New publication explores the chemodiversity of Penicillium isolated from alpine and arctic environments, including ten new species

FABIans Prof. Cobus Visagie, Dr Neriman Yilmaz, Jenna-Lee Price, Nicole van Vuuren and their collaborators co-authored a study recently published in Studies in Mycology.

The team identified ten new Penicillium species that were found to be psychrophilic and -trophic.These species were discovered in arctic tundra and high-altitude alpine soils that remain frozen for extended periods and support minimal plant life. The remote locations have historically been understudied due to their inaccessibility, making this discovery particularly significant for understanding global fungal diversity.

The new species were characterised and described using a polyphasic approach combining multigene phylogenetic analyses, morphology, and metabolomics techniques, including mass spectrometry and molecular networking. This polyphasic taxonomic method revealed not only the genetic uniqueness of each species but also its remarkable chemical diversity.

The strains produce a wide spectrum of biologically active compounds with significant biotechnological potential. Their ability to function in extreme cold conditions makes them particularly valuable for pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications where low-temperature processes are advantageous.

This discovery highlights the hidden biodiversity in earth's most remote environments, which have been historically understudied due to their inaccessibility. The findings demonstrate that even seemingly barren landscapes harbour distinct species with unique characteristics.

 

The research represents a major contribution to understanding fungal biodiversity in extreme environments and opens new avenues for biotechnological innovation while emphasising the importance of protecting these unique ecosystems.

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