Mehmet Candan

Evolution of complex symbiotic relationships in a morphologically derived family of lichen-forming fungi.

We studied the evolutionary history of the Parmeliaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota), one of the largest families of lichen-forming fungi with complex and variable morphologies, also including several lichenicolous fungi. We assembled a six-locus data set including nuclear, mitochondrial and low-copy protein-coding genes from 293 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The lichenicolous lifestyle originated independently three times in lichenized ancestors within Parmeliaceae, and a new generic name is introduced for one of these fungi. In all cases, the independent origins occurred c. 24 million yr ago. Further, we show that the Paleocene, Eocene and Oligocene were key periods when diversification of major lineages within Parmeliaceae occurred, with subsequent radiations occurring primarily during the Oligocene and Miocene. Our phylogenetic hypothesis supports the independent origin of lichenicolous fungi associated with climatic shifts at the Oligocene-Miocene boundary. Moreover, diversification bursts at different times may be crucial factors driving the diversification of Parmeliaceae. Additionally, our study provides novel insight into evolutionary relationships in this large and diverse family of lichen-forming ascomycetes.

Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of the Lichen Parmelia sulcata and its Salazinic Acid Constituent

The antimicrobial activity of the acetone, chloroform, diethyl ether, methanol, and petroleum ether extracts of the lichen Parmelia sulcata and its salazinic acid constituent have been screened against twenty eight food-borne bacteria and fungi. All of the extracts with the exception of the petroleum ether extract showed antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Penicillium notatum. Salazinic acid did not show antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes, P. vulgaris, Y. enterocolitica, and S. faecalis but showed activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium as well. The MIC values of the extracts and the acid for the bacteria and fungi have also been determined

Antimicrobial activity of extracts of the lichen Xanthoparmelia pokornyi and its gyrophoric and stenosporic acid constituents.

The antimicrobial activity of the diethyl ether, acetone, chloroform, petroleum ether, and ethanol extracts of the lichen Xanthoparmelia pokornyi and its gyrophoric acid and stenosporic acid constituents has been screened against some foodborne bacteria and fungi. Both the extracts and the acids showed antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Yersinia enterocolitica, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. The extracts were inactive against the tested filamentous fungi. The MIC values of the extracts and the acids for the bacteria have also been determined.

A new lichenicolous species of Capronia (Ascomycota, Herpotrichiellaceae), with a key to the known lichenicolous species of the genus

A new lichenicolous fungus in the genus Capronia is described: C. minutosetosa sp. nov. from the thallus of Chromatochlamys muscorum in Turkey and Spain. The new species differs from those previously recognized in the genus in the size and septation of the ascospores and peridial setae, as well as in occurring on unrelated hosts. A key to the eleven lichenicolous species of the genus now known is also presented.

Photoprotective Activity of Vulpinic and Gyrophoric Acids Toward Ultraviolet B‐Induced Damage in Human Keratinocytes

Vulpinic and gyrophoric acids are known as ultraviolet filters for natural lichen populations because of their chemical structures. However, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no reference to their cosmetic potential for skin protection against ultraviolet B (UVB)‐induced damage and, consequently, we propose to highlight their photoprotective profiles in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Therefore, vulpinic acid and gyrophoric acid were isolated from acetone extracts of Letharia vulpina and Xanthoparmelia pokornyi, respectively. Their photoprotective activities on irradiated HaCaT cells and destructive effects on non‐irradiated HaCaT cells were compared through in vitro experimentation: 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays, 4′,6‐diamino‐2‐phenylindole and tetramethylrhodamine B isothiocyanate‐phalloidin staining protocols. Both of the lichen substances effectively prevented cytotoxic, apoptotic and cytoskeleton alterative activities of 2.5 J/cm2 UVB in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, vulpinic and gyrophoric acids showed no toxic, apoptotic or cytoskeleton alterative effects on non‐irradiated HaCaT cells, except at high doses (≥400 μM) of gyrophoric acid. The findings suggest that vulpinic and gyrophoric acids can be promising cosmetic ingredients to photo‐protect human skin cells and should therefore be further investigated by in vitro and in vivo multiple bioassays. Copyright

Larvicidal activity of some secondary lichen metabolites against the mosquito Culiseta longiareolata Macquart (Diptera: Culicidae)

The larvicidal activity of some lichen metabolites, (+)-usnic acid, atranorin, 3-hydroxyphysodic acid and gyrophoric acid, against the second and third instar larvae of the mosquito Culiseta longiareolata were studied. All metabolites caused high larvicidal activities. When metabolites were compared on the basis of their LC50 values, the order of increasing toxicity was as follows: gyrophoric acid (0.41 ppm) > (+)-usnic acid (0.48 ppm) > atranorin (0.52 ppm) > 3-hydroxyphysodic acid (0.97 ppm). However, when LC90 values were compared, the order of toxicity was (+)-usnic acid (1.54 ppm) > gyrophoric acid (1.93 ppm) > 3-hydroxyphysodic acid (4.33 ppm) > atranorin (5.63 ppm). In conclusion, our results found that lichen secondary metabolites may have a promising role as potential larvicides.

Arthonia anatolica sp. nov. ( Arthoniaceae ) on Aspicilia contorta subsp. hoffmanniana , a new lichenicolous species from Turkey

Arthonia anatolica sp. nov. is described on Aspicilia contorta subsp. hoffmanniana on calcareous rocks from central and eastern Turkey. The new species clearly differs from the other Arthonia species reported on Aspicilia sp. and most closely resembles Arthonia amylospora, a species known on Porpidia rugosa. The differences are discussed.

Dacampia rubra sp. nov. ( Ascomycota , Dacampiaceae ), a lichenicolous fungus on vagrant Aspicilia species

Dacampia rubra sp. nov. is described on vagrant Aspicilia species from eastern Turkey and the Russian Federation. It is most similar to D. rhizocarpicola, an imperfectly known species described from Rhizocarpon obscuratum, but it differs from that species in the ascomata arising singly and is unique in the genus in having an orange-red pigmented region of the exciple surrounding the ostiole. The new species is the first Dacampia species reported on Aspicilia. It is associated with Phoma-like conidiomata, as also happens in D. muraliicola, but it was unclear whether this was an anamorph or an independent fungus. Key words—biodiversity, lichens, Anatolia