Sugitazyma is a genus of basidiomycetous yeasts with only one known species, Sugitazyma miyagiana. To further explore the diversity of this genus, field surveys were conducted in Guizhou and Hainan Provinces, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene revealed that four isolates from plant leaves, represent two new species of Sugitazyma: Sugitazyma polliae sp. nov. (holotype strain GDMCC 2.527T) and Sugitazyma pingtangensis sp. nov. (holotype strain CICC 33642T). Descriptions and illustrations of the two new species are provided, together with comparisons with closely related taxa. A key to the species of Sugitazyma is also presented.

Bannoa, a genus within the family Erythrobasidiaceae of the order Erythrobasidiales, consists of blastoconidia-forming yeasts that are widely distributed across the globe. Members of this genus are known to form associations with various plant leaves. Currently, 17 species are described and recognized as valid members of the genus, although the full extent of its diversity and global distribution remains insufficiently explored. In the present study, yeast strains were isolated from the surface of diverse plant leaves collected in the Guizhou and Henan Provinces of China, and were subsequently identified using a combination of molecular and phenotypic techniques. Phylogenetic analysis, based on concatenated SSU, ITS, LSU, and TEF1-α sequences, along with phenotypic characterization, revealed the establishment of a new monotypic genus, Lumyongozyma, as well as the description of four new species: Bannoa dicranopteri sp. nov., B. neixiangensis sp. nov., B. pini sp. nov., and Lumyongozyma fatsiae sp. nov. This study highlights the novel geographical distribution and significant species diversity of Bannoa in China, contributing valuable data for ongoing research in fungal systematics and evolution.

Sugitazyma is a genus of basidiomycetous yeasts with only one known species, Sugitazyma miyagiana. To further explore the diversity of this genus, field surveys were conducted in Guizhou and Hainan Provinces, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene revealed that four isolates from plant leaves, represent two new species of Sugitazyma: Sugitazyma polliae sp. nov. (holotype strain GDMCC 2.527T) and Sugitazyma pingtangensis sp. nov. (holotype strain CICC 33642T). Descriptions and illustrations of the two new species are provided, together with comparisons with closely related taxa. A key to the species of Sugitazyma is also presented.

Taphrina, a genus within the family Taphrinaceae and the order Taphrinales, is a globally distributed group of plant-associated fungi. However, only three species of this genus have been previously reported in China. To enhance the understanding of species diversity within the Taphrina genus in China, sixteen yeast strains, isolated from leaf surfaces across various locations in China and initially identified as members of Taphrina, were examined from both phylogenetic and phenotypic perspectives. From these isolates, one new genus, Srisukozyma, is described to accommodate two new species, Srisukozyma ovata and Sr. musae, along with five additional new species Taphrina aspidistrae, T. cunninghamiae, T. foliicola, T. fujianensis, and T. guizhouensis which we describe. The descriptions of these taxa are supplemented by illustrations and results from phylogenetic analyses. Additionally, phenotypic comparisons with related genus and species are provided. This study contributes to the broader understanding of ascomycetous yeast diversity in natural environments and sets the stage for future taxonomic and ecological investigations.

Derxomyces is a monophyletic genus within the family Bulleribasidiaceae, with species that are both abundant and diverse in China, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, molecular phylogenetic data and phenotypic characteristics were integrated to investigate the species diversity of Derxomyces in Hainan and Henan Provinces of China. A total of nine species were documented, including two new species, D. alseodaphnes sp. nov. (holotype GDMCC 2.534T) and D. henanensis sp. nov. (holotype GDMCC 2.336T), as well as one species new to China, D. schimicola. The remaining species included five that were originally described from China and one that was first identified from New Zealand. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the two new species are presented, along with comparisons to closely-related species. This study contributes to our understanding of the Derxomyces species diversity in China and lays the foundation for future taxonomic and ecological research.

Two red yeast strains, NYNU 232201 and NYNU 232218, were isolated from the phylloplane of Pinus massoniana and Cinnamomum camphora , respectively, in Sifangjing Village, Pingtang County, Guizhou Province, China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses placed these strains in close relation to Symmetrospora clarorosea , Symmetrospora gracilis and Symmetrospora eucalyti . Genetically, the isolates differed from the type strains of these related species by seven to nine base substitutions (1.2–1.5%) in the D1/D2 domain and by more than 15 base mismatches (2.6%) in the internal transcribed spacer region. Phenotypically, the two strains can be distinguished from S. clarorosea and S. gracilis by their ability to assimilate d -glucosamine and grow at 30 °C, as well as their inability to assimilate ribitol. Physiological data for S. eucalypti were not available for comparison. No sexual morph was observed in either strain. Based on molecular and phenotypic differentiation, the novel yeast species Symmetrospora pini sp. nov. is proposed with holotype CICC 33601 T (MycoBank MB 857729).

Members of the genus Yamadazyma are widely distributed and frequently found in plant materials. In an effort to investigate the species diversity within this genus, leaf samples collected from Guizhou and Hainan provinces in China were examined. This study led to the discovery of two previously undescribed taxa. Phenotypic examination, combined with phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated ITS and LSU D1/D2 sequences, confirmed their affiliation with Yamadazyma and supported their designation as novel species. One of the new species, Yamadazyma akebiae sp. nov., is phylogenetically closely related to Y. kanchanaburiensis, whereas Y. hainanensis sp. nov. represents a distinct lineage, clearly separated from other known Yamadazyma species. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and comparative discussions with their nearest relatives are provided. These findings contribute two additional species to the genus and enhance our understanding of Yamadazyma diversity in China.

Bacterial therapy has attracted increasing attention due to its special mechanism and abundant applications. With the flourishing development of synthetic biology, therapeutic genes have been introduced into engineering bacteria to improve their antitumor efficacy. However, it is difficult to spatiotemporally control the expression of these therapeutic genes at the tumor site in vivo, thereby considerably limiting the application of engineered bacteria in tumor treatment. To resolve this problem, we constructed a temperature-responsive bacterial strain capable of triggering the expression of exogenous genes in a laser-controllable way. Noxa, a pro-apoptotic protein, is chosen to test the expression of exogenous protein and its anti-tumor effect in engineered bacteria upon laser irradiation. Firstly, Noxa was fused to the C-terminus of the bacterial outer membrane protein cytolysin A (ClyA), and then the recombinant gene fragment ClyA-Noxa was inserted into the temperature-sensitive plasmid pBV220 and the recombinant plasmid was transformed into non-pathogenic Escherichia coli MG1655. Thus, we constructed the engineering strain (TRB@Noxa) that could express Noxa on the bacterial surface. TRB@Noxa could target and colonize the tumor tissue without causing notable host toxicity. The bacterial infection triggered thrombosis in the tumor tissue, resulting in the darkness of tumor sites. In a xenograft mouse tumor model, our strategy demonstrated precise tumor targeting and strong tumor inhibition. In conclusion, we successfully constructed a new engineering bacterial strain TRB@Noxa. TRB@Noxa combined with photothermal therapy could arrest tumor growth in the absence of photosensitizers, which represents an appealing method for antitumor therapy in the future.

Two yeast strains, designated NYNU 22992 and NYNU 229246, were obtained from the phylloplane of Photinia bodinieri and Debregeasia orientalis in the Guiyang Medicinal Botanical Garden, Guizhou, China. Phylogenetic evaluation, incorporating concatenated ITS and D1/D2 LSU sequences, indicated a close relationship between these isolates and Farysia magdalena, Farysia itapuensis, Farysia taiwaniana and Farysia chardoniana. Sequence identity comparisons showed similarity levels of 99.7-98.2% for D1/D2 LSU and 96.8-94% for the ITS region. Minor physiological traits were noted, as these strains were unable to utilize xylitol, differentiating them from F. magdalena, F. itapuensis and F. taiwaniana. Physiological data for F. chardoniana were not available for comparison. Based on both phylogenetic positioning and phenotypic characteristics, these yeast strains represent a novel species within Farysia, for which the name Farysia photiniae sp. nov. is proposed with holotype GDMCC 2.322T (MycoBank MB 858491).

Two novel yeast strains, NYNU 236247 and NYNU 23523, were isolated from the leaves of Carpinus turczaninowii Hance, collected in the Tianchi Mountain National Forest Park, Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed the closest relatives of the strains are three described Pseudobensingtonia species: Ps. fusiformis, Ps. musae and Ps. ingoldii. The novel species differed from the type strains of these three species by 12 to 22 nucleotide substitutions and 1 gap (~2.0–4.0%) in the D1/D2 domain and by 78 to 100 nucleotide mismatches (~12.0–16%) in the ITS region. Physiologically, the novel species differs from Ps. fusiformis and Ps. musae in its ability to assimilate dl-lactate and melezitose and from Ps. ingoldii by its inability to assimilate melibiose, soluble starch and ethanol. Pseudobensingtonia carpini sp. nov. is proposed for those two strains, with the holotype designated as GDMCC 2.483T (MycoBank MB 857072).

Phyllozyma, belonging to the family Spiculogloeaceae of the order Spiculogloeales, is a genus of blastoconidia-forming yeasts. Until now, nine Phyllozyma species have been described. During our investigation of yeast diversity in China, several Phyllozyma strains were isolated from the surface of plant leaves collected in Guizhou and Hainan provinces, which represent undescribed taxa. Based on multi-locus (ITS, LSU, TEF1, and RBP1) and single-locus (ITS) phylogenetic analyses, as well as phenotypic characteristics, these strains were identified as four new species of Phyllozyma: P. aucubae sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33627T), P. camelliae sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33625T), P. diaoluoensis sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33620T), and P. guizhouensis sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33628T). P. aucubae sp. nov. was identified as a nonballistoconidium-forming species. This phenomenon is extremely rare in the genus Phyllozyma, and prior to this report, only P. jiayinensis was reported to lack the ability to produce ballistoconidia.

Members of the genus Yamadazyma are widely distributed and frequently found in plant materials. In an effort to investigate the species diversity within this genus, leaf samples collected from Guizhou and Hainan provinces in China were examined. This study led to the discovery of two previously undescribed taxa. Phenotypic examination, combined with phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated ITS and LSU D1/D2 sequences, confirmed their affiliation with Yamadazyma and supported their designation as novel species. One of the new species, Yamadazymaakebiae sp. nov., is phylogenetically closely related to Y.kanchanaburiensis, whereas Y.hainanensis sp. nov. represents a distinct lineage, clearly separated from other known Yamadazyma species. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and comparative discussions with their nearest relatives are provided. These findings contribute two additional species to the genus and enhance our understanding of Yamadazyma diversity in China.

The genus Filobasidium, a member of the family Filobasidiaceae in the order Filobasidiales, is a group of basidiomycetes with many representative species. To date, 14 species have been described and accepted in Filobasidium. Although some newfound species from China have recently been published, the species diversity of Filobasidium remains incompletely understood. Samples from various areas of China were obtained and examined to investigate the species diversity of the genus. Three new species, namely F. pseudomali sp. nov., F. castaneae sp. nov., and F. qingyuanense sp. nov., were introduced based on phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the ITS sequence alone coupled with phenotypic characteristics. Full descriptions, illustrations, comparisons with similar species, and phylogenetic analyses are provided. Findings from this study substantially enrich the biodiversity of Filobasidium in China.

Papiliotrema species are commonly found in different habitats and many of them are reported as epiphytic yeasts associated with plants. In this study, several yeast strains were isolated from the surface of plants collected in the Chinese provinces of Guizhou and Hainan. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and LSU sequence data placed them in Papiliotrema. Two new species, Papiliotrema millettiae sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33641) and P. mussaendae sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33595), are proposed on the basis of phylogenetic analyses and phenotypic characterisation. Detailed descriptions of both species are provided, allowing clear differentiation from other known species in the genus Papiliotrema. In addition, P. fudaokuniae is considered a synonym of P. fusca, based on our phylogenetic analyses. This study contributes to a better understanding of species diversity within the genus Papiliotrema and provides a framework for future taxonomic research in the group.

A novel basidiomycete yeast, designated as NYNU 2211380, was isolated from a leaf of Senecio scandens collected in the Baotianman Nature Reserve, Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analyses of the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed its close relationship to Meniscomyces layueensis, differing by 3.4% mismatches (14 substitutions and 6 gaps) in the D1/D2 domain and 12.4% mismatches (35 substitutions and 37 gaps) in the ITS region. The novel strain also exhibits distinct physiological traits, including an inability to assimilate maltose and cellobiose and the ability to utilize d-xylose, d-ribose, glycerol, ribitol, d-mannitol, dl-lactate and d-gluconate. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic data, the strain represents a new species in the genus Meniscomyces, for which the name Meniscomyces senecionis sp. nov. (Holotype: CICC 33585; MycoBank: MB 857392) is proposed.

The genus Vishniacozyma, globally distributed, encompasses numerous epiphytic and endophytic species. In this study, five new species are proposed to accommodate eleven yeast strains isolated from leaves of different plants: V. diospyri sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33574T), V. guiyangensis sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33569T), V. pingtangensis sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33596T), V. eriobotryae sp. nov. (holotype GDMCC 2.312T), and V. tianchiensis sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33617T) using phenotypic and phylogenetic characters. Phylogenetic analysis was based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. Illustrations and descriptions of these five taxa are provided, along with comparative analyses with closely related species within the genus. This research highlights the considerable diversity of Vishniacozyma species in China and contributes valuable data for future investigations in fungal systematics and evolution.

Within the family Chionosphaeraceae, only nine species of Chionosphaera and Kurtzmanomyces have been described to date. In this study, two strains of Chionosphaera and two strains of Kurtzmanomyces from China were examined using phylogenetic, physiological, and biochemical approaches. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef1α) were conducted to infer species relationships within the genera Chionosphaera and Kurtzmanomyces. As a result, two novel species are proposed: Chionosphaera foliicola sp. nov. (holotype GDMCC 2.531T) and Kurtzmanomyces guiyangensis sp. nov. (holotype GDMCC 2.499T). Descriptions and illustrations of both species are provided, together with comparisons to closely related taxa. This study expands the known diversity of Chionosphaeraceae in China and provides a basis for future taxonomic and ecological investigations.

Carlosrosaea is a genus of plant-associated yeasts within the family Trimorphomycetaceae of the order Tremellales. Currently, eight species have been described and accepted as members of the genus Carlosrosaea. In this study, six Carlosrosaea strains were isolated from the surface of leaves of the genera Camellia, Distylium, Glechoma, and Glochidion, collected in Fujian, Guizhou, Hainan, and Henan provinces. Based on phylogenetic analyses and phenotypic characterization, these strains were identified as three new Carlosrosaea species: C.camelliae sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33566T), C.glechomae sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33632T), and C.wuzhiensis sp. nov. (holotype GDMCC 2.526T). Descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic data of these new taxa are provided. This study enhances knowledge of Carlosrosaea species diversity in China and provides a foundation for future taxonomic and ecological research.

The genus Erythrobasidium is kind of species-scarce and undersampling basidiomycetes. Currently, only six species have been accepted into the genus and the diversity still remains incompletely understood. In this study, five Erythrobasidium strains were isolated in the surface of plant leaves collected from the Baotianman Nature Reserve, Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analyses of the small ribosomal subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, and the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) gene coupled with morphological studies were employed to characterize and identify these isolates. As a result of these, two new species, namely E. turpiniae sp. nov. and E. nanyangense sp. nov., were delimited and proposed based on morphological and molecular evidence. A detailed description and illustration of both new species, as well as their differences with the close relatives in the genus are provided. An identification key for Erythrobasidium species is also provided. This study provides further insights into our understanding of Erythrobasidium species.