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Sexual reproduction is crucial for increasing the genetic diversity of populations and providing overwintering structures, such as perithecia and associated tissue, in the destructive plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum . While mating-type genes serve as master regulators in fungal sexual reproduction, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. Winged-helix DNA-binding proteins are key regulators of embryogenesis and cell differentiation in higher eukaryotes. These proteins are implicated in the morphogenesis and development of several fungal species. However, their involvement in sexual reproduction remains largely unexplored in F. graminearum . Here, we investigated the function of winged-helix DNA-binding proteins in vegetative growth, conidiation, and sexual reproduction, with a specific focus on the FgWING27 , which is highly conserved among Fusarium species. Deletion of FgWING27 resulted in an abnormal pattern characterized by a gradual increase in the expression of mating-type genes during sexual development, indicating its crucial role in the stage-specific genetic regulation of MAT genes in the late stages of sexual development. Furthermore, using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing analysis, we identified Fg17056 as a downstream gene of Fgwing27, which is essential for sexual reproduction. These findings underscore the significance of winged-helix DNA-binding proteins in fungal development and reproduction in F. graminearum , and highlight the pivotal role of Fgwing27 as a core genetic factor in the intricate genetic regulatory network governing sexual reproduction.IMPORTANCE Fusarium graminearum is a devastating plant pathogenic fungus causing significant economic losses due to reduced crop yields. In Fusarium Head Blight epidemics, spores produced through sexual and asexual reproduction serve as inoculum, making it essential to understand the fungal reproduction process. Here, we focus on winged-helix DNA-binding proteins, which have been reported to play crucial roles in cell cycle regulation and differentiation, and address their requirement in the sexual reproduction of F. graminearum . Furthermore, we identified a highly conserved protein in Fusarium as a key factor in self-fertility, along with the discovery of its direct downstream genes. This provides crucial information for constructing the complex genetic regulatory network of sexual reproduction and significantly contribute to further research on sexual reproduction in Fusarium species., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The mycelium of the plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum exhibits distinct structures for vegetative growth, asexual sporulation, sexual development, virulence, and chlamydospore formation. These structures are vital for the survival and pathogenicity of the fungus, necessitating precise regulation based on environmental cues. Initially identified in Magnaporthe oryzae , the transcription factor Con7p regulates conidiation and infection-related morphogenesis, but not vegetative growth. We characterized the Con7p ortholog Fg Con7, and deletion of FgCON7 resulted in severe defects in conidium production, virulence, sexual development, and vegetative growth. The mycelia of the deletion mutant transformed into chlamydospore-like structures with high chitin level accumulation. Notably, boosting FgABAA expression partially alleviated developmental issues in the FgCON7 deletion mutant. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis confirmed a direct genetic link between FgABAA and FgCON7 . Furthermore, the chitin synthase gene Fg6550 (FGSG_06550) showed significant upregulation in the FgCON7 deletion mutant, and altering FgCON7 expression affected cell wall integrity. Further research will focus on understanding the behavior of the chitin synthase gene and its regulation by Fg Con7 in F. graminearum . This study contributes significantly to our understanding of the genetic pathways that regulate hyphal differentiation and conidiation in this plant pathogenic fungus., Importance: The ascomycete fungus Fusarium graminearum is the primary cause of head blight disease in wheat and barley, as well as ear and stalk rot in maize. Given the importance of conidia and ascospores in the disease cycle of F. graminearum , precise spatiotemporal regulation of these biological processes is crucial. In this study, we characterized the Magnaporthe oryzae Con7p ortholog and discovered that Fg Con7 significantly influences various crucial aspects of fungal development and pathogenicity. Notably, overexpression of FgABAA partially restored developmental defects in the FgCON7 deletion mutant. ChIP-qPCR analysis confirmed a direct genetic link between FgABAA and FgCON7 . Furthermore, our research revealed a clear correlation between Fg Con7 and chitin accumulation and the expression of chitin synthase genes. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms regulating conidiation and the significance of mycelial differentiation in this plant pathogenic fungus., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are of serious concern worldwide due to high morbidity and mortality., Aim: To evaluate the impact of the result of a subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for carbapenemase after serial negative surveillance cultures on positive culture conversion in patients with three consecutive negative surveillance cultures for CPE, and to identify risk factors for conversion., Methods: A retrospective study of patients with positive CPE cultures on CHROMagar KPC medium was performed in a Korean tertiary hospital from October 2018 to December 2022. PCR for bla KPC , bla NDM , bla IMP , bla VIM , bla GES , and bla OXA-48 was performed after three consecutive negative rectal swab cultures. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients were compared according to whether follow-up PCR was positive (CNPP) or negative (CNPN)., Findings: Of 1075 patients with positive CPE cultures, 150 (14.0%) yielded three consecutive negative rectal swab cultures. Of these, 50 (33.3%) were CNPP, and 100 (66.7%) were CNPN. Risk factors associated with a positive PCR result on multivariate analysis were: age, central venous catheter, and Escherichia coli infection. CNPP patients were more likely to have positive culture conversion for CPE than CNPN patients (39/44 (88.6%) vs 21/50 (42.0%), P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for culture conversion were: a positive PCR result after surveillance cultures, diabetes mellitus, central venous catheter, and Klebsiella pneumoniae., Conclusion: CNPP patients have higher rates of culture conversion than CNPN patients, and a follow-up PCR test after serial negative surveillance cultures is useful in deciding whether or not to discontinue contact precautions., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Importance: Fusarium graminearum is a destructive fungal pathogen that causes Fusarium head blight (FHB) on a wide range of cereal crops. To control fungal diseases, it is essential to comprehend the pathogenic mechanisms that enable fungi to overcome host defenses during infection. Pathogens require an oxidative stress response to overcome host-derived oxidative stress. Here, we identify the underlying mechanisms of the Fgbzip007-mediated oxidative stress response in F. graminearum . ChIP-seq and subsequent genetic analyses revealed that the role of glutathione in pathogenesis is not dependent on antioxidant functions in F. graminearum . Altogether, this study establishes a comprehensive framework for the Fgbzip007 regulon on pathogenicity and oxidative stress responses, offering a new perspective on the role of glutathione in pathogenicity., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Cleft Lip and/or Palate (CLP) is the most common cranio-facial abnormality thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors causing challenges with feeding, dental development and speech. Cleft affected individuals often present a unique set of challenges with regards to their oro-facial and dental development and require multidisciplinary care. This article aims to describe the role of the restorative dentist in the multidisciplinary management of cleft affected individuals and outlines the various clinical presentations and restorative challenges. This article describes the various treatment modalities provided for cleft affected individuals under the National Health Service (NHS) at Liverpool University Dental Hospital (LUDH) and ranges from minimally invasive techniques to conventional fixed and removable prosthodontics., (Copyright© 2022 Dennis Barber Ltd.)