The DOI matches its Crossref record; 38 of the 42 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; 14 of the 67 sources its claims cite were checked for support.
Ionizing radiation: how fungi cope, adapt, and exploit with the help of melanin
Open accessAbstract
Life on Earth has always existed in the flux of ionizing radiation. However, fungi seem to interact with the ionizing radiation differently from other inhabitants of the Earth. Recent data show that melanized fungal species like those from Chernobyl's reactor respond to ionizing radiation with enhanced growth. Fungi colonize space stations and adapt morphologically to extreme conditions. Radiation exposure causes upregulation of many key genes, and an inducible microhomology-mediated recombination pathway could be a potential mechanism of adaptive evolution in eukaryotes. The discovery of melanized organisms in high radiation environments, the space stations, Antarctic mountains, and in the reactor cooling water combined with phenomenon of 'radiotropism' raises the tantalizing possibility that melanins have functions analogous to other energy harvesting pigments such as chlorophylls.
Overview
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This review argues that melanized fungi can not only survive ionizing radiation but in some cases respond to it with directed growth or faster growth, possibly through melanin-mediated energy transduction and radioprotection. It synthesizes environmental, space, and laboratory evidence and proposes mechanisms while noting methodological caveats in some radiotropism studies.
Key findings
- Melanized fungi occupy extreme radiation environments, including Chernobyl reactor surfaces and cooling water, Antarctic/Arctic sites, and spacecraft. In Israel’s “Evolution Canyon,” the south-facing slope receives 200–800% more solar radiation, and *Aspergillus niger* there contains three times more melanin; isolates from that slope grew faster after exposure to up to 4,000 Gy of ⁶⁰Co radiation than north-slope isolates.
- Chernobyl-associated fungi showed “radiotropism”: across 27 fungus–radiation interactions, 18 (66.7%) displayed positive growth toward the radiation source, with significant directed growth to a ¹⁰⁹Cd source for several isolates. Later work reported radiation-promoted spore germination, or “radiostimulation,” and a “radioadaptive response” only for fungi from contaminated regions, though the authors note possible technical limitations.
- Irradiation changed melanin’s electron spin resonance signal, and irradiated melanin showed a fourfold greater capacity to reduce NADH. Melanized *Cryptococcus neoformans*, *Wangiella dermatitidis*, and *Cladosporium sphaerospermum* showed increased metabolic activity or growth after radiation about 500 times background, including threefold greater ¹⁴C-acetate incorporation; melanin’s protective effects were attributed to free-radical quenching and its spherical arrangement.
- Yeast studies linked radiation responses to cell-cycle, DNA-processing, repair, recombination, and stress genes. A microhomology-mediated recombination pathway induced by 50 Gy gamma-rays in *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* was proposed as a possible route to adaptive evolution, but the authors consider it unlikely to explain rapid growth effects in irradiated melanized fungi.
Methods
- Narrative review synthesizing published studies on fungi in high-radiation environments, spacecraft, melanin–radiation interactions, and genetic responses to radiation; no new primary experiments are reported.
- Evidence discussed includes Chernobyl isolates, ⁶⁰Co exposures up to 4,000 Gy, collimated ³²P and ¹⁰⁹Cd beams, ¹²¹Sn and ¹³⁷Cs sources, International Space Station surveys, a 7-month open-space exposure, melanin ESR/HPLC assays, XTT/MTT metabolic assays, CFU/dry-weight/¹⁴C-acetate measurements, and yeast microarray and recombination studies.
- Main analysis is qualitative synthesis and hypothesis generation rather than systematic review or meta-analysis.
Limitations
- Stated by the authors: later radiotropism/radiostimulation studies used radioactive sources roughly 1,000-fold less active than earlier work, possibly too weak to stimulate hyphal growth; low-energy ¹²¹Sn and ¹³⁷Cs beta particles may have been absorbed by the Petri dish, meaning actual doses could have been overestimated.
- Evident from the text: as a review, it lacks a systematic search strategy, formal quality appraisal, or meta-analysis, and many conclusions depend on cited studies with varied organisms, radiation sources, and endpoints.
- Evident from the text: the proposal that melanin acts like an energy-harvesting pigment analogous to chlorophyll is explicitly speculative and requires future experimental testing.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
14 of 67 cited sources checked · 11 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured
- Findingcitation
Melanized fungal species, including those from the Chernobyl reactor, show enhanced growth when exposed to ionizing radiation.
“Recent data show that melanized fungal species like those from Chernobyl’s reactor respond to ionizing radiation with enhanced growth.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [25] source
- Premisecitation
Aspergillus niger from the south-facing slope contains 3 times more melanin than the same species from the north-facing slope.
“Aspergillus niger which contain 3 times more melanin than the same species from the north-facing slope (10).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [10] source
- Premisecitation
In Evolution Canyon, the south-facing slope receives 200-800% higher solar radiation than the north-facing slope.
“It has two slopes - north facing “European” slope and south-facing “African” slope with the latter receiving 200–800% higher solar radiation than the north slope”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [10] source
- Premisecitation
The south-facing slope of Evolution Canyon is populated by many melanized fungal species such as Aspergillus niger.
“being populated by many species of melanized fungi such Aspergillus niger which contain 3 times more melanin than the same species from the north-facing slope (10).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [10] source
- Premisecitation
Chan et al. showed that a DSB-induced genome-wide MHMR pathway could lead to large-scale genomic rearrangements after a single DSB end invades another genomic location.
“Chan et al. studied MHMR in S. cerevisiae irradiated with 50 Gy gamma-rays (35) and showed that a DSB-induced genome-wide MHMR pathway could lead to large-scale genomic rearrangements after a single DSB end invades another genomic location.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [35] source
- Findingcitation
Irradiated melanin manifested a 4-fold increase in its capacity to reduce NADH relative to non-irradiated melanin.
“Irradiated melanin manifested a 4-fold increase in its capacity to reduce NADH relative to non-irradiated melanin.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [25] source
- Findingcitation
Radiation enhanced the growth of melanized C. sphaerospermum cells under limited nutrient conditions.
“radiation enhanced the growth of melanized C. sphaerospermum cells under limited nutrients conditions.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [25] source
- Findingcitation
Radiation exposure causes upregulation of many key genes.
“Radiation exposure causes upregulation of many key genes, and an inducible microhomology-mediated recombination pathway could be a potential mechanism of adaptive evolution in eukaryotes.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [30] source
- Premisecitation
Many fungi, especially melanized ones, are very radioresistant, with LD10 values approaching or exceeding 1 kGy.
“many fungi, especially melanized ones are very radioresistant, with LD10 values approaching or exceeding 1 kGy (Table 1).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Table 1
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Melanized fungal species are found in reactor cooling pool water.
“melanized fungal species are found in the so-called reactor cooling pool water.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [13]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Fungi, especially melanized ones, are highly radioresistant when subjected to high doses of ionizing radiation under experimental conditions.
“Fungi in general, and especially melanized ones, are highly radioresistant when subjected to high doses of ionizing radiation under experimental conditions (4 – 7).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked - Premisecitation
Melanized fungal species colonize the walls of the damaged reactor at Chernobyl, where they are exposed to a high constant radiation field.
“melanized fungal species colonize the walls of the damaged reactor at Chernobyl where they are exposed to a high constant radiation field (12).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [12] source
- Premisecitation
When species of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Humicola, Oidiodendron, and Staphylotrichum from both slopes were subjected to high doses (up to 4,000 Gy) of 60Co radiation, isolates from the south slope grew at greater rates than isolates from the north slope.
“when species of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Humicola, Oidiodendron, and Staphylotrichum from both slopes were subjected to high doses (up to 4,000 Gy) of 60Co radiation - the isolates from the south slope grew at greater rates than the isolates from the north slope (11).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [11]
- Premisecitation
Some fungi growing around the Chernobyl nuclear accident site had the ability to grow into and decompose hot particles (graphite contaminated with long-lived radionuclides).
“some of the fungi growing in the area around the site of 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident had the ability of growing into and decomposing so called “hot particles” – pieces of graphite from destroyed reactor # 4 which are contaminated with various long-lived radionuclides (15, 16).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [15]
- cites [16]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning
Limitations of the experimental work reported in (18-20) might interfere with the authors' ability to observe radiostimulation for fungi from clean areas as well.
“though the presence of adaptive properties in fungi exposed in the long term to elevated radiation levels are very likely, the limitations of the experimental work reported in (18–20) might interfere with the authors’ ability to observe the radiostimulation for fungi from the clean areas as well.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Interpretationcitation
Both beta and gamma radiation promoted directional growth of fungi from contaminated and clean areas towards the sources of ionizing radiation.
“The authors concluded that both beta and gamma radiation promoted directional growth of fungi from contaminated and clean areas towards the sources of ionizing radiation.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] source
- Premisecitation
Electron-microscopy investigation of Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillum expansum exposed to open space conditions for 7 months revealed many morphological changes, which apparently allowed those fungi to survive.
“The electron-microscopy investigation of Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillum expansum exposed to open space conditions for 7 months revealed many morphological changes, which apparently allowed those fungi to survive.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [24]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Statistically significant directed growth to the 109Cd source of radiation was seen for Penicillium roseopurpureum 147, P. hirsutum 3, and Cladosporium cladosporioides isolates 60 and 10.
“Statistically significant directed growth to the 109Cd source of radiation was seen for Penicillium roseopurpureum 147 (from contaminated Red Forest soil), P. hirsutum 3 (hot particles), Cladosporium cladosporioides isolates 60 and 10 (from the 4th Block reactor room).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] source
- Premisecitation
Bennett et al. found that many genes in S. cerevisiae responsible for resistance to ionizing radiation are responsible for functions such as repair (RAD50, RAD51), recombination (HRP1), chromosome stability (CHL1, CTF4), endocytosis (VID21), ubiquitin degradation (GRR1), transcription (BUR2) and some others.
“Bennett et al. investigated what genes in S. cerevisiae are actually responsible for resistance to ionizing radiation and found that many of these genes were responsible for such important functions such as repair (RAD50, RAD51), recombination (HRP1), chromosome stability (CHL1, CTF4), endocytosis (VID21), ubiquitin degradation (GRR1), transcription (BUR2) and some others (31).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [31] source
- Premisecitation
For both X- and gamma-rays, the down-regulated genes belonged mostly to transcription and protein synthesis, cell cycle and DNA processing, control of cellular organization, cell fate, and C-compound and carbohydrate metabolism categories.
“Likewise, for both type of rays, the down-regulated genes belonged to mostly transcription and protein synthesis, cell cycle and DNA processing, control of cellular organization, cell fate, and C-compound and carbohydrate metabolism categories.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [30] source
- Premisecitation
Analysis of the atmosphere in the Russian orbital station Mir revealed the ubiquitous presence of many microorganisms.
“Analysis of the atmosphere in the Russian orbital station Mir revealed the ubiquitous presence of many microorganisms (21).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [21]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Radiation promoted spore germination in species from contaminated regions, a phenomenon called radiostimulation.
“They observed that radiation promoted spore germination in species from contaminated regions, which they called “radiostimulation”.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [18] source
- cites [19]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
C. sphaerospermum 3176, although isolated from control uncontaminated soil, also showed a positive response to radiation.
“C. sphaerospermum 3176, although isolated from control uncontaminated soil also showed a positive response.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] source
- Interpretationcitation
The survival of U. maydis after exposure to high doses of radiation is a result of levels/actions of proteins involved in DNA repair rather than of the presence of a specialized recombination system such as in D. radiodurans.
“The authors concluded that the survival of U. maydis after exposure to high doses of radiation is a result of levels/actions of proteins involved in DNA repair rather than of the presence of specialized recombination system such as in D. radiodurans”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [32] source
- Premisecitation
Microarray analysis revealed that both X- and gamma-rays up-regulated genes related to cell cycle and DNA processing, cell rescue defense and virulence, protein and cell fate, and metabolism.
“Microarray analysis revealed that both X- and gamma-rays up-regulated genes related to cell cycle and DNA processing, cell rescue defense and virulence, protein and cell fate, and metabolism (Fig. 2).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [30] source
- Interpretationcitation
The biotrophic nature of U. maydis led to the emergence of an efficient DNA repair system.
“the biotrophic nature of U. maydis led to the emergence of an efficient DNA repair system (32).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [32] source
- Probably not a substantial claim. 5
- It may state two separate claims as one. 17
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
InterpretationcitationAn inducible microhomology-mediated recombination pathway could be a potential mechanism of adaptive evolution in eukaryotes.
“an inducible microhomology-mediated recombination pathway could be a potential mechanism of adaptive evolution in eukaryotes.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [35] source
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationDeinococcus radiodurans is considered the most radioresistant microorganism known, with LD10 for some strains approaching 15 kGy.
“Bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans is considered the most radioresistant microorganism known with an LD10 for some strains approaching 15 kGy (14).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [14] source
The Background reports D. radiodurans with D10 ≈ 15 kGy and describes it as a model for studying radiation resistance. It does not establish that it is the most radioresistant microorganism known; the Background also gives D. geothermalis a D10 of approximately 15 kGy. (LLM, conf=0.86)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationMelanized W. dermatitidis and C. neoformans cells exposed to ionizing radiation approximately 500 times higher than background grew significantly faster, as indicated by higher CFUs, more dry weight biomass, and 3-fold greater incorporation of 14C-acetate, than non-irradiated melanized cells or irradiated albino mutants.
“Melanized W. dermatitidis and C. neoformans cells exposed to ionizing radiation approximately 500 times higher than background grew significantly faster as indicated by higher CFUs, more dry weight biomass and 3-fold greater incorporation of 14C-acetate than non-irradiated melanized cells or irradiated albino mutants.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [25] source
Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationIonizing irradiation changed the electron spin resonance (ESR) signal of melanin, consistent with changes in electronic structure.
“ionizing irradiation changed the electron spin resonance (ESR) signal of melanin, consistent with changes in electronic structure (25).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [25] source
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
InterpretationcitationAn inducible MHMR pathway could be a potential mechanism of adaptive evolution in eukaryotes.
“They concluded that inducible MHMR pathway could be a potential mechanism of adaptive evolution in eukaryotes.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [35] source
Probably not a substantial claim.
InterpretationcitationThe observations that melanized fungal cells manifested increased growth relative to non-melanized cells after exposure to ionizing radiation raised the possibility that melanin can function in energy capture and utilization.
“The observations that melanized fungal cells manifested increased growth relative to non-melanized cells after exposure to ionizing radiation raised the intriguing possibility that melanin can function in energy capture and utilization (25).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [25] source
It may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningThese observations might explain the radioadaptive response in fungi described by Zhdanova group, but are an unlikely explanation for the enhanced growth effects of irradiated melanized organisms, which responded within hours.
“These observations might explain the radioadaptive response in fungi described by Zhdanova group (18–20), but are an unlikely explanation for the enhanced growth effects of irradiated melanized organisms, which responded within hours.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 4 sources checked- cites [18] source
- cites [19]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [20] source
- cites [35] source
The Discussion (page unavailable) reports an inducible radiation-related recombination process in yeast and proposes that it could contribute to adaptive evolution under genotoxic stress. It does not examine the radioadaptive response reported by the Zhdanova group or the within-hours growth of irradiated melanized organisms; those comparisons are the citing authors’ interpretation. (LLM, conf=0.83)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationFungi colonize space stations and adapt morphologically to extreme conditions.
“Fungi colonize space stations and adapt morphologically to extreme conditions.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [24]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationWhen melanin 'ghosts' isolated from melanized cells were crushed, they lost much of their radioprotective shielding properties, indicating that the spherical arrangement of melanin particles in the hollow shell contributed to radioprotection.
“When melanin ‘ghosts’ isolated from melanized cells were crushed - they lost much of their radioprotective shielding properties indicating that the spherical arrangement of melanin particles in the hollow shell contributed to radioprotection.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [29] source
It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationNon-melanized C. neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum are highly resistant to radiation, but the presence of melanin further enhanced survival at higher doses.
“Non-melanized C. neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum are highly resistant to radiation but the presence of melanin further enhanced survival at higher doses.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [29] source
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationMelanized fungi inhabit extreme environments including Arctic and Antarctic regions and high-altitude terrains, which have naturally higher radiation levels than lower altitudes.
“Melanized fungi inhabit some remarkably extreme environments on the planet including Arctic and Antarctic regions and high altitude terrains, with the latter habitats being characterized by the naturally occurring higher radiation levels than lower altitudes (9).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [9] source
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationIn later work, radiostimulation was observed only for species from contaminated regions but not for isolates from clean areas, a phenomenon named radioadaptive response.
“Contrary to their previous results (17) they observed the “radiostimulation” only for the species from contaminated regions but not for isolates from the clean areas. They named this phenomenon “radioadaptive response”.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [18] source
- cites [19]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationMelanins have the ability to absorb all types of electromagnetic radiation, which endows them with the capacity for both energy transduction and shielding.
“A remarkable aspect of melanins is their ability to absorb all types of electromagnetic radiation (36) which endows them with the capacity for both energy transduction and shielding.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [36] source
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationSurvey of environmental contamination on board the International Space Station revealed many fungal species on surfaces and in air, with Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Saccharomyces sp. being the most dominant genera among fungi.
“The survey of the environmental contamination on board of the International Space Station (ISS) revealed many fungal species on the surfaces and in the air (Table 2) with Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Saccharomyces sp. being the most dominant genera among fungi.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [22] source
It may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationcitationMelanin protected fungi against ionizing radiation, and its radioprotective properties were a function of its chemical composition, free radical quenching, and spherical spatial arrangement.
“We concluded that melanin protected fungi against ionizing radiation and its radioprotective properties were a function of its chemical composition, free radical quenching and spherical spatial arrangement (29).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [29] source
It may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationnone givenThe activity of the radioactive sources used in the later studies (18-20) was approximately 1,000 lower than used in earlier work (17), which might have been insufficient to promote hyphal growth.
“the activity of the radioactive sources used in the later studies (18–20) was approximately 1,000 lower than used in earlier work (17) which might have been insufficient to promote the hyphal growth.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
InterpretationcitationBeta particles from 137Cs might have been absorbed by the material of the Petri dish, and thus the actual radiation doses could have been overestimated.
“the beta particles from 137Cs might have been absorbed by the material of the Petri dish with the fungi as the collimated beam was coming from beneath and thus have not contributed to the actual radiation doses which could have been overestimated.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedIt may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationThe levels of ionizing radiation that fungi encounter in space stations - approximately 4 cGy per year - are not fungicidal and allow fungi to thrive provided humidity levels are sufficient.
“The levels of ionizing radiation that these fungi encounter in the space stations – approximately 4 cGy per year (23) are not fungicidal (4–7, 13) and allow fungi to thrive provided the humidity levels are sufficient.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 6 sources checked- cites [23]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [4] source
- cites [5] source
- cites [6]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [7]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [13]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationIn 27 responses of interactions between fungal isolates and radiation source, 18 (66.7%) showed positive stimulation of growth towards the radiation source (low mean return angle), and eight showed no response.
“Altogether 27 responses of interactions between fungal isolates and radiation source were investigated. Of these, 18 (66.7%) showed positive stimulation of growth towards the radiation source (low mean return angle), and eight showed no response.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] source
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationIn P. expansum exposed to open space, the polysaccharide capsule and melanin layer were significantly increased compared with control samples, and the numbers of mitochondria and vacuoles were much higher than in controls.
“the polysaccharide capsule and melanin layer in P. expansum were significantly increased in comparison with control samples, as well the numbers of mitochondria and vacuoles in space-exposed fungi were much higher than in controls.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [24]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningMany microorganisms inhabiting the space station - both bacteria and fungi - were found to be pigmented or melanized, which hints at the usefulness of pigments in those cells under extreme conditions.
“many of the microorganisms inhabiting the space station – both bacteria and fungi – were found to be pigmented or melanized, which hints at the usefulness of pigments presence in those cells under the extreme conditions.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Citations
Cites
The physical and chemical properties of eumelanin
Meredith, P., & Sarna, T. (2006) · Pigment Cell Research · doi:10.1111/j.1600-0749.2006.00345.x · Cited by 1,033 · cited 1×
“A remarkable aspect of melanins is their ability to absorb all types of electromagnetic radiation [36] that endows them with the capacity for both energy transduction and shielding.”
BackgroundCold adaptation in Arctic and Antarctic fungi
Robinson, C. H. (2001) · New Phytologist · doi:10.1046/j.1469-8137.2001.00177.x · Cited by 520 · cited 1×
“Fungi inhabiting environments with high radiation levels Melanized fungi inhabit some remarkably extreme environments on the planet including Arctic and Antarctic regions and high altitude terrains, with the latter habitats being characterized by the naturally occurring higher radiation levels than those at lower alti…”
BackgroundDadachova, E., Bryan, R. A., Huang, X., Moadel, T., Schweitzer, A. D., Aisen, P., Nosanchuk, J. D., & Casadevall, A. (2007) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000457 · Cited by 463
Self-citationGenes required for ionizing radiation resistance in yeast
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“cerevisiae are actually responsible for resistance to ionizing radiation and found that many of these genes were responsible for such important functions such as repair (RAD50, RAD51), recombination (HRP1), chromosome stability (CHL1, CTF4), endocytosis (VID21), ubiquitin degradation (GRR1), transcription (BUR2), and…”
BackgroundSurvey of environmental biocontamination on board the International Space Station
Novikova, N., De Boever, P., Poddubko, S., Deshevaya, E., Polikarpov, N., Rakova, N., Coninx, I., & Mergeay, M. (2006) · Research in Microbiology · doi:10.1016/j.resmic.2005.07.010 · Cited by 251
Dadachova, E., Bryan, R. A., Howell, R. C., Schweitzer, A. D., Aisen, P., Nosanchuk, J. D., & Casadevall, A. (2008) · Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research · doi:10.1111/j.1755-148x.2007.00430.x · Cited by 182
Self-citationPrinciples and Practice of Nuclear Medicine
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Fungi and ionizing radiation from radionuclides
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Ionizing radiation attracts soil fungi
Zhdanova, N. N., Tugay, T., Dighton, J., Zheltonozhsky, V., & Mcdermott, P. (2004) · Mycological Research · doi:10.1017/s0953756204000966 · Cited by 133 · cited 3×
“Contrary to their previous results [17] they observed the ‘radiostimulation’ only for the species from contaminated regions but not for isolates from the clean areas.”
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Resistance of some common fungi to gamma irradiation
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Do superchrons occur without any palaeomagnetic warning?
Hulot, G., & Gallet, Y. (2003) · Earth and Planetary Science Letters · doi:10.1016/s0012-821x(03)00130-4 · Cited by 87 · cited 1×
“This period coincides with Earth’s crossing the ‘magnetic zero’ resulting in the loss of its ‘shield’ against cosmic radiation [2].”
BackgroundNonhomologous recombination in human cells
Derbyshire, M. K., Epstein, L. H., Young, C. S. H., Munz, P. L., & Fishel, R. A. (1994) · Molecular and Cellular Biology · doi:10.1128/mcb.14.1.156-169.1994 · Cited by 82 · cited 1×
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Shed Light in the DaRk LineagES of the Fungal Tree of Life—STRES
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“The radioprotective properties of melanin in microorganisms result from a combination of physical shielding and quenching of cytotoxic-free radicals [17–19].”
BackgroundMicrobial cells can cooperate to resist high-level chronic ionizing radiation
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“Several studies have correlated increased conidial melanin content with UV protection in highly irradiated areas, including Chernobyl Power Plant accident sites, the ISS, and “Evolution Canyon” (20–22).”
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“This higher resistance of A. niger to 3 kGy dose may be probably a consequence of its high melanin content, being capable to absorb electromagnetic radiation (Dadachova and Casadevall, 2008).”
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“Dramatic examples of such radiation protection are provided by the reports that melanized microorganisms are colonizing the highly radioactive environment inside the damaged nuclear reactor in Chernobyl, cooling pools in nuclear reactors, and space stations.(2) The mechanism of melanin interaction with ionizing radiat…”
Self-citationWhat are the 100 most cited fungal genera?
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“Highly melanized cell walls and the biosynthesis of mycosporines and mycosporine-like amino acids protect RIF against UV radiation [84,85].”
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“…from radiant energy transduction by melanin, it was also proposed that upregulation of many key genes caused by radiation stimulation and an inducible microhomologymediated recombination pathway could be a potential mechanism of adaptative evolution in eukaryotes (Dadachova and Casadevall 2008).”
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“the stratosphere, in space stations, and inside the damaged nuclear reactor at Chernobyl (reviewed in [10]).”
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“The protective capabilities of melanin against ionizing radiation significantly enhance the survival and growth of fungi in high-radiation environments [36].”
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Melanin‐like Hydrogels Derived from Gallic Macromers
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“dermatitidis—show increased cell growth—division and cell size—when exposed to ionizing radiation [6,7].”
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Self-citationSun Exposure Shapes Functional Grouping of Fungi in Cryptoendolithic Antarctic Communities
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“neoformans showed increased metabolic activity, faster growth, and increased dry weight biomass than irradiated non-melanised cells [119,120].”
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“Such coated fungal cells have an increased resistance to cell death caused by oxidants produced by UV radiation and macrophages (56).”
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“Melanin in melanised fungi can generate electrochemical gradients in response to ionizing radiation [79,80] and possibly UV and visible light [81], although very inefficiently compared to bacteriorhodopsin- or chlorophyll-based systems.”
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Metadata
- Authors
- Dadachova, E., & Casadevall, A.
- Affiliations
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine (US)
- Corresponding author
- Dadachova, Ekaterina
- Casadevall, Arturo
- Venue
- Current Opinion in Microbiology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2008-12
- Volume
- 11
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 525-531
- ISSN
- 1369-5274 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC2677413
- OpenAlex
- W2018461548
- Cited by
- 399
- References
- 42
- Citations by year
- 2026: 21 · 2025: 33 · 2024: 25 · 2023: 24 · 2022: 46 · 2021: 36 · 2020: 39 · 2019: 34 · 2018: 25 · 2017: 24 · 2016: 15 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 19 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 12
- FWCI
- 0.57
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Current Opinion in Microbiology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institutes of Health (5r01ai052733-16, 5r37ai033142-24)
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (AI-033774, R01AI033142, R37-AI033142, AI60507, AI033142, R01-AI052733, R56AI060507, R01AI060507, R01AI033774)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Fungal and yeast genetics research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Effects of Radiation Exposure
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biotechnology › Microbial Metabolism and Applications
- Keywords
- ionizing radiation, fungi, melanin, radiation adaptation, microhomology-mediated recombination, adaptive evolution, gene upregulation
- MeSH terms
- Fungi, Melanins, Radiation, Ionizing
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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
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