Relationships of Scopulariopsis based on LSU rDNA sequences

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Molecular Systematics
• Fungal Taxonomy

Background:

• Scopulariopsis and allied fungi relationships require clarification.
• Molecular data is crucial for resolving taxonomic uncertainties in fungal classification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate phylogenetic relationships among Scopulariopsis and related fungal genera.
• To investigate the taxonomic placement of mitosporic and meiosporic fungi using molecular and morphological data.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analysis using a 350 bp region of the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU rDNA).
• Cladistic analysis incorporating a nine-character morphological dataset.
• Parsimony methods were employed to analyze molecular and morphological data.

Main Results:

• Twelve distinct molecular lineages were identified among the studied microascaceous fungi.
• Human pathogenic Scopulariopsis species clustered within the 'Microascus manginii Clade'.
• Synnematous anamorphs (Doratomyces, Trichurus) and Wardomyces grouped in the 'Microascus albonigrescens Clade'.

Conclusions:

• The genus Microascus, sensu lato, can be divided into seven clades, encompassing other studied genera.
• Taxonomic revision of Microascus, potentially involving splitting or redefining the genus, is suggested.
• Further molecular data acquisition is recommended for robust taxonomic conclusions.