Lysurus mokusin (L.f.) Fr., initially described and named ‘mo-ku-sin’ after pronunciation of Chinese ‘蘑菰蕈’ by the French missionary Cibot in 1774, is the first scientifically described fungus from China. To facilitate the correct application of its name, its typification and taxonomic study according to the current nomenclature code were carried out. The lectotype and epitype were designated, and mitochondrial genome and nuclear genome of the epitype specimen were assembled. The circulated mitochondria of L. mokusin totaled 101.1 kb, containing 26 tRNA and 16 protein-coding genes. Each nuclear haplotype contains 11 chromosomes with a total length of 33 Mb and 8/11 fragment contigs of 1.4 Mb. The BUSCO analysis suggested that the genome is 88.5% completed. This is the first genome reported for Lysurus. A high proportion of repeat sequences (ca. 16%) was detected and, after masking, 8 637 and 8 572 protein-coding genes were predicted for two haplotypes, respectively. The gene distribution shows a typical pattern of a “two-speed genome”. In addition, 27 non-redundant biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) were predicted, mainly distributed in Chr01, Chr04 and Chr06. Two BGCs are 100% homologous to known insecticidal and antimicrobial BGCs producing xenotetrapeptide and rhizomide. Our study provides a model for the typification of numerous early-described species lacking types in China.

A Coprinellus saccharinus strain was isolated from mycelia on deciduous leaf humus in Nanshan Park (Qinglong County, Hebei, China). Four factors of biological characteristics were investigated. Fruiting bodies of this species were successfully cultivated. The scavenging capacities of both mycelium and fruiting body ethanol extracts against ABTS⁺·and·OH were also evaluated. The results indicated that the optimum carbon source for C. saccharinus strain were sucrose and soluble starch; the optimum nitrogen source was KNO₃; the suitable pH range was 7-9, and the highest mycelial growth rate was observed at 25 ℃. Domestication experiment showed that bottleful mycelial colonization time required 20-25 d at (20±1) ℃; primordium differentiation demanded temperature difference of 2-4 ℃, relative air humidity at 70%-80%, photoperoid of 12 h/d 800-1000 lx under scattered light, and a duration of 10-15 d. Mature fruiting bodies can be harvested after continued cultivation for 2-3 d. The antioxidant activities of C. saccharinus ethanol extracts from mycelia and cultivated fruiting bodies increased gradually as additive amount raising. Scavenging rates against both ABTS⁺· and ·OH peaked at an additive volume of 200 μL. Scavenging rates of ethanol extract of cultivated fruiting bodies reached 97.93% and 67.22%, respectively, significantly higher than those of mycelia (64.73% and 24.74%). Both mycelium and cultivated fruiting body ethanol extracts exhibited stronger scavenging capacity against ABTS⁺· than ·OH. Scavenging rate differentials were 39.99% and 30.71%, respectively. These findings provided a practical basis for further investigations into cultivation techniques, physiological activities, pharmacological effects, and other utilizations of C. saccharinus.

Cup-fungi refer to a group of non-lichenized fungi whose basidiomata appear disc-shaped. This group has a wide range of habitats, diverse species, in addition to various ecological types. The Chongzuo region is a typical representative area of the southwest Karst in Guangxi and rich in biodiversity resources. However, there is a lack of research on the cup-fungal resources and their diversity status in this region. In this study White-headed Langur Nature Reserve, Nonggang Nature Reserve, and Qinglongshan Nature Reserve in the southwest Karst region of Guangxi (hereinafter simplified as “the areas”) were selected as the research areas to investigate the diversity of cup-fungi. In total, 523 specimens of cup-fungi were collected, and 34 species belonging to 8 families and 15 genera were identified using morphological and molecular biology methods. The Shannon diversity index and Simpson diversity index of cup-fungi in the areas both trended towards Nonggang>White-headed Langur Reserve>Qinglongshan, while the evenness index was highest in the White-headed Langur Reserve. The Margalef richness index ranked as Nonggang>Qinglongshan>White-headed Langur Reserve. The plate confrontation culture and fermentation broth crude extract method were used to screen the strains with biocontrol potential. As a result, three antagonistic strains were screened from the anamorphic strains. Among them, Bloxamia discedens S0161 exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect against Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, with an inhibition rate of 88.8%. Additionally, two strains of Mollisia peruni, QLD011 and QLD012, had significant inhibitory effects on Cladobotryum protrusum. The antifungal properties of the ethyl acetate extract of the fermentation broth revealed that S0161 had a significant inhibitory effect, QLD012 took second place, whereas QLD011 revealed no significant inhibitory effect. The results will be based for development and utilization of cup-fungi and the screening of antagonistic fungi for biocontrol purpose.

The species and ecological diversity of macrofungi in the Jingdong area of Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve were investigated. Systematic field surveys and specimen collection in the area were conducted during August 2022 and July 2024. Utilizing morphological and molecular biological methods, comprehensive identifications of the collected specimens together with accumulative specimens in the past two decades were performed. In-depth statistical analyses focusing on species composition, floristic geographical components, resource evaluation, and newly recorded species were complemented. In total, 312 fungal species were documented in the region, encompassing 2 phyla, 7 classes, 22 orders, 66 families, and 131 genera. Among these, 27 species are edible, 13 medicinal, 5 both culinary and medicinal, and 23 poisonous. The dominant families include Russulaceae, Boletaceae, Omphalotaceae, Cortinariaceae, Amanitaceae, Hygrophoraceae, Entolomataceae, Mycenaceae, and Polyporaceae. The dominant genera cover Russula, Cortinarius, Amanita, Lactarius, Mycena, Gymnopus, Entoloma, Helvella, Hygrocybe, Collybiopsis, Xerocomus, and Laccaria. The cosmopolitan (57.25% of the total species), north temperate (29.77%), pantropic (9.92%), and East Asian fungi (3.05%) are predominant. Three species previously unrecorded in China are documented and one new species is decribed. Fungal communities within this ecological niche is in need of further research.

The population genetic structure and genetic diversity of Phlebopus portentosus germplasm resources of 53 samples from 9 regions in southern China were identified by using rDNA ITS and SSR molecular markers. The results showed that all 53 samples were Phlebopus portentosus, and the similarity of their ITS sequences was 92.09%. In total, 252 polymorphic loci were successfully amplified by 28 pairs of SSR primers, with each pair exhibiting 48-53 amplification sites and the polymorphism rate exceeding 90%. The Nei’s genetic diversity index and Shannon’s diversity index were determined to be 0.371 6-0.605 1 and 0.327 3-0.584 5, respectively. At the population level, Nei’s genetic diversity index and Shannon’s diversity index were 0.097 3-0.237 0 and 0.142 0-0.358 6, respectively, and the polymorphism rate was 23.48%-74.09%, indicating abundant genotypes within populations. The average genetic differentiation coefficient and gene flow between populations were 0.282 0 and 1.273 2 respectively, indicating a low degree of genetic differentiation and gene exchange. The genetic similarity coefficient of the UPGMA cluster ranged from 0.67 to 0.89, and the 53 samples could be divided into 3 groups at the level of 0.72, showing basically consistent with the results of the PCoA principal component analysis, the Mantel test and the STRUCTURE clustering. The application of population structure analysis enabled the division of samples into 8 genetic components, with subgroup 2 being identified as the most abundant in terms of genotypes. AMOVA analysis revealed that 90% of the observed genetic variation could be ascribed to within-population genetic factors. The tested population of Phlebopus portentosus exhibited a substantial number of genotypes, a moderate degree of genetic differentiation, and impeded gene exchange.

The checklist of edible and medicinal fungi from National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest was compiled based on systematic investigation, species identification, and review of literature and databases. The scientific name and Chinese name of all hitherto known species were provided. A total of 529 species has been found in National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest, of which 366 species are edible, and 316 medicinal. The 366 edible species refer to 122 genera and 53 families, of which 7 species belong to ascomycetes and 359 basidiomycetes. The highest species richness was found in Russulaceae (62 species) and Boletaceae (55 species), accounting for about 16.94% and 15.03% of the total species, respectively. The genera with more than 10 species include Russula, Agaricus, Lactarius, Phylloporus, Amanita, Pleurotus, Suillus, and Auricularia. The 316 medicinal species refer to 146 genera and 69 families, of which 20 species belong to ascomycetes and 296 basidiomycetes. The highest species richness was found in Russulaceae (33 species) and Polyporaceae (26 species), accounting for about 10.44% and 8.23% of the total species, respectively. The genera with more than 8 species include Russula, Ganoderma, Agaricus, Pleurotus, Lactarius, and Scleroderma. The present study provides scientific basis for the protection, development and utilization of edible and medicinal macrofungal resources in this tropical area.

Wolfiporia hoelen is a traditional medicinal and edible fungus in China, with significant medicinal and economic values. Although large-scale cultivation of W. hoelen has been achieved domestically, some problems have to be settled urgently, including varietal admixture, unclear genetic backgrounds, and shortage of elite strains. Therefore, investigating the genetic diversity and establishing an efficient and accurate method for variety identification are of great importance. In this study, representative cultivated and wild strains of W. hoelen from China, as well as strains from Japan, were selected for genetic diversity analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a multi-nucleotide polymorphism (MNP) marker library was constructed. Population genetic structure analysis revealed that the tested strains could be divided into two major genetic groups, of which group A exhibited typical clonal genetic characteristics. The MNP marker library comprises 654 highly specific MNP markers, with genetic similarity (GS) among W. hoelen strains ranging from 9.6% to 100%, and the GS among strains within group A reach 99.8% to 100%. Genome resequencing of subcultured and protoplast-regenerated strains confirmed that the stability of MNP markers was not affected by short-term asexual reproduction. This study provides a reliable method for strain identification and offers support for parental selection in W. hoelen hybrid breeding.

Dentiscutata hongfenghuana, a new species of Dentiscutata (Gigasporaceae, Diversisporales, Glomeromycotina), was discovered from rhizosphere soil of Capsicum annuum surrounding Hongfeng Lake in Qingzhen City, Guizhou Province. The species has colorless and transparent spores that are white to light greenish-yellow, with dimensions of 185-191 × 298-460 μm. The sporogenous cells are brownish-yellow, nearly spherical to flask-shaped, with a pale yellow to brownish-yellow germination shield 3-8-lobed. The spore wall consists of three layers: outer wall layers (OWL1-3), middle wall layers (MWL1-2), and inner wall layers (IWL1-3). The OW turns rust-colored to reddish-black in Melzer’s reagent, the MW shows no reaction, and the IW is stained light pink to deep purplish-red. The nuclear rDNA sequence [covering part of the small subunit (SSU), the entire internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and part of the large subunit (LSU)] supports its placement as a unique evolutionary branch within the genus Dentiscutata. Detailed morphological description, characteristic illustrations, and information of the type specimen are provided, and the distinguishing features of closely related species are discussed.

Armillaria is a worldwide fungal group known for its large size and extremely long life cycle. The mating system of this genus is polytypic, with a variety of trophic patterns such as saprophytic, parasitic and symbiotic. The morphological characteristics are highly similar but the genetic heterogeneity is significant among the species, leading to the coexistence of multiple taxonomic systems for a long time. These unique biological characteristics not only endow it with complex niche adaptability, but also make it a focus group of fungi with both functional value and research challenges. Its outstanding food and medicinal value and key role in forest ecosystems stimulate the urgent need for basic theoretical and applied research. In this review, the latest research progress of Armillaria in the mating system, classification system, and ecological function was summarized to provide theoretical basis for understanding the formation mechanism of species diversity and the ecological adaptation strategy of this genus. At the same time, the application perspective and prospect of Armillaria are also put forward.

The in vitro antioxidant effects and mechanisms in protecting human skin fibroblasts (HSF) from oxidative stress damage of the ethyl acetate extract of Inonotus hispidus (EAE) and its main components (fractions Fr1-Fr5 and hispidin) are investigated. Through UPLC-MS detection, in vitro antioxidant experiments, network pharmacology, and other experimental methods, the composition of polyphenolic compounds in EAE, the reducing ability and free radical scavenging ability of EAE, Fr1-Fr5, and hispidin, as well as the potential targets and pathways of hispidin in treating oxidative stress diseases were investigated. Result indicates that EAE contains various polyphenolic compounds, with hispidin being the primary one. EAE, Fr1-Fr5, and hispidin all exhibit certain reducing and free radical scavenging abilities, with antioxidant capacity ranking as EAE>Fr1-Fr5>hispidin. Network pharmacology analysis speculated that hispidin had nine core targets for treating oxidative stress diseases and they were mainly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway and several other signaling pathways. An oxidative stress injury model for HSF cells was established. By using various methods, cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, collagen levels, and the expression of related proteins and relative messenger RNA (mRNA) were detected. The results indicate that 200 μg/mL of EAE, Fr4, and hispidin can enhance the survival rate and antioxidant capacity of HSF under oxidative stress, reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) content and ROS levels, promote the synthesis of typeⅠcollagen (COLI), and possibly inhibit its degradation by regulating the MMPs/TIMPs system in the MAPK pathway. EAE has a significant protective effect on HSF under oxidative damage. In summary, this study verified that the ethyl acetate extract of I. hispidus and its active components possess strong antioxidant capabilities and can improve damage caused by oxidative stress by acting on multiple targets through the MAPK signaling pathway.

Hainan Province is situated at the northern edge of the Asian tropics, serving as China’s only tropical province. The province harbors exceptional biodiversity due to its unique geography and climate, particularly in fungal diversity. However, previous mycological surveys in Hainan are predominantly focused on central forested regions, while coastal ecosystems are largely overlooked. This study reports the first discovery of the genus Calocybella in China, with one new species and one new record for China collected from coastal Casuarina forests. Calocybella hainanensis sp. nov. is characterized by its ginger-yellow to yellowish-brown pileus, pale yellow lamellae, and small, oblong-ellipsoid basidiospores (4.9-5.5 × 2.3-3.1 µm) with faint ornamentation and inamyloid reaction. The newly recorded species, Calocybella sribuabanensis, exhibits gregarious growth, yellowish-brown pileus, densely arranged lamellae, and ellipsoid, faintly ornamented, inamyloid basidiospores. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequences reveal that C. hainanensis forms a unique evolutionary lineage within Calocybella, but it shows unresolved affinities to other taxa. C. sribuabanensis forms a sister lineage with the Indian species Calocybella dicholamellata.

Species of Morchella possess high nutritional and medicinal value. Adversity stress is an important factor affecting the growth, yield and quality of Morchella during cultivation. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms of Morchella responding to stress has received more and more attention. Omics technology based on transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics has been widely used in Morchella studies and has made it possible to clarify the molecular response mechanisms under stress. In this article, progress in the application of omics technology to study the response of Morchella to abiotic (temperature, drought, mineral elements, light etc.) and biological stresses in recent years is reviewed, and the future prospects for the development and application of omics technology are discussed, in order to provide reference for research on the mechanisms of Morchella in response to adversity stress.

Three new wood-rotting fungi Peniophorella growing on Pinus yunnanensis in southwestern China, Peniophorella euryhypha, Peniophorella pinicola and Peniophorella stellata, are described based on morphology and phylogeny. They all have annual resupinate basidiomata with smooth, white to cream hymenophore and clavate to cylindrical leptocystidia without resinous matter. P. euryhypha is characterized by simple septate subicular hyphae 7.5-9.5 μm wide and broadly clavate to sphaeropedunculate cystidia, narrowly ellipsoid basidiospores 9.3-11 × 3-4.3 μm. P. pinicola is characterized by encrusted hyphae and bowl-shaped stephanocysts and thick-walled cystidia, oblong-ellipsoid basidiospores 5.5-8 × 3.2-5 µm. P. stellata is characterized by leptocystidia and sometimes hyphidia encrusted with rosette-like crystals in subhymenium and hymenium, and oblong-ellipsoid basidiospores 8-10 × 3.5-5 µm. In addition, Peniophorella cremea is considered as a synonym of Hyphoderma transiens. A key to Chinese species of Peniophorella is provided.

Cordyceps javanica is an entomopathogenic fungus with biocontrol potential in control of many important pests belonging to Homoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Thysanoptera and Coleoptera. Submerged conidia and blastospores can be obtained by liquid fermentation of C. javanica, and aerial conidia can be obtained by solid culture. The differences in morphology, size and surface ultrastructure of the three kinds of spores of C. javanica IF-1106 were compared. It is clear that aerial conidia, submerged conidia and blastospores have different morphology, and the average sizes are 4.45, 4.17 and 7.67 μm, respectively. A similar structure, the scar at one end of three kinds of spores, was observed by scanning electron microscope. The surface of the aerial conidia was rough and appeared to be covered with a layer of small rods. The surface of blastospores is smooth with obvious cracks, and sometimes segmented. The surface of the submerged conidia is smooth with a few thin cracks, and some of them have structures like bud scars. Image of transmission electron microscopy showed that the cell wall thickness and outer layer structure of the three kinds of spores were significantly different. The hydrophobicity of three kinds of spores of C. javanica IF-1106 was determined by the test of microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons (MATH) and the results showed the hydrophobicity ranked as aerial conidia > blastospore > submerged conidia. When pH ranging from 3.0 to 9.0, the Zeta potential of aerial conidia varied from +2.68 mV to -18.44 mV, that of blastospores ranged from +5.16 mV to -5.51 mV, and that of submerged conidia changed from +0.39 mV to -18.09 mV. The isoelectric points of the three kinds of spores were in acidic range and all spores were negatively charged in neutral condition. The germination rate and stress tolerance of the three kinds of spores were compared. It was found that blastospores germinated fastest but were least stress-tolerant; the aerial conidia were more stress-tolerant but slowest germinated, while germination rate of submerged conidia was close to that of blastospores and the stress-tolerance was the best, showing good potential for utilization and development. These results provide a theoretical basis for the application of C. javanica IF-1106 in production.

Aspergillus cristatus is the dominant fungus in the fermentation process of Fuzhuan brick tea. Osmotic pressure can regulate the pure sexual and asexual reproduction of this fungus. MpdA plays a crucial regulatory role in spore formation and mannitol biosynthesis of fungi, which is also related to the response to osmotic pressure. To elucidate the role of the AcMpdA gene in the development and stress response of A. cristatus, and to investigate the connection between development and metabolites, the AcMpdA-deficient strain (∆AcMpdA) was constructed. By comparing the morphological differences and metabolite changes between the mutant and the wild-type strain, the following results were obtained. The mycelial branches of the mutant increased, ascospores were underdeveloped, and the number of conidia decreased. The mutant is more sensitive to congo red, osmotic stress, and heat stress. The mannitol test results showed that the mannitol content of the mutant strain was 61% less than that of the wild-type strain. Metabolomic result analysis revealed significant differences in 1 555 metabolites between the mutant and the wild-type strain. The differential metabolites included lipid and lipoid molecules, organic heterocyclic compounds, organic acids and their derivatives, among which lipid and lipoid substances accounted for a relatively high proportion. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in metabolism, genetic information processing, environmental information processing, and cellular process pathways. The deletion of AcMpdA significantly affected the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and arachidonic acid metabolism. In conclusion, the AcMpdA gene of A. cristatus influences mycelial branching, ascospore and conidium formation, diminishes the ability to withstand environmental stress, and modulates the metabolic processes of lipids and lipoid molecules. The regulatory impact of this gene on lipid substances and their pathways has not been documented in the Aspergillus.

Macrofungal germplasm resources are an important part of the construction of national germplasm banks. A wild fungal strain collected from Baishanzu National Nature Reserve was isolated and purified, and it was identified as Bondarzewia dickinsii by morphology and ITS sequence analysis. The effects of different carbon sources, nitrogen sources, pH, temperature and illumination on the mycelium growth under solid culture conditions were studied by cross streaking method. Three optimal levels were selected from the above four single factor experiments for orthogonal test. The results showed that the optimal carbon source was starch; the optimal nitrogen source was yeast extract; the optimal pH was 7.0, and the optimal temperature was 25 °C. The fruiting bodies of Bondarzewia dickinsii were obtained by domestication and cultivation, and the content of crude polysaccharide, crude protein, and 16 amino acids in the fruiting bodies were determined. The total polysaccharide content is as high as 37.29 g/100 g, and the crude protein content 24.9 g/100 g. This study provides a reference for the further research and development of this fungus.

Growth conditions of Fomitiporia rhamnoidis are optimized, and bag-culture substrate for inducing and promoting the formation of fruiting bodies is further explored. The effects of carbon source, nitrogen source, temperature, pH and growth factors on the growth of F. rhamnoidis were studied by single factor test and orthogonal test. The results of single factor experiment showed that the optimum carbon source was soluble starch; the optimum nitrogen source was soybean powder, and the optimum growth factor was VB₁. The fungus mycelia grew well at the optimum temperature of 28 °C and the optimum pH of 6.5. The results of orthogonal test showed that the mycelium growth rate was the fastest and the growth condition was the best when soluble starch was used as carbon source, wheat bran as nitrogen source, and VB₇ as growth factor, and adjusting the pH to 6.0. Under the above optimal conditions, the mycelium bagfully colonized and yellowed, but the fruiting bodies were not successfully induced by using five different bag cultivation substrates. Domestication and cultivation of F. rhamnoidis need further study.

Using the genome of Naematelia sinensis monospore strain NX-20 as the reference, resequencing data from four monospore strains (D13, D25, D40, and D47) with different mating types was analyzed by using bioinformatics software to identify SNP and InDel positions. Primer5.0 software was used to design SNP/InDel marker primers, resulting in 8 pairs of SNP and 6 pairs of InDel markers with polymorphic differences for genetic diversity analysis of 14 widely used N. sinensis strains in the cultivation industry. Results of SNP marker analysis revealed that the J2F1 strain exhibited two genotypes in eight pairs of SNP primers, while other strains showed only one genotype. The analysis results of 6 pair InDel markers showed that the J2F1 strain displayed unique band patterns in the 1st, 2nd, and 5th pairs of primers compared to other strains, while most strains (such as YL, YR, JB, LL, and SC) exhibited consistent band patterns, indicating the phenomenon of synonyms. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic diversity of N. sinensis cultivated germplasm resources, and the identified SNP and InDel molecular markers can serve as valuable tools for genetic analysis, germplasm resource identification, protection and molecular-assisted breeding in N. sinensis research.

Cortinarius is the largest genus of Agaricales, exhibiting symbiotic relationships with various plants and playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Telamonia is the subgenus with the most species in Cortinarius, and the fungi in this subgenus lack adhesive properties on their cap surfaces under moist conditions. A taxonomic study was carried out on the Telamonia specimens collected from China using the methods of morphological observation combined with phylogenetic analyses. The result shows that 106 species were found from the examined specimens, including 11 newly recorded species to China. The relevant information of each species was collated and the newly recorded species in China were described in detail.

Based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses, a new species, Efibula candidissima, is described from Bawangling, National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest. The basidiomata are resupinate, waxy, snow white when fresh, white to cream and soft corky to fragile when dry, with distinct snow white rhizomorph at margin. Hymenophore surface are smooth, and the clamp connections are absent. Ellipsoid to oblong-ellipsoid basidiospores measure 4.8-5.8 × 3.3-4 μm. This species is distributed in tropical forest in southern China.

This study aims at investigating whether Trichophyton mentagrophytes enhances its host adaptability through homothallic sexual reproduction. The clinical isolate JYP23487, obtained from the hair of a 3-year-old boy suffered from kerion lesion, was identified as T. mentagrophytes via ITS sequencing following purification. Morphological analysis revealed two distinct phenotypes, velvety type and granular type, with evidence of self-fertilization. After isolating these phenotypes individually, the MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 gene fragments were amplified for further analysis. Sequence chromatograms were compared, and a haplotype network diagram was constructed by referencing available data on T. mentagrophytes and related species harboring the MAT1-1-1 gene locus. Sequence comparison revealed that the granular type strain exhibited base doublets at common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites within the T. mentagrophytes complex population, indicating that this strain was heterozygous. Haplotype analysis of the MAT1-1-1 gene demonstrated that 30 strains of T. mentagrophytes and related species could be classified into four haplotypes. The heterozygous strain JYP23487k corresponded to the hypothetical intersection point between Hap 1 and Hap 2 in the haplotype networks. This finding fills a critical gap in the evolutionary continuum of the population and supports the genetic continuity inferred from haplotype analysis. The identification of this heterozygous strain provides evidence that besides colonizing and infecting humans through asexual reproduction, T. mentagrophytes also employs homothallic sexual reproduction as an adaptive strategy to explore potential host transfer and survive in diverse ecological niches.

Cryptococcal infection often leads to fatal cryptococcal meningitis, with the primary pathogens being the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex (CNSC) and the Cryptococcus gattii species complex (CGSC). To date, at least eight cryptococcal lineages have been identified, which exhibit significant differences in geographic distribution and virulence characteristics. This review provides a detailed analysis of various molecular typing methods used in cryptococcal research, including serotyping, multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), PCR fingerprinting, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), mass spectrometry identification (MALDI-TOF MS), and whole genome sequencing (WGS) techniques. In the future, combined application of MALDI-TOF MS, WGS and AI machine learning would improve our understandings of the epidemiological characteristics and evolutionary history of Cryptococcus, and reveal the phylogenetic patterns, origin location and transmission patterns of cryptococcal pathogens, as well as the micro-evolutionary mutations occurring within host niches, which are of great significance to clinical decisions on diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis.

The chemical constituents of Ganoderma subangustisporum and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were investigated. Two cadinane-type sesquiterpenes, 17-hydroxy-12-ethoxycarbonyl-α-cadinol (1) and 12-hydroxy-α-cadinol (2), were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of G. angustisporum mycelial cultures. Their structures were elucidated through high-resolution mass spectrometry, comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis and quantum chemical calculations. Compound 1 is novel due to the acetylation of its 12-hydroxy group, while compound 2 is reported for the first time from the genus Ganoderma. Both compounds 1 and 2 exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values of (96.72±3.87) μmol/L and (56.82±4.70) μmol/L, respectively. Molecular docking results indicate that compounds 1 and 2 primarily interact with key amino acid residues in the active site of α-glucosidase through hydrogen bonds.

The potential of cordycepin in alleviating glucose metabolism disorders and renal damage induced by prolonged tacrolimus administration was investigated. A total of 32 mice was randomly assigned into four groups: control group (CON), tacrolimus model group (TAC), cordycepin low-dose treatment group (TAC_CORL), and cordycepin high-dose treatment group (TAC_CORH), with eight mice in each group. The treatments were administered continuously for a duration of eight weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), area under the glucose tolerance curve (AUC), serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured. Histopathological examination of the pancreas and kidneys was performed by using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The gut microbiota of the mice was analyzed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Compared to the TAC group, cordycepin administration significantly reduced FBG, AUC, Scr and BUN. The HE staining results demonstrated that cordycepin effectively improved the expansion and vacuolation of pancreatic islet beta cells, as well as the vacuolation, swelling, and desquamation of renal glomeruli and tubular epithelial cells. Furthermore, cordycepin influenced changes in gut microbiota at the phylum and genus levels. Certain environmental factors such as FBG, AUC, Scr, and BUN showed significant positive or negative correlations with specific gut microbiota. The findings suggest that cordycepin administration mayameliorate glucose metabolism disorders and renal injury in mice treated with long-term administration of tacrolimus by modulating intestinal microbiota.

Cultivation of the wild Inocutis levis isolated from Populus euphratica in Xiaoguai Town in Karamay of Xinjiang was carried out. It was found that using starch and yeast extract as carbon and nitrogen sources, with the addition of KH₂PO₄ as inorganic salt, the fungus grew well under pH 9 and 35 ℃ conditions. During liquid cultivation, polysaccharide, polyphenol, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase, scavenging abilities for free radicals, and ferric reducing antioxidant power of the fungus were determined. The results provide basic data for the protection, evaluation, development, and utilization of this wild medicinal fungus resources in the future.

Coniophora is a widely distributed genus that includes species with resupinate basidiomata causing brown rot on fallen trees. In this study, two new species, Coniophora granulosa and Coniophora hainanensis, are described from Hainan Province based on molecular and morphological evidence. C. granulosa is characterized by having coriaceous basidiomata with granulose and light orange to grayish-orange hymenophore, relatively large and ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 12.5-14.2 × 8.2-9.5 μm. C. hainanensis is characterized by having membranaceous basidiomata with smooth and grayish-orange to brownish orange hymenophore and fimbriate margin, and oblong-ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 9.8-12.2 × 5.2-6.5 μm. Descriptions and illustrations are provided for the two new species.

The ancient camphor forest in Niutian Town, Le’an County, Jiangxi Province, is well known as ‘the first ancient camphor forest in China’, having more than 3 000 ancient camphor trees dating from 100 to 1 200 years, and it is listed as a national ecological public welfare forest for protection. To explore the mycorrhizal types and the species diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in the ancient camphor trees with different tree ages, root tissue staining, AM fungal spore separation, and microscopic morphological observation were carried out. The results show that the main type of camphor tree mycorrhiza was AM with characteristic arbuscular and vesicle structures, intermixed with a small amount of DSE (dark septate endophytic) symbiotic fungi with dark septate mycelia and microsclerotia in root cells. Totally 15 species belonging to 8 genera of 5 families of AM fungi were identified from the rhizosphere soil samples of ancient camphor trees covering 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1 200 years. Among them, Glomus flavisporum and G. melanosporum were the most widely distributed species. The colonizing rate of AM fungi in roots and the amount of AM fungal spores in the rhizosphere soil showed a decreasing trend with the increase of tree age. The probability is that these AM fungi have long been symbiotically associated with the 1 000-year-old camphor trees, and they play an important ecological function in maintaining the healthy growth of the ancient camphor forest.

Ancient Platycladus orientalis holds significantly historical, cultural, and landscape ecological value. The species of the genus Alternaria are diverse and widely distributed in the world, and they are important pathogens causing leaf blight of P. orientalis. In this study, a large number of Alternaria isolates were collected from blighted leaf specimens of ancient P. orientalis in Beijing. Based on the morphological characteristics of conidia, conidiophores, and conidiogenous cells on PCA medium, in combination with phylogenetic analyses of the ITS, GAPDH, TEF1, RPB2, and ALT gene loci, these isolates were identified as Alternaria alternata, A. subcucurbitae, A. cantlous and a novel species, Alternaria platycladi. A. subcucurbitae and A. cantlous are reported on P. orientalis for the first time. Koch’s postulates confirmed that all four Alternaria species could cause leaf blight of P. orientalis.

Twenty-four newly isolated strains of white-rot fungi were cultured on guaiacol- supplemented medium for screening laccase-producible strains, the capacity of laccase production of the 12 strains obtained was analysed in submerged fermentation and solid-state fermentation on different lignocellulosic substrates. The results indicated that there was no significant correlation between the laccase activity detected under submerged fermentation conditions and the ratio of colony diameters to photochromic laps among the 12 test strains (P>0.05). Similarly, no significant association was observed between the laccase activity detected during solid-state fermentation on different lignocellulosic substrates and the ratio of colony diameters to photochromic laps for the various test strains (P>0.05). In submerged fermentation, Cerrena unicolor LKY 798, Trametes hirsuta LKY 831, Funalia trogii LKY 846, and Neofavolus alveolaris LKY 850 exhibited comparatively high laccase activities keeping for a fairly long duration. N. alveolaris LKY 850 and Trametes sp. LKY 797 demonstrated the strongest laccase production capacities under solid-state fermentation condition using leaves of Quercus variabilis, Populus beijingensis, and needles of Pinus tabuliformis as substrates. It seems that leaves of Quercus variabilis and Populus beijingensis are more suitable than needles of Pinus tabuliformis for laccase production under solid-state fermentation condition. Additionally, Trametes sp. LKY 797, F. trogii LKY 846, and N. alveolaris LKY 850 showed relatively good laccase activities in fermentation using needles of Pinus tabuliformis as the substrate, with maximum laccase activities exceeding 3 700 U/mL.

Two crustose lichen species of Acarospora are reported as new to science based on the comprehensive data of morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics, combined with the phylogenetic analyses inferred from tri-locus sequences of the nuclear ribosome internal transcriptional spacer (ITS), the mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU), and the nuclear ribosome large subunit (nrLSU). Acarospora aenea is mainly characterized by rust-colored upper surface, immersed apothecia, black and epruinose disc, thick upper cortex, and large ascospores (4-6.5 × 2.5-3.5 µm); whereas Acarospora turpanensis is characterized by its reddish brown to whitish brown upper surface with pruina, uneven algal layer, and its narrowly ellipsoid ascospores with perispore. The assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP) analysis of ITS sequence alignment data also supports the recognition of the new species.

A strain of Irpex was isolated from Auricularia cornea-cultivated substrate using banboo shavings. Through morphological observation and ITS sequencing analysis, the strain was identified as Irpex laceratus. The orthogonal experiment results indicated that the main factor affecting the mycelial growth of I. laceratus was the nitrogen source, followed by the carbon source, pH and temperature. The optimal carbon to nitrogen ratio is 50:1-52:1. Addition of 14.5%-43.5% bamboo shavings significantly accelerated mycelial growth. The content of active substances varied with different formulations of cultivated substrates. Formula B (wood shavings 29%, bamboo shavings 29%, wheat bran 20%, cottonseed hulls 20%, lime 1%, gypsum 1%) exhibited the highest total triterpene content (66.10 mg/g); formula I (bamboo shavings 78%, wheat bran 20%, lime 1%, gypsum 1%) showed the highest total protein content (21.83%); formula CK (wood chips 58%, wheat bran 20%, cottonseed husks 20%, lime 1%, gypsum 1%) exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (0.99 mg/g); formula C (wood chips 14.5%, bamboo chips 43.5%, wheat bran 20%, cottonseed husks 20%, lime 1%, gypsum 1%) had the highest polysaccharide content of 2.80 g/100 g; formula F (bamboo chips 68%, wheat bran 20%, cottonseed husks 10%, lime 1%, gypsum 1%) demonstrated the highest total phenol content of 19.02 mg/g. The results provide valuable reference data for the cultivation and medicinal development of I. laceratus.

Elaeocarpus decipiens is an important economic and medicinal tree species in southern China. Species of Diaporthales often exist as phytopathogens or endophytes, however, the fungal diversity associated with Elaeocarpus decipiens is not comprehensively known. Four representative strains of Diaporthales were isolated from E. decipiens leaves in Qiongzhou, Hainan. Morphological and multi-locus (ITS, LSU, TEF1-α, TUB, RPB2) molecular analyses were used to identify these isolates. As a result, two new species, Melanconiella qiongzhouensis and Lasmenia hainanensis, were discovered. It is the first report on species of Diaporthales on E. decipiens.

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) plays crucial roles in terrestrial ecosystems. This study employed high-throughput sequencing to analyze the structure and diversity, ecological distribution patterns, and relationships with soil factors of AM fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil and roots of Allium ramosum at different elevations on Chunkun Mountain in North China. In total, 1 431 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to 95 AM fungal virtual taxa (VTs) encompassing 7 families and 8 genera were obtained from rhizosphere soil and root samples. Among these, the genus Ambispora was exclusively detected in the rhizosphere soil. The genus with the highest relative abundance was Glomus, and Claroideoglomus was the next. Altitude significantly influenced the diversity of AM fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil and roots of A. ramosum. The Chao1 indices for both roots and rhizosphere soil, together with the root Shannon index, peaked in the middle altitude range, whereas the Shannon index of rhizosphere soil reached its highest value in the high-altitude range. The AM fungal alpha diversity index in the rhizosphere soil was significantly higher than that in the roots (P<0.05), suggesting that roots exhibit selectivity towards symbiotic AM fungi. The results of the redundancy analysis (RDA) and the Monte Carlo permutation test indicated that soil organic carbon is a key driving factor for the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil and roots of A. ramosum (P<0.001). Total phosphorus also had highly significant influence on the AM fungal community in rhizosphere soil (P<0.001). This study provides reference for the further development and utilization of A. ramosum.

Inonotus obliquus is a medicinal and edible fungus traditionally used for treating diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hepatitis, and related disorders. In this study, by use of solvent extraction and chromatographic techniques (reversed-phase silica gel, normal-phase silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20), eight compounds were isolated from I. obliquus. Based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data, these compounds were identified as gallic acid (1), syringic acid (2), caffeic acid (3), 4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-buten-2-one (4), inotodiol (5), cortinellin (6), lanosterol (7), and peroxide ergosterol (8). Anti-allergic activity assays demonstrated that inotodiol (5) significantly inhibited mast cell degranulation at concentrations of 4.96, 9.92, and 15.50 μmol/L, with inhibition rates of 51.03%, 30.53%, and 23.07%, respectively, indicating potent anti-allergic efficacy. Notably, inotodiol (5) exhibited unobserved cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 15.50 μmol/L, highlighting its potential as a candidate for novel anti-allergic drug development.

Ganoderma lingzhi is a traditional Chinese medicine and has been artificially cultivated on a large scale. Triterpene and polysaccharides are the main bioactive compounds in G. lingzhi. Most present studies focused on the medicinal functions of these bioactive substances. However, the effects of cultivation conditions, such as type of substrate or growth stages, on the accumulation of bioactive substances are less well studied. Besides, the different determination methods of bioactive substances using in present studies often lead to dissimilar conclusion. In this study, four strains of G. lingzhi were used as target strains and their content of polysaccharides and triterpenoids were determined by phenol-sulfuric acid method and ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The content of polysaccharides and triterpenoids in fruiting bodies grown in two different substrates (sawdust-wheat bran and sawdust) and four growth stages (primordium formation, beginning of fruiting, maturation and sporulation) were compared. It was found that the content of polysaccharides and triterpenoids in the fruiting bodies reached the highest level at primordium stage or beginning of fruiting stage, and decreased to lower level at the sporulation stage. The content of polysaccharides and triterpenoids in fruiting bodies growing on sawdust-wheat bran was relatively higher than that on sawdust. The yields of G. lingzhi fruiting bodies harvested at different growing stages were compared. For the sake of obtaining higher yield of polysaccharides and triterpenoids, using sawdust-wheat bran as cultivation substrate, collecting the fruiting bodies at the beginning of fruiting stage and repeatedly harvesting the fruiting bodies at refruiting stages are the best choice.