Uncinocarpus

Uncinocarpus
Uncinocarpus reesii strain UAMH 160 in phase contrast microscopy showing hooked ascomatal appendage and Malbranchea anamorph
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Eurotiomycetes
Order: Onygenales
Family: Onygenaceae
Genus: Uncinocarpus
Sigler, G.F.Orr & Carm. (1976)
Type species
Uncinocarpus reesii
Sigler & G.F.Orr (1976)
Species

U. orissi
U. queenslandicus
U. reesii
U. uncinatus

Uncinocarpus is a genus of fungi within the Onygenaceae family.[1] The name is derived from the Latin word uncinus, meaning "hook" and the Greek word karpos (καρπός), meaning "fruit". It was distinguished from the genus Gymnoascus based on keratinolytic capacity, ascospore morphology and the development of hooked, occasionally spiraling appendages.[2][3] Alternatively, Uncinocarpus species may possess helically coiled or smooth, wavy appendages, or lack appendages altogether, an example of such species being U. orissi.[4]

Being a close non-pathogenic relative of the pathogenic dimorphic fungi Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, which cause Coccidioidomycosis, it is used in genomic research to help develop human vaccination,[5] which might alleviate the Valley fever silent epidemic.[6]

  1. ^ Lumbsch TH, Huhndorf SM (December 2007). "Outline of Ascomycota – 2007". Myconet. 13. Chicago, USA: The Field Museum, Department of Botany: 1–58.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Sigler1976 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Currah1985 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Sigler1998 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Sharpton, T. J.; Stajich, J. E.; Rounsley, S. D.; et al. (October 2009). "Comparative Genomic Analyses of the Human Fungal Pathogens Coccidioides and Their Relatives". Genome Research. 19 (10): 1722–31. doi:10.1101/gr.087551.108. PMC 2765278. PMID 19717792.
  6. ^ "Fungal pneumonia: a silent epidemic - Coccidioidomycosis (valley fever)" (PDF). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Retrieved 11 July 2013.