Novel insights into the phylogenetic and metabolic diversity of preussia-like fungi

Identifier:  imarina:9589647

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9589647

Authors:  Guerra-Mateo, D; Gonzalez-Menendez, V; Gene, J; Crous, P W; Bensch, K; Genilloud, O; Cano-Lira, J F

Abstract:
The genus Preussia (Sporormiaceae, Pleosporales) represents one of the most diverse and metabolically active groups of ascomycetes. The genus is characterized by a complex taxonomic history involving the genera Sporormiella and Spororminula, which some authors consider synonyms of Preussia. However, the circumscription of these genera remains controversial, and the status of numerous species is unresolved. The present study aims to characterize strains of Preussia s.l. recovered during diversity surveys on marine and xerophytic substrates, explore their secondary metabolite profiles, and improve our understanding of the diversity within this group. The obtained strains, as well as strains from the CBS culture collection and exsiccata from different fungaria, were characterized morphologically, and molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted on strains available in culture. Metabolite profiles were developed for representative strains using mass spectrometry data (MS/MS). Molecular alignments comprised the nuclear ribosomal subunits, consisting of partial sequences for the 18S small subunit (SSU) nrDNA, the internal transcribed spacer regions and intervening 5.8S nrDNA (ITS), as well as partial sequences for the 28S large subunit (LSU) nrDNA. Additional regions within protein-encoding genes were used, including the DNA-directed RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit (rpb2) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-alpha) regions. These data were used to reconstruct a robust phylogenetic framework for Preussia s.l. and to delineate lineage structure and generic boundaries. Ten well-supported lineages were resolved and integrated with metabolite profiles to inform taxonomic decisions. Our results support the recognition of Preussia and Sporormiela as distinct genera, the re-establishment of Spororminula, and the introduction of four new genera, 11 new species, 18 new combinations, and one new name. Moreover, epi-and lectotypes have been designated to stabilize the taxonomy of some recognized species. This study provides a comprehensive framework for future taxonomic, phylogenetic, and chemical investigations within Sporormiaceae.