more than one fungus; two fungi (A. flavus and A. niger) were in two samples, and three fungi (A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. niger) were in one sample.
UNASSIGNED: Isolation and prevalence of Aspergillus spp. in commercial chicken were studied for the first time in Bangladesh.

The growth of 14 Aspergillus strains belonging to nine species was studied under combinatorial deferriprone - H2O2 (iron-chelation - oxidative) stress. When deferriprone pretreated mycelia were subjected to even a weak oxidative stress, the growth inhibitory effect of iron-chelation stress was enhanced in 10 out of 14 strains. In contrast, oxidative stress pretreatment of conidia increased their deferriprone tolerance in 10 strains. Applying iron-chelators as antifungal agent or adjuvant can enhance the efficiency of the combinatorial iron withdrawal - oxidative stress strategy of our immune system and may reduce the survival of conidia escaped from the oxidative attack of pulmonary macrophages.

Contrary to the opinion recently offered by Dimou et al., our previously published biochemical, subcellular and genetic data supported our contention that AN11127 corresponds to the A. nidulans gene encoding Sec12, which is the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) specific for SAR1. We add here additional bioinformatics evidence that fully disprove the otherwise negative evidence reported by Dimou et al., highlighting the dangers associated with the lax interpretation of genomic data. On the positive side, we establish guidelines for the identification of this key secretory gene in other species of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, including species of medical and applied interest.

Plasma membrane transporters play pivotal roles in the import of nutrients, including sugars, amino acids, nucleobases, carboxylic acids, and metal ions, that surround fungal cells. The selective removal of these transporters by endocytosis is one of the most important regulatory mechanisms that ensures a rapid adaptation of cells to the changing environment (e.g., nutrient fluctuations or different stresses). At the heart of this mechanism lies a network of proteins that includes the arrestin-related trafficking adaptors (ARTs) which link the ubiquitin ligase Rsp5 to nutrient transporters and endocytic factors. Transporter conformational changes, as well as dynamic interactions between its cytosolic termini/loops and with lipids of the plasma membrane, are also critical during the endocytic process. Here, we review the current knowledge and recent findings on the molecular mechanisms involved in nutrient transporter endocytosis, both in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in some species of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus. We elaborate on the physiological importance of tightly regulated endocytosis for cellular fitness under dynamic conditions found in nature and highlight how further understanding and engineering of this process is essential to maximize titer, rate and yield (TRY)-values of engineered cell factories in industrial biotechnological processes.

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Mycotoxin-producing Aspergilli (Circumdati, Flavi, and Nigri), usually associated with contaminated food, may also cause respiratory disorders and are insufficiently studied in water-damaged indoor environments. Airborne (N = 71) and dust borne (N = 76) Aspergilli collected at post-flood and control locations in Croatia resulted in eleven different species based on their calmodulin marker: A. ochraceus, A. ostianus, A. pallidofulvus, A. sclerotiorum, and A. westerdijkiae (Circumdati); A. flavus (Flavi); and A. tubingensis, A. welwitschiae, A. niger, A. piperis, and A. uvarum (Nigri). Most of the airborne (73%) and dust borne (54%) isolates were found at post-flood locations, and the highest concentrations measured in indoor air (5720 colony-forming units (CFU)/m3) and dust (2.5 × 105 CFU/g) were up to twenty times higher than in the control locations. A. flavus dominated among airborne isolates (25%) at the unrepaired locations, while 56% of the dust borne Aspergilli were identified as A. tubingensis and A. welwitschiae. The ability of identified isolates to produce mycotoxins aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2), and ochratoxin A were assessed by LC-MS analysis. All ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing Circumdati belonged to A. westerdijkiae (13.7 ± 15.81 µg/mL); in the section, FlaviA. flavus produced AFB1 (2.51 ± 5.31 µg/mL), while A. welwitschiae and A. niger (section Nigri) produced FB2 (6.76 ± 13.51 µg/mL and 11.24 ± 18.30 µg/mL, respectively). Water damage dominantly supported the occurrence of aflatoxigenic A. flavus in indoor environments. Yet unresolved, the causal relationship of exposure to indoor Aspergilli and adverse health effects may support the significance of this research.