Yi-jian Yao - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Yi-jian Yao

2006). A revision of Sinotermitomyces, a synonym of Termitomyces (Agaricales). Fungal Diversity 2... more 2006). A revision of Sinotermitomyces, a synonym of Termitomyces (Agaricales). Fungal Diversity 21: 225-237.

Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, 2006

Biological antioxidants extracted from plants and fungi have potential abilities to scavenge free... more Biological antioxidants extracted from plants and fungi have potential abilities to scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation, playing important roles in preventing diseases, for example, cancer, and aging induced by reactive oxygen species, which may cause oxidative damage to DNA, proteins and other macromolecules. The antioxidant potency of cultivated fruit-bodies of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link was investigated in this study. Five established in vitro systems were employed, including the 1,1-diphenyl-2picryldrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical eliminating, iron chelating, inhibition of linoleic acid lipid peroxidation and reducing power. The aqueous extract from cultivated fruit-bodies was subjected to the test of amino acid, polysaccharide and mannitol. Ascorbic acid (Vc), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were used as positive controls for comparisons. Among the assays, the aqueous extract of C. militaris fruit-bodies shows a significant scavenging effect on DPPH, eliminating the capability on hydroxyl radicals and the chelating effect on ferrous iron. The extract also shows positive results of inhibiting linoleic acid lipid peroxidation and reducing power.

Non-concerted ITS evolution in fungi, as revealed from the important medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2013

The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) has been widely used as a ... more The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) has been widely used as a molecular marker in phylogenetic studies and has been selected as a DNA barcode for fungi. It is generally believed that nrDNA conforms to concerted evolution in most eukaryotes; however, intraindividual-intraspecific polymorphisms of this region were reported in various organisms, suggesting a non-concerted evolutionary process. In Ophiocordyceps sinensis, one of the most valuable medicinal fungi, a remarkable variation of the ITS region has been revealed. Some highly divergent sequences were thought to represent cryptic species, different species or genotypes in previous studies. To clarify the unusual ITS polymorphisms observed in O. sinensis, specific primers were designed to amplify ITS paralogs from pure cultures of both single-ascospore and tissue isolates in this study. All of the available ITS sequences, including those generated by this group and those in GenBank, were analyzed. Several AT-biased ITS paralogs were classified as pseudogenes based on their nucleotide compositions, secondary structures and minimum free energies of their 5.8S rRNAs, substitution rates, phylogenetic positions and gene expression analyses. Furthermore, ITS pseudogenes were amplified with specific primers from 10 of the 28 strains tested, including eight single-ascospore and two tissue isolates. Divergent ITS paralogs were proved to coexist in individual genomes, suggesting a non-concerted mechanism of evolution in the ITS region of O. sinensis. The hypotheses that divergent ITS paralogs represent cryptic or other species or different genotypes were thus rejected.

PloS one, 2014

Ganoderma has been considered a very difficult genus among the polypores to classify and is curre... more Ganoderma has been considered a very difficult genus among the polypores to classify and is currently in a state of taxonomic chaos. In a study of Ganoderma collections including numerous type specimens, we found that six species namely G. cupreum, G. densizonatum, G. limushanense, G. mastoporum, G. orbiforme, G. subtornatum, and records of G. fornicatum from Mainland China and Taiwan are very similar to one another in basidiocarp texture, pilear cuticle structure, context color, pore color and basidiospore characteristics. Further, we sequenced the nrDNA ITS region (ITS1 and ITS2) and partial mtDNA SSU region of the studied materials, and performed phylogenetic analyses based on these sequence data. The nrDNA ITS sequence analysis results show that the eight nrDNA ITS sequences derived from this study have single-nucleotide polymorphisms in ITS1 and/or ITS2 at inter- and intra-individual levels. In the nrDNA ITS phylogenetic trees, all the sequences from this study are grouped toge...

Ophiocordyceps sinensis, endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, is one of the most important medicinal f... more Ophiocordyceps sinensis, endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, is one of the most important medicinal fungi with a huge economic value. In the present study, specific primer pairs were designed based on a comprehensive ITS sequence dataset of O. sinensis and its related fungi, and tested for specificity and sensitivity through PCR experiments using 27 individuals of O. sinensis from different geographical origins and 40 other related fungal species in terms of phylogeny or ecology. A primer pair highly specific to O. sinensis was obtained, yielding a 275 bp PCR product from all the individuals of O. sinensis but no product from the other fungi tested. The detection limit of the primers was demonstrated to be 10 ng of pure O. sinensis DNA for conventional PCR and 10 pg for nested PCR in a 25 μl reaction system. Soil samples collected from the habitat of O. sinensis were also tested using this PCR assay. The results showed that the primer pair and PCR-based assays developed in this study can be applied to the rapid detection of O. sinensis in its natural habitat.

Neotypification of Paecilomyces hepiali (Hypocreales)

Taxon, 2015

ABSTRACT Paecilomyces hepiali is an important fungus for medicinal and healthcare products genera... more ABSTRACT Paecilomyces hepiali is an important fungus for medicinal and healthcare products generating an economic value of one billion CNY annually. It has been the subject of much research attention, especially due to its isolation from field collections of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (the caterpillar fungus or Dōng chóng xià căo) prized for its reputed medicinal properties. However, research on this important fungus is currently hampered by the fact that the holotype and ex-type strain are unavailable for study on loan and in person due to institutional policies of confidentiality. Thus the holotype is effectively “lost” for the purposes of the Code. To facilitate further research and to enable the unambiguous application of the name, a neotype is designated for P. hepiali, based on a recent collection from the type locality.

Octosporella fusispora sp. nov. (Pezizales), with a key to the species of the genus

Nova Hedwigia, 2006

The Species Identity of the Widely Cultivated Ganoderma, ‘G. lucidum’ (Ling-zhi), in China

PLoS ONE, 2012

Ling-zhi, a widely cultivated fungus in China, has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine... more Ling-zhi, a widely cultivated fungus in China, has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. Although the name 'Ganoderma lucidum', a species originally described from England, has been applied to the fungus, their identities are not the same. This study aims to clarify the identity of this medicinally and economically important fungus. Specimens of Ling-zhi from China (field collections and cultivated basidiomata of the Chinese 'G. lucidum'), G. lucidum from UK and other related Ganoderma species, were examined both morphologically and molecularly. High variability of basidioma morphology was found in the cultivated specimens of the Chinese 'G. lucidum', while some microscopic characters were more or less consistent, i.e. short clavate cutis elements, Bovista-type ligative hyphae and strongly echinulate basidiospores. These characters were also found in the holotype of G. sichuanense, a species originally described from Sichuan, China, and in recent collections made in the type locality of the species, which matched the diagnostic characters in the prologue. For comparison, specimens of closely related species, G. lucidum, G. multipileum, G. resinaceum, G. tropicum and G. weberianum, were also examined. DNA sequences were obtained from field collections, cultivated basidiomata and living strains of the Chinese 'G. lucidum', specimens from the type locality of G. sichuanense, and specimens of the closely related species studied. Three-gene combined analyses (ITS+IGS+rpb2) were performed and the results indicated that the Chinese 'G. lucidum' shared almost identical sequences with G. sichuanense. Based on both morphological and molecular data, the identity of the Chinese 'G. lucidum' (Ling-zhi) is considered conspecific with G. sichuanense. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided in addition to discussion of nomenclature implications.

Mycological Research, 1996

Five species of Geopora are recognized from Great Britain. Notes on the nomenclature and taxonomy... more Five species of Geopora are recognized from Great Britain. Notes on the nomenclature and taxonomy of these species and of those others in the British checklist are presented and lectotypes for both Peziza sumneriana and P. lanuginosa var. sumneri are also designated. Seven species of Geopora Harkn., and two species and one variety of the synonym Sepultaria (Cooke) Boud. are included in the checklist of British Ascomycotina (Cannon, Hawksworth & Sherwood-Pike, 1985). Investigation of these taxa for the 'Ascomycetes of Great Britain and Ireland' project shows that only five species of Geopora, G. arenicola (Lev.) Kers, G. cervina (Velen.) T. Schumach., G. foliacea (Schaeff.) S. Ahmad, G. sumneriana (Cooke) M. Torre and G. tenuis (Fuckel) T .

Mycological Research, 1995

Fungal Portraits

Field Mycology, 2010

Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2005

The nutritional requirements for mycelial growth of Cordyceps sinensis in semi-synthetic liquid m... more The nutritional requirements for mycelial growth of Cordyceps sinensis in semi-synthetic liquid media were investigated. The results provide a basis for further physiological study and industrial fermentation of the fungus. Methods and Results: Nutritional requirements, including 17 carbohydrates, 16 nitrogen compounds, nine vitamins, four macro-elements, four trace-elements and eight ratios of carbon to nitrogen, were studied for their effects on the mycelial growth in submerged cultures of C. sinensis by using one-factor-at-a-time and orthogonal matrix methods. Among these variables, sucrose, peptone, folic acid, calcium, zinc and a carbon to nitrogen ratio 12 : 1 were identified as the requirements for the optimum mycelial growth. The concentrations of sucrose, peptone and yeast extract were optimized and the effects of medium composition on mycelial growth were found to be in the order sucrose > yeast extract > peptone. The optimal concentration for mycelial growth was determined as 50 g l )1 sucrose, 10 g l )1 peptone and 3 g l )1 yeast extract. Conclusions: Under optimal culture conditions, over 22 g l )1 of mycelial biomass could be obtained after 40 days in submerged cultures. Significance and Impact of the Study: Cordyceps sinensis, one of the most valued medicinal fungi, is shown to grow in axenic culture. This is the first report on nutritional requirements and design of a simplified semisynthetic medium for mycelial growth of this psychrophilic species, which grows slowly below 20°C. The results of this study will facilitate research on mass production of the fungus under defined culture conditions.

Mycological Research, 2001

Cordyceps sinensis, the caterpillar fungus in traditional Chinese medicine, has been intensively ... more Cordyceps sinensis, the caterpillar fungus in traditional Chinese medicine, has been intensively collected from nature in recent years. As a result, the establishment of the anamorph of this species has become important for large-scale culture to meet increasing demand for medicinal use and to ease exploitation of natural populations. To establish a reliable connection between the teleomorph and anamorph stages, the ITS nrDNA sequences were sequenced from both the stroma of the telemorph and cultures of the anamorph. Observations of microcyclic conidiation were also made on germinated ascospores and compared with the anamorph in culture. Hirsutella sinensis was confirmed as the anamorph of C. sinensis by both DNA sequences and microcyclic conidiation. Two recently described species, C. multiaxialis and C. nepalensis, were shown to share identical or almost identical ITS sequences with C. sinensis. These minor variations were considered to be within the range of variation exhibited within a species, but representing different populations. Sequences from other Cordyceps species included in this study exhibited considerable differences from each other. Therefore, these three entities are probably conspecific, and the names should be regarded as synonymous. The morphological characters used in the description of the two new species are discussed. It is suggested that ITS sequences provided useful information on establishing the anamorph-telemorph connection and assisting in the delimitation of species within Cordyceps.

IMA fungus, 2014

Ophiocordycipitaceae is a diverse family comprising ecologically, economically, medicinally, and ... more Ophiocordycipitaceae is a diverse family comprising ecologically, economically, medicinally, and culturally important fungi. The family was recognized due to the polyphyly of the genus Cordyceps and the broad diversity of the mostly arthropod-pathogenic lineages of Hypocreales. The other two cordyceps-like families, Cordycipitaceae and Clavicipitaceae, will be revised taxonomically elsewhere. Historically, many species were placed in Cordyceps, but other genera have been described in this family as well, including several based on anamorphic features. Currently there are 24 generic names in use across both asexual and sexual life stages for species of Ophiocordycipitaceae. To reflect changes in Art. 59 in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN), we propose to protect and to suppress names within Ophiocordycipitaceae, and to present taxonomic revisions in the genus Tolypocladium, based on rigorous and extensively sampled molecular phylogenetic analys...

D. S. Hibbett). a v a i l a b l e a t w w w . s c i e n c e d i r e c t . c o m j o u r n a l h o... more D. S. Hibbett). a v a i l a b l e a t w w w . s c i e n c e d i r e c t . c o m j o u r n a l h o m e p a g e : w w w . e l s e v i e r . c o m / l o c a t e / m y c r e s m y c o l o g i c a l r e s e a r c h 1 1 1 ( 2 0 0 7 ) 5 0 9 -5 4 7 Eumycota Lichens Molecular phylogenetics Mycota Nomenclature Systematics a b s t r a c t A comprehensive phylogenetic classification of the kingdom Fungi is proposed, with reference to recent molecular phylogenetic analyses, and with input from diverse members of the fungal taxonomic community. The classification includes 195 taxa, down to the level of order, of which 16 are described or validated here: Dikarya subkingdom nov.; Chytridiomycota, Neocallimastigomycota phyla nov.; Monoblepharidomycetes, Neocallimastigomycetes class. nov.; Eurotiomycetidae, Lecanoromycetidae, Mycocaliciomycetidae subclass. nov.; Acarosporales, Corticiales, Baeomycetales, Candelariales, Gloeophyllales, Melanosporales, Trechisporales, Umbilicariales ords. nov. The clade containing Ascomycota and Basidiomycota is classified as subkingdom Dikarya, reflecting the putative synapomorphy of dikaryotic hyphae.

Hibbett-HigherLevelClassification07

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 2001

Yao, Y.-J. and Spooner, B.M. (2006). Species of Sowerbyella in the British Isles, with validation... more Yao, Y.-J. and Spooner, B.M. (2006). Species of Sowerbyella in the British Isles, with validation of Pseudombrophila sect. Nannfeldtiella (Pezizales). Fungal Diversity 22: 267-279. Notes on the nomenclature and taxonomy of British taxa of Sowerbyella are presented, together with the description of a new variety, S. radiculata var. kewensis, and a new combination, S. radiculata var. petaloidea. Three varieties of S. radiculata are recognised from the British Isles. In addition, current status of the known taxa of Sowerbyella is summarised and a key for their identification provided. A new section in the genus Pseudombrophila, P. sect. Nannfeldtiella, is also validated and a lectotype for Geopyxis cookei designated.

ZooKeys, 2011

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (≡ Cordyceps sinensis) is one of the most valued medicinal fungi in China... more Ophiocordyceps sinensis (≡ Cordyceps sinensis) is one of the most valued medicinal fungi in China, used for its invigorating effects in strengthening the body and restoring energy. The fungus parasitizes larvae of moths and converts them into sclerotia from which the fungus fruiting body grows. Since the late 1950s, considerable effort has been devoted to the study of host insects related to the fungus. In the present paper, the research history of insect species associated with O. sinensis is briefly reviewed and an extensive literature survey is presented. Ninety-one insect names, spanning 13 genera, related to host insects of O. sinensis are investigated. The relationships between the reported insect species and O. sinensis are analyzed. Fiftyseven of these are considered as recognizable potential host species of the fungus distributed throughout the Tibetan Plateau, whilst eight are considered as indeterminate hosts and 26 as non-hosts. Among the names of recognizable potential host insects, three are invalid (nomen nudum) and require further study. This work provides basic information for management of the insect resources and for the conservation and sustainable use of O. sinensis.

The Journal of Microbiology, 2011

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is one of the best known fungi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many effo... more Ophiocordyceps sinensis is one of the best known fungi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many efforts have been devoted to locating the production areas of this species resulting in various reports; however, its geographic distribution remains incompletely understood. Distribution of O. sinensis at the county level is clarified in this work based on both a literature search and fieldwork. More than 3600 publications related to O. sinensis were investigated, including scientific papers, books, and online information. Herbarium specimens of O. sinensis and field collections made by this research group during the years 2000-2010 were examined to verify the distribution sites. A total of 203 localities for O. sinensis have been found, of which 106 are considered as confirmed distribution sites, 65 as possible distribution sites, 29 as excluded distribution sites and three as suspicious distribution sites. The results show that O. sinensis is confined to the Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding regions, including Tibet, Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces in China and in certain areas of the southern flank of the Himalayas, in the countries of Bhutan, India and Nepal, with 3,000 m as the lowest altitude for the distribution. The fungus is distributed from the southernmost site in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in northwestern Yunnan Province to the northernmost site in the Qilian Mountains in Qilian County, Qinghai Province, and from the east edge of the Tibetan Plateau in Wudu County, Gansu Province to the westernmost site in Uttarakhand, India. The clarification of the geographic distribution of O. sinensis will lay the foundation for conservation and sustainable use of the species.

2006). A revision of Sinotermitomyces, a synonym of Termitomyces (Agaricales). Fungal Diversity 2... more 2006). A revision of Sinotermitomyces, a synonym of Termitomyces (Agaricales). Fungal Diversity 21: 225-237.

Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, 2006

Biological antioxidants extracted from plants and fungi have potential abilities to scavenge free... more Biological antioxidants extracted from plants and fungi have potential abilities to scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation, playing important roles in preventing diseases, for example, cancer, and aging induced by reactive oxygen species, which may cause oxidative damage to DNA, proteins and other macromolecules. The antioxidant potency of cultivated fruit-bodies of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link was investigated in this study. Five established in vitro systems were employed, including the 1,1-diphenyl-2picryldrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical eliminating, iron chelating, inhibition of linoleic acid lipid peroxidation and reducing power. The aqueous extract from cultivated fruit-bodies was subjected to the test of amino acid, polysaccharide and mannitol. Ascorbic acid (Vc), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were used as positive controls for comparisons. Among the assays, the aqueous extract of C. militaris fruit-bodies shows a significant scavenging effect on DPPH, eliminating the capability on hydroxyl radicals and the chelating effect on ferrous iron. The extract also shows positive results of inhibiting linoleic acid lipid peroxidation and reducing power.

Non-concerted ITS evolution in fungi, as revealed from the important medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2013

The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) has been widely used as a ... more The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) has been widely used as a molecular marker in phylogenetic studies and has been selected as a DNA barcode for fungi. It is generally believed that nrDNA conforms to concerted evolution in most eukaryotes; however, intraindividual-intraspecific polymorphisms of this region were reported in various organisms, suggesting a non-concerted evolutionary process. In Ophiocordyceps sinensis, one of the most valuable medicinal fungi, a remarkable variation of the ITS region has been revealed. Some highly divergent sequences were thought to represent cryptic species, different species or genotypes in previous studies. To clarify the unusual ITS polymorphisms observed in O. sinensis, specific primers were designed to amplify ITS paralogs from pure cultures of both single-ascospore and tissue isolates in this study. All of the available ITS sequences, including those generated by this group and those in GenBank, were analyzed. Several AT-biased ITS paralogs were classified as pseudogenes based on their nucleotide compositions, secondary structures and minimum free energies of their 5.8S rRNAs, substitution rates, phylogenetic positions and gene expression analyses. Furthermore, ITS pseudogenes were amplified with specific primers from 10 of the 28 strains tested, including eight single-ascospore and two tissue isolates. Divergent ITS paralogs were proved to coexist in individual genomes, suggesting a non-concerted mechanism of evolution in the ITS region of O. sinensis. The hypotheses that divergent ITS paralogs represent cryptic or other species or different genotypes were thus rejected.

PloS one, 2014

Ganoderma has been considered a very difficult genus among the polypores to classify and is curre... more Ganoderma has been considered a very difficult genus among the polypores to classify and is currently in a state of taxonomic chaos. In a study of Ganoderma collections including numerous type specimens, we found that six species namely G. cupreum, G. densizonatum, G. limushanense, G. mastoporum, G. orbiforme, G. subtornatum, and records of G. fornicatum from Mainland China and Taiwan are very similar to one another in basidiocarp texture, pilear cuticle structure, context color, pore color and basidiospore characteristics. Further, we sequenced the nrDNA ITS region (ITS1 and ITS2) and partial mtDNA SSU region of the studied materials, and performed phylogenetic analyses based on these sequence data. The nrDNA ITS sequence analysis results show that the eight nrDNA ITS sequences derived from this study have single-nucleotide polymorphisms in ITS1 and/or ITS2 at inter- and intra-individual levels. In the nrDNA ITS phylogenetic trees, all the sequences from this study are grouped toge...

Ophiocordyceps sinensis, endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, is one of the most important medicinal f... more Ophiocordyceps sinensis, endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, is one of the most important medicinal fungi with a huge economic value. In the present study, specific primer pairs were designed based on a comprehensive ITS sequence dataset of O. sinensis and its related fungi, and tested for specificity and sensitivity through PCR experiments using 27 individuals of O. sinensis from different geographical origins and 40 other related fungal species in terms of phylogeny or ecology. A primer pair highly specific to O. sinensis was obtained, yielding a 275 bp PCR product from all the individuals of O. sinensis but no product from the other fungi tested. The detection limit of the primers was demonstrated to be 10 ng of pure O. sinensis DNA for conventional PCR and 10 pg for nested PCR in a 25 μl reaction system. Soil samples collected from the habitat of O. sinensis were also tested using this PCR assay. The results showed that the primer pair and PCR-based assays developed in this study can be applied to the rapid detection of O. sinensis in its natural habitat.

Neotypification of Paecilomyces hepiali (Hypocreales)

Taxon, 2015

ABSTRACT Paecilomyces hepiali is an important fungus for medicinal and healthcare products genera... more ABSTRACT Paecilomyces hepiali is an important fungus for medicinal and healthcare products generating an economic value of one billion CNY annually. It has been the subject of much research attention, especially due to its isolation from field collections of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (the caterpillar fungus or Dōng chóng xià căo) prized for its reputed medicinal properties. However, research on this important fungus is currently hampered by the fact that the holotype and ex-type strain are unavailable for study on loan and in person due to institutional policies of confidentiality. Thus the holotype is effectively “lost” for the purposes of the Code. To facilitate further research and to enable the unambiguous application of the name, a neotype is designated for P. hepiali, based on a recent collection from the type locality.

Octosporella fusispora sp. nov. (Pezizales), with a key to the species of the genus

Nova Hedwigia, 2006

The Species Identity of the Widely Cultivated Ganoderma, ‘G. lucidum’ (Ling-zhi), in China

PLoS ONE, 2012

Ling-zhi, a widely cultivated fungus in China, has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine... more Ling-zhi, a widely cultivated fungus in China, has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. Although the name 'Ganoderma lucidum', a species originally described from England, has been applied to the fungus, their identities are not the same. This study aims to clarify the identity of this medicinally and economically important fungus. Specimens of Ling-zhi from China (field collections and cultivated basidiomata of the Chinese 'G. lucidum'), G. lucidum from UK and other related Ganoderma species, were examined both morphologically and molecularly. High variability of basidioma morphology was found in the cultivated specimens of the Chinese 'G. lucidum', while some microscopic characters were more or less consistent, i.e. short clavate cutis elements, Bovista-type ligative hyphae and strongly echinulate basidiospores. These characters were also found in the holotype of G. sichuanense, a species originally described from Sichuan, China, and in recent collections made in the type locality of the species, which matched the diagnostic characters in the prologue. For comparison, specimens of closely related species, G. lucidum, G. multipileum, G. resinaceum, G. tropicum and G. weberianum, were also examined. DNA sequences were obtained from field collections, cultivated basidiomata and living strains of the Chinese 'G. lucidum', specimens from the type locality of G. sichuanense, and specimens of the closely related species studied. Three-gene combined analyses (ITS+IGS+rpb2) were performed and the results indicated that the Chinese 'G. lucidum' shared almost identical sequences with G. sichuanense. Based on both morphological and molecular data, the identity of the Chinese 'G. lucidum' (Ling-zhi) is considered conspecific with G. sichuanense. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided in addition to discussion of nomenclature implications.

Mycological Research, 1996

Five species of Geopora are recognized from Great Britain. Notes on the nomenclature and taxonomy... more Five species of Geopora are recognized from Great Britain. Notes on the nomenclature and taxonomy of these species and of those others in the British checklist are presented and lectotypes for both Peziza sumneriana and P. lanuginosa var. sumneri are also designated. Seven species of Geopora Harkn., and two species and one variety of the synonym Sepultaria (Cooke) Boud. are included in the checklist of British Ascomycotina (Cannon, Hawksworth & Sherwood-Pike, 1985). Investigation of these taxa for the 'Ascomycetes of Great Britain and Ireland' project shows that only five species of Geopora, G. arenicola (Lev.) Kers, G. cervina (Velen.) T. Schumach., G. foliacea (Schaeff.) S. Ahmad, G. sumneriana (Cooke) M. Torre and G. tenuis (Fuckel) T .

Mycological Research, 1995

Fungal Portraits

Field Mycology, 2010

Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2005

The nutritional requirements for mycelial growth of Cordyceps sinensis in semi-synthetic liquid m... more The nutritional requirements for mycelial growth of Cordyceps sinensis in semi-synthetic liquid media were investigated. The results provide a basis for further physiological study and industrial fermentation of the fungus. Methods and Results: Nutritional requirements, including 17 carbohydrates, 16 nitrogen compounds, nine vitamins, four macro-elements, four trace-elements and eight ratios of carbon to nitrogen, were studied for their effects on the mycelial growth in submerged cultures of C. sinensis by using one-factor-at-a-time and orthogonal matrix methods. Among these variables, sucrose, peptone, folic acid, calcium, zinc and a carbon to nitrogen ratio 12 : 1 were identified as the requirements for the optimum mycelial growth. The concentrations of sucrose, peptone and yeast extract were optimized and the effects of medium composition on mycelial growth were found to be in the order sucrose > yeast extract > peptone. The optimal concentration for mycelial growth was determined as 50 g l )1 sucrose, 10 g l )1 peptone and 3 g l )1 yeast extract. Conclusions: Under optimal culture conditions, over 22 g l )1 of mycelial biomass could be obtained after 40 days in submerged cultures. Significance and Impact of the Study: Cordyceps sinensis, one of the most valued medicinal fungi, is shown to grow in axenic culture. This is the first report on nutritional requirements and design of a simplified semisynthetic medium for mycelial growth of this psychrophilic species, which grows slowly below 20°C. The results of this study will facilitate research on mass production of the fungus under defined culture conditions.

Mycological Research, 2001

Cordyceps sinensis, the caterpillar fungus in traditional Chinese medicine, has been intensively ... more Cordyceps sinensis, the caterpillar fungus in traditional Chinese medicine, has been intensively collected from nature in recent years. As a result, the establishment of the anamorph of this species has become important for large-scale culture to meet increasing demand for medicinal use and to ease exploitation of natural populations. To establish a reliable connection between the teleomorph and anamorph stages, the ITS nrDNA sequences were sequenced from both the stroma of the telemorph and cultures of the anamorph. Observations of microcyclic conidiation were also made on germinated ascospores and compared with the anamorph in culture. Hirsutella sinensis was confirmed as the anamorph of C. sinensis by both DNA sequences and microcyclic conidiation. Two recently described species, C. multiaxialis and C. nepalensis, were shown to share identical or almost identical ITS sequences with C. sinensis. These minor variations were considered to be within the range of variation exhibited within a species, but representing different populations. Sequences from other Cordyceps species included in this study exhibited considerable differences from each other. Therefore, these three entities are probably conspecific, and the names should be regarded as synonymous. The morphological characters used in the description of the two new species are discussed. It is suggested that ITS sequences provided useful information on establishing the anamorph-telemorph connection and assisting in the delimitation of species within Cordyceps.

IMA fungus, 2014

Ophiocordycipitaceae is a diverse family comprising ecologically, economically, medicinally, and ... more Ophiocordycipitaceae is a diverse family comprising ecologically, economically, medicinally, and culturally important fungi. The family was recognized due to the polyphyly of the genus Cordyceps and the broad diversity of the mostly arthropod-pathogenic lineages of Hypocreales. The other two cordyceps-like families, Cordycipitaceae and Clavicipitaceae, will be revised taxonomically elsewhere. Historically, many species were placed in Cordyceps, but other genera have been described in this family as well, including several based on anamorphic features. Currently there are 24 generic names in use across both asexual and sexual life stages for species of Ophiocordycipitaceae. To reflect changes in Art. 59 in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN), we propose to protect and to suppress names within Ophiocordycipitaceae, and to present taxonomic revisions in the genus Tolypocladium, based on rigorous and extensively sampled molecular phylogenetic analys...

D. S. Hibbett). a v a i l a b l e a t w w w . s c i e n c e d i r e c t . c o m j o u r n a l h o... more D. S. Hibbett). a v a i l a b l e a t w w w . s c i e n c e d i r e c t . c o m j o u r n a l h o m e p a g e : w w w . e l s e v i e r . c o m / l o c a t e / m y c r e s m y c o l o g i c a l r e s e a r c h 1 1 1 ( 2 0 0 7 ) 5 0 9 -5 4 7 Eumycota Lichens Molecular phylogenetics Mycota Nomenclature Systematics a b s t r a c t A comprehensive phylogenetic classification of the kingdom Fungi is proposed, with reference to recent molecular phylogenetic analyses, and with input from diverse members of the fungal taxonomic community. The classification includes 195 taxa, down to the level of order, of which 16 are described or validated here: Dikarya subkingdom nov.; Chytridiomycota, Neocallimastigomycota phyla nov.; Monoblepharidomycetes, Neocallimastigomycetes class. nov.; Eurotiomycetidae, Lecanoromycetidae, Mycocaliciomycetidae subclass. nov.; Acarosporales, Corticiales, Baeomycetales, Candelariales, Gloeophyllales, Melanosporales, Trechisporales, Umbilicariales ords. nov. The clade containing Ascomycota and Basidiomycota is classified as subkingdom Dikarya, reflecting the putative synapomorphy of dikaryotic hyphae.

Hibbett-HigherLevelClassification07

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 2001

Yao, Y.-J. and Spooner, B.M. (2006). Species of Sowerbyella in the British Isles, with validation... more Yao, Y.-J. and Spooner, B.M. (2006). Species of Sowerbyella in the British Isles, with validation of Pseudombrophila sect. Nannfeldtiella (Pezizales). Fungal Diversity 22: 267-279. Notes on the nomenclature and taxonomy of British taxa of Sowerbyella are presented, together with the description of a new variety, S. radiculata var. kewensis, and a new combination, S. radiculata var. petaloidea. Three varieties of S. radiculata are recognised from the British Isles. In addition, current status of the known taxa of Sowerbyella is summarised and a key for their identification provided. A new section in the genus Pseudombrophila, P. sect. Nannfeldtiella, is also validated and a lectotype for Geopyxis cookei designated.

ZooKeys, 2011

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (≡ Cordyceps sinensis) is one of the most valued medicinal fungi in China... more Ophiocordyceps sinensis (≡ Cordyceps sinensis) is one of the most valued medicinal fungi in China, used for its invigorating effects in strengthening the body and restoring energy. The fungus parasitizes larvae of moths and converts them into sclerotia from which the fungus fruiting body grows. Since the late 1950s, considerable effort has been devoted to the study of host insects related to the fungus. In the present paper, the research history of insect species associated with O. sinensis is briefly reviewed and an extensive literature survey is presented. Ninety-one insect names, spanning 13 genera, related to host insects of O. sinensis are investigated. The relationships between the reported insect species and O. sinensis are analyzed. Fiftyseven of these are considered as recognizable potential host species of the fungus distributed throughout the Tibetan Plateau, whilst eight are considered as indeterminate hosts and 26 as non-hosts. Among the names of recognizable potential host insects, three are invalid (nomen nudum) and require further study. This work provides basic information for management of the insect resources and for the conservation and sustainable use of O. sinensis.

The Journal of Microbiology, 2011

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is one of the best known fungi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many effo... more Ophiocordyceps sinensis is one of the best known fungi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many efforts have been devoted to locating the production areas of this species resulting in various reports; however, its geographic distribution remains incompletely understood. Distribution of O. sinensis at the county level is clarified in this work based on both a literature search and fieldwork. More than 3600 publications related to O. sinensis were investigated, including scientific papers, books, and online information. Herbarium specimens of O. sinensis and field collections made by this research group during the years 2000-2010 were examined to verify the distribution sites. A total of 203 localities for O. sinensis have been found, of which 106 are considered as confirmed distribution sites, 65 as possible distribution sites, 29 as excluded distribution sites and three as suspicious distribution sites. The results show that O. sinensis is confined to the Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding regions, including Tibet, Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces in China and in certain areas of the southern flank of the Himalayas, in the countries of Bhutan, India and Nepal, with 3,000 m as the lowest altitude for the distribution. The fungus is distributed from the southernmost site in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in northwestern Yunnan Province to the northernmost site in the Qilian Mountains in Qilian County, Qinghai Province, and from the east edge of the Tibetan Plateau in Wudu County, Gansu Province to the westernmost site in Uttarakhand, India. The clarification of the geographic distribution of O. sinensis will lay the foundation for conservation and sustainable use of the species.