Deborah L. Narh

All Publications

• Experimental and genomic evidence clarifies the mycorrhizal helper role of a widespread bacterium in Bishop pine forests. The New phytologist Berrios, L., Narh, D. L., Kim, L., Peay, K. G. 2026

  Abstract

  Whether a widespread bacterial strain of Paraburkholderia can enhance the physiological responses of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EcMF) and host Bishop pine seedling growth remains unclear. We developed a 'top-down meets bottom-up' approach that harmonized data from molecular field surveys, experimental forest soil manipulations, statistical interaction models, metabolomics studies, bacterial isolations, controlled growth chamber experiments, and comparative genomics analyses to test the direction and strength of Paraburkholderia-EcMF interactions on host seedling physiology and identify potential mechanisms that support these tripartite interactions. Paraburkholderia sp. D1E increased host root colonization of Suillus pungens - a keystone EcMF taxon for seedling establishment. Paraburkholderia-Suillus co-inoculations also often drove additive seedling growth responses (e.g. biomass and foliar chemistry) and generated nonadditive, positive effects on seedling shoot height. Genomic comparisons identified low chitin and high arabinitol utilization potential as distinguishing features of Paraburkholderia-EcMF symbioses. Our analyses provide experimental evidence, genomic resources, and cross-data validation that highlight potential mechanisms involved in a widespread bacteria-EcMF-tree interaction. Given the diversity of bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere, however, this approach should continue to be applied to other species combinations to generalize interaction mechanisms among bacterial, fungal, and plant partners.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/nph.71554

  View details for PubMedID 42687117

• Equipped for success: genomes and metabolomes of the European Amanita muscaria are conserved in its novel South African range. The New phytologist Nickles, G. R., Stokes, C. K., Narh, D. L., Lynn, K. M., Fuqua, S. R., Bryan, C., Allen, B. M., Bivins, C. P., Woo Bok, J., Brewer, J. S., Buthelezi, S. T., Clark, J. P., Coon, K. L., Corby, L. R., Coetzee, M. P., Dewing, C., Duong, T. A., Harris, M. A., Keller, N. P., Kopotsa, K., Lane, F. A., Nichols, H. L., Nieuwoudt, A., Nuñez, M. A., Medina Munoz, M. E., Park, S. C., Pham, N. Q., Ryan, K. T., Solís, M., Vilgalys, R., Wallace, J. M., Wang, Y. W., Wingfield, B. D., Wingfield, M. J., Worley, T. K., Zallek, T. A., Zamanian, M., Hoeksema, J. D., Drott, M. T., Pringle, A. 2026

  Abstract

  Plants and soils have been moved around the world for centuries, but invasive mushrooms receive scant attention. The Amanita muscaria species complex was introduced to South Africa in the context of forestry, but its origins, ecology and recent evolution are unstudied. We sequenced the genomes of 24 Northern and Southern Hemisphere A. muscaria, built phylogenies and reconstructed its South African history. We identified the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) encoding specialized metabolites (SMs). We subsequently extracted mushrooms' metabolites and used mass spectrometry data to group SMs into unique molecular families (MFs). We tested metabolites for bioactivity against diverse microbes and animals. We identify Europe as the origin of South African A. muscaria. A highly conserved group of BGCs is found in nearly all European and African genomes, and only 13 of 273 MFs are unique to South Africa. Metabolites extracted from all mushrooms kill nematodes, while microbes and flies appear unaffected. The nearly global distribution of the fly agaric results from multiple introductions of a single European clade to the Southern Hemisphere. Despite its long history in South Africa, the fungus has not lost any of its BGCs, suggesting a conservation of function(s) across multiple continents.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/nph.71064

  View details for PubMedID 41820030

• Proteomic and Secretomic Response of an African Armillaria Species to Iron JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH Narh, D. L., Wingfield, B. D., Coetzee, M. P. A. 2026

  Abstract

  Armillaria species have attracted considerable research interest, because they are widely distributed, mostly plant-pathogenic, and exhibit unique characteristics. Abiotic factors influence intra- and interspecies variations in pathogenicity and/or virulence of these fungi. However, the mechanisms involved in causing these variations are not well understood. Iron is an indispensable element in several molecular and biological processes. Yet, excessive abundance of iron can be toxic to organisms due to Fenton-like reactions. This study aimed to gain insights into the type and extent of iron-responsive proteomic and secretomic changes in Armillaria sp. strain CMW4456 cultured in liquid media supplemented with iron using a multiomics approach. Significant iron-dependent alterations of proteins involved in metabolism and growth were observed in the proteomes and secretomes. Iron supplementation at 100 μM did not elicit an oxidative stress response by the fungus. Our analyses revealed three putative siderophore biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in the genome and expression of proteins encoded by some BGC genes in the proteome. This knowledge contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms employed by an Armillaria sp. in response to iron, gives insights into possible modes for inhibiting or attenuating the pathogenicity and/or virulence of Armillaria spp., and can be valorized for more biotechnological applications.

  View details for DOI 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5c00979

  View details for Web of Science ID 001696656300001

  View details for PubMedID 41720578

• Two distinct non-ribosomal peptide synthetase-independent siderophore synthetase gene clusters identified in Armillaria and other species in the Physalacriaceae. G3 (Bethesda, Md.) Narh Mensah, D. L., Wingfield, B. D., Coetzee, M. P. 2023; 13 (12)

  Abstract

  Siderophores are important for ferric iron solubilization, sequestration, transportation, and storage, especially under iron-limiting conditions such as aerobic conditions at high pH. Siderophores are mainly produced by non-ribosomal peptide synthetase-dependent siderophore pathway, non-ribosomal peptide synthetase-independent siderophore synthetase pathway, or the hybrid non-ribosomal peptide synthetases/non-ribosomal peptide synthetases-independent siderophore pathway. Outcompeting or inhibition of plant pathogens, alteration of host defense mechanisms, and alteration of plant-fungal interactions have been associated with fungal siderophores. To understand these mechanisms in fungi, studies have been conducted on siderophore biosynthesis by ascomycetes with limited focus on the basidiomycetes. Armillaria includes several species that are pathogens of woody plants and trees important to agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases-independent siderophore synthetase gene cluster(s) in genomes of Armillaria species using a comparative genomics approach. Iron-dependent growth and siderophore biosynthesis in strains of selected Armillaria spp. were also evaluated in vitro. Two distinct non-ribosomal peptide synthetases-independent siderophore synthetase gene clusters were identified in all the genomes. All non-ribosomal peptide synthetases-independent siderophore synthetase genes identified putatively encode Type A' non-ribosomal peptide synthetases-independent siderophore synthetases, most of which have IucA_IucC and FhuF-like transporter domains at their N- and C-terminals, respectively. The effect of iron on culture growth varied among the strains studied. Bioassays using the CAS assay on selected Armillaria spp. revealed in vitro siderophore biosynthesis by all strains irrespective of added FeCl3 concentration. This study highlights some of the tools that Armillaria species allocate to iron homeostasis. The information generated from this study may in future aid in developing molecular based methods to control these phytopathogens.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/g3journal/jkad205

  View details for PubMedID 37843963

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10700112

• A practical approach to genome assembly and annotation of Basidiomycota using the example of <i>Armillaria</i> BIOTECHNIQUES Mensah, D., Wingfield, B. D., Coetzee, M. P. A. 2023; 75 (3): 115-128

  Abstract

  Technological advancements in genome sequencing, assembly and annotation platforms and algorithms that resulted in several genomic studies have created an opportunity to further our understanding of the biology of phytopathogens, including Armillaria species. Most Armillaria species are facultative necrotrophs that cause root- and stem-rot, usually on woody plants, significantly impacting agriculture and forestry worldwide. Genome sequencing, assembly and annotation in terms of samples used and methods applied in Armillaria genome projects are evaluated in this review. Infographic guidelines and a database of resources to facilitate future Armillaria genome projects were developed. Knowledge gained from genomic studies of Armillaria species is summarized and prospects for further research are provided. This guide can be applied to other diploid and dikaryotic fungal genomics.

  View details for DOI 10.2144/btn-2023-0023

  View details for Web of Science ID 001064049000001

  View details for PubMedID 37681497

• IMA genome-F17 Draft genome sequences of an <i>Armillaria</i> species from Zimbabwe, <i>Ceratocystis colombiana</i>, <i>Elsinoe necatrix</i>, <i>Rosellinia necatrix</i>, two genomes of <i>Sclerotinia minor</i>, short-read genome assemblies and annotations of four <i>Pyrenophora teres</i> isolates from barley grass, and a long-read genome assembly of <i>Cercospora zeina</i> IMA FUNGUS Wingfield, B. D., Berger, D. K., Coetzee, M. P. A., Duong, T. A., Martin, A., Pham, N. Q., van den Berg, N., Wilken, P., Arun-Chinnappa, K., Barnes, I., Buthelezi, S., Dahanayaka, B., Duran, A., Engelbrecht, J., Feurtey, A., Fourie, A., Fourie, G., Hartley, J., Kabwe, E. N. K., Maphosa, M., Mensah, D., Nsibo, D. L., Potgieter, L., Poudel, B., Stukenbrock, E. H., Thomas, C., Vaghefi, N., Welgemoed, T., Wingfield, M. J. 2022; 13 (1): 19

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s43008-022-00104-3

  View details for Web of Science ID 000886200700001

  View details for PubMedID 36411457

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9677705

• Nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene clusters and characteristics of predicted NRPS-dependent siderophore synthetases in <i>Armillaria</i> and other species in the Physalacriaceae CURRENT GENETICS Mensah, D., Wingfield, B. D., Coetzee, M. P. A. 2023; 69 (1): 7-24

  Abstract

  Fungal secondary metabolites are often pathogenicity or virulence factors synthesized by genes contained in secondary metabolite gene clusters (SMGCs). Nonribosomal polypeptide synthetase (NRPS) clusters are SMGCs which produce peptides such as siderophores, the high affinity ferric iron chelating compounds required for iron uptake under aerobic conditions. Armillaria spp. are mostly facultative necrotrophs of woody plants. NRPS-dependent siderophore synthetase (NDSS) clusters of Armillaria spp. and selected Physalacriaceae were investigated using a comparative genomics approach. Siderophore biosynthesis by strains of selected Armillaria spp. was evaluated using CAS and split-CAS assays. At least one NRPS cluster and other clusters were detected in the genomes studied. No correlation was observed between the number and types of SMGCs and reported pathogenicity of the species studied. The genomes contained one NDSS cluster each. All NDSSs were multi-modular with the domain architecture (ATC)3(TC)2. NDSS clusters of the Armillaria spp. showed a high degree of microsynteny. In the genomes of Desarmillaria spp. and Guyanagaster necrorhizus, NDSS clusters were more syntenic with NDSS clusters of Armillaria spp. than to those of the other Physalacriaceae species studied. Three A-domain orthologous groups were identified in the NDSSs, and atypical Stachelhaus codes were predicted for the A3 orthologous group. In vitro biosynthesis of mainly hydroxamate and some catecholate siderophores was observed. Hence, Armillaria spp. generally contain one highly conserved, NDSS cluster although some interspecific variations in the products of these clusters is expected. Results from this study lays the groundwork for future studies to elucidate the molecular biology of fungal phyto-pathogenicity.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00294-022-01256-w

  View details for Web of Science ID 000881905300001

  View details for PubMedID 36369495

• Biochemical characterization and efficacy of <i>Pleurotus</i>, <i>Lentinus</i> and <i>Ganoderma</i> parent and hybrid mushroom strains as biofertilizers of attapulgite for wheat and tomato growth BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY Mensah, D., Duponnois, R., Bourillon, J., Gressent, F., Prin, Y. 2018; 16: 63-72

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bcab.2018.07.021

  View details for Web of Science ID 000450420800010

• Bioprospecting of powdered pineapple rind as an organic supplement of composted sawdust for <i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i> mushroom cultivation FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION Mensah, D., Addo, P., Dzomeku, M., Obodai, M. 2018; 6 (2): 280-286

  Abstract

  Pineapple rind is a by-product of the pineapple processing industry and contains nutrients and other compounds which must be utilized as a bioresource for socio-economic benefits while preventing the potential problems of improper agroindustrial biomass disposal methods. Pleurotus ostreatus is an edible oyster mushroom with medicinal properties and can be cultivated on various agroindustrial biomass, including sawdust containing supplements. Pineapple rind was powdered and used as a supplement of composted sawdust at 2%, 5%, 10%, 12%, 15%, and 20% (w/w) on dry weight basis. A control treatment consisted of composted sawdust supplemented with rice bran at 12% (the most utilized composition in Ghana). P. ostreatus strain EM-1 was cultivated on these treatments. Factors investigated included the spawn run period, yield, fruiting body weight and size, biological efficiency, and nutritional composition (proximate composition and Copper, Zinc and Lead content) of fruiting bodies harvested from selected high-yielding treatments and the control treatment. Full colonization of all treatments occurred by the 34th day of incubation. Enhanced yield, fruiting body weight and size, and biological efficiency were generally recorded with supplementation at lower concentrations (2% and 5%) compared to treatments supplemented at higher concentrations. There was also a supplement concentration-dependent alteration of the nutritional composition of the mushroom. Powdered pineapple rind can be utilized as an organic supplement at relatively low concentrations in composted sawdust for P. ostreatus strain EM-1 cultivation. The use of lower concentrations of powdered pineapple rind in composted sawdust is advantageous as relatively less input will be required to produce higher P. ostreatus strain EM-1 yields. Utilization of pineapple rind for mushroom cultivation will extend the pineapple plant value chain, intensify mushroom production in a sustainable way, and minimize agricultural losses.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/fsn3.551

  View details for Web of Science ID 000427473600005

  View details for PubMedID 29564093

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5849906

• Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Potential of Wild <i>Ganoderma</i> Species from Ghana MOLECULES Obodai, M., Mensah, D., Fernandes, A., Kortei, N., Dzomeku, M., Teegarden, M., Schwartz, S. J., Barros, L., Prempeh, J., Takli, R. K., Ferreira, I. R. 2017; 22 (2)

  Abstract

  The chemical characterization and antioxidant potential of twelve wild strains of Ganoderma sp. from Ghana, nine (LS1-LS9) of which were found growing wild simultaneously on the same dying Delonix regia tree, were evaluated. Parameters evaluated included the nutritional value, composition in sugars, fatty acids, phenolic and other organic compounds and some vitamins and vitamin precursors. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by investigating reducing power, radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition using five in vitro assays. Protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash and energy contents ranged between 15.7-24.5 g/100 g·dw, 73.31-81.90 g/100 g, 0.48-1.40 g/100 g, 0.68-2.12 g/100 g ash and 396.1-402.02 kcal/100 g, respectively. Fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids were relatively abundant. Free sugars included rhamnose, fructose, mannitol, sucrose and trehalose. Total tocopherols, organic acids and phenolic compounds' content ranged between 741-3191 µg/100 g, 77-1003 mg/100 g and 7.6-489 µg/100 g, respectively. There were variations in the β-glucans, ergosterol and vitamin D₂ contents. The three major minerals in decreasing order were K > P > S. Ganoderma sp. strain AM1 showed the highest antioxidant activity. This study reveals, for the first time, chemical characteristics of Ganoderma spp. which grew simultaneously on the same tree.

  View details for DOI 10.3390/molecules22020196

  View details for Web of Science ID 000395552400010

  View details for PubMedID 28125070

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6155870

• Preliminary Shelf Life Studies of <i>In</i>-<i>vitro</i> Antioxidant Potential of Gamma Irradiated Dried Mushrooms (<i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i> Ex. Fries) Kummer in Ghana BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH Kortei, N. K., Odamtten, G. T., Appiah, V., Obodai, M., Mensah, D., Akonor, P. T., Wiafe-Kwagyan, M., Ayim-Akonor, M., Adaboro, R. M. 2016; 9 (2)

  View details for DOI 10.9734/BJPR/2016/16909

  View details for Web of Science ID 000370134700003

• Evaluation of the Chemical and Antioxidant Properties of Wild and Cultivated Mushrooms of Ghana MOLECULES Obodai, M., Ferreira, I. R., Fernandes, A., Barros, L., Mensah, D., Dzomeku, M., Urben, A. F., Prempeh, J., Takli, R. K. 2014; 19 (12): 19532-19548

  Abstract

  Knowledge of the chemical composition of both wild and cultivated edible mushrooms in Ghana is limited. This study reports their nutritional value, composition in lipophilic and hydrophilic molecules, minerals and antioxidant properties. The samples were found to be nutritionally rich in carbohydrates, ranging from 64.14 ± 0.93 g in Pleurotus ostreatus strain EM-1 to 80.17 ± 0.34 g in Lentinus squarosullus strain LSF. The highest level of proteins (28.40 ± 0.86 g) was recorded in the mentioned P. ostreatus strain. Low fat contents were registered in the samples, with Auricularia auricula recording the lowest value. High levels of potassium were also observed with the following decreasing order of elements: K > P ~ Na > Mg > Ca. High levels of antioxidants were also observed, thus making mushrooms suitable to be used as functional foods or nutraceutical sources. Furthermore, this study provides new information regarding chemical properties of mushrooms from Ghana, which is very important for the biodiversity characterization of this country.

  View details for DOI 10.3390/molecules191219532

  View details for Web of Science ID 000346793200015

  View details for PubMedID 25432007

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6271115

• Potato and Mushroom Polyphenol Oxidase Activities Are Differently Modulated by Natural Plant Extracts JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY Kuijpers, T. F. M., van Herk, T., Vincken, J., Janssen, R. H., Narh, D. L., van Berkel, W. J. H., Gruppen, H. 2014; 62 (1): 214-221

  Abstract

  Enzymatic browning is a major quality issue in fruit and vegetable processing and can be counteracted by different natural inhibitors. Often, model systems containing a single polyphenol oxidase (PPO) are used to screen for new inhibitors. To investigate the impact of the source of PPO on the outcome of such screening, this study compared the effect of 60 plant extracts on the activity of PPO from mushroom ( Agaricus bisporus , AbPPO) and PPO from potato ( Solanum tuberosum , StPPO). Some plant extracts had different effects on the two PPOs: an extract that inhibited one PPO could be an activator for the other. As an example of this, the mate ( Ilex paraguariensis ) extract was investigated in more detail. In the presence of mate extract, oxygen consumption by AbPPO was found to be reduced >5-fold compared to a control reaction, whereas that of StPPO was increased >9-fold. RP-UHPLC-MS analysis showed that the mate extract contained a mixture of phenolic compounds and saponins. Upon incubation of mate extract with StPPO, phenolic compounds disappeared completely and saponins remained. Flash chromatography was used to separate saponins and phenolic compounds. It was found that the phenolic fraction was mainly responsible for inhibition of AbPPO and activation of StPPO. Activation of StPPO was probably caused by activation of latent StPPO by chlorogenic acid quinones.

  View details for DOI 10.1021/jf4043375

  View details for Web of Science ID 000329586800027

  View details for PubMedID 24344979