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From ocean to home: How does A. unguis survive and reproduce in different environments?
Aspergillus unguis, a fungus belonging to the genus Botrytis, is also known as Emericella unguis in its asexual state. This filamentous soil fungus grows primarily on decomposing plant matter, as well as other moist substrates including building materials and household dust. The fungus is found primarily in tropical and subtropical soils but has also been isolated from various marine and aquatic habitats. Since it was first isolated by Weill and L. Gaudin in 1935, A. unguis has gradually demonstrated its unique ability to survive and reproduce as research has deepened.
"The presence of A. unguis has important ecosystem impacts, and its unique biological properties allow it to thrive in different environments."
The growth characteristics of A. unguis are key to its survival in multiple environments. Studies have shown that colonies of this fungus can typically reach a diameter of 2 cm within ten days of cultivation and grow best at an optimal temperature of 30°C. The colonies of A. unguis start out white, change to green or chrome green over time, and eventually become a dark brown similar to chocolate, a change that is primarily due to the presence of melanin or melanin-like pigments in the cell walls.
“This distinctive dark brown color has led some studies to classify it as a member of the black mold group, a group that includes some serious opportunistic pathogens of humans.”
The ecological characteristics of A. unguis should not be underestimated. Considered a soil-dwelling fungus, this fungus prefers environments with high water activity. Its presence in homes is of particular concern because the fungus has been linked to human health problems. For example, it has been reported as a pathogen that promotes nail and skin diseases. In Detroit, Michigan, A. unguis was one of the two most common fungi found in homes of children with asthma, with the fungus present in 72% of homes.
In the Finnish study, A. unguis was further linked to water damage in building materials and the production of a mycotoxin called sterigmatocystin, a potent Carcinogens and mutagens.
"A. unguis has attracted attention in the microbial industry because it produces β-glucosidase that is highly glucose tolerant in biomass conversion processes."
Other metabolites of this fungus have also attracted extensive research in the scientific community. For example, four bioactive chlorinated depsidones from coastal seaweeds in China and Thailand showed potential against pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These compounds not only showed significant inhibitory effects on cancer cells, but also exhibited selective biological activities in certain bacteria. Single depsidone even exhibited antiproliferative activity against human cancer cells. These findings not only reveal the medical potential of A. unguis, but also suggest its potential as a selective herbicide in agriculture.
Through the 2016 genome sequencing project, the entire genome of A. unguis has also been dissected. This project is dedicated to sequencing the genomes of all gray molds, including A. unguis, and has successfully assembled a 26.06 Mbp genome.
As research deepens, the adaptability of A. unguis not only reveals its biological complexity, but also provides an important perspective for understanding the role of microorganisms in ecosystems. This ability allows it to survive and thrive in a variety of environments. So, in what future environmental challenges might this fungus once again demonstrate its adaptability?
