Coenzyme Q systems in ascomycetous black yeasts.

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Biochemistry
• Yeast Taxonomy

Background:

• Black yeasts, a group of ascomycetes, exhibit diverse biochemical characteristics.
• Coenzyme Q systems are crucial for cellular respiration and are used in fungal taxonomy.
• Previous studies have hinted at variations in coenzyme Q systems within black yeasts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the diversity of coenzyme Q systems in a broad range of ascomycetous black yeast species.
• To determine the prevalence of different coenzyme Q variants (Q-10 and dihydrogenated Q-10) within these yeasts.
• To assess the taxonomic utility of coenzyme Q systems for classifying black yeasts, particularly within the Dothideales order.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of coenzyme Q systems in 72 strains from 44 species of ascomycetous black yeasts.
• Utilizing established biochemical methods to identify and quantify coenzyme Q variants.
• Comparative analysis of coenzyme Q profiles across different taxonomic groups within black yeasts.

Main Results:

• Coenzyme Q-10 and dihydrogenated Q-10 systems were found to be the most prevalent.
• A clear distinction was observed: members of the Dothideineae suborder predominantly possess Q-10(H2), while the Pseudosphaeriineae suborder mostly exhibits Q-10.
• The anamorph genus Exophiala and the teleomorph genus Capronia displayed heterogeneity in their coenzyme Q systems, suggesting potential taxonomic complexities.

Conclusions:

• Coenzyme Q systems provide valuable chemotaxonomic markers for ascomycetous black yeasts.
• The observed variations in coenzyme Q profiles support the distinction between Dothideineae and Pseudosphaeriineae suborders.
• The heterogeneity in Exophiala and Capronia warrants further investigation into their taxonomic status and evolutionary relationships.