10 results for "phylogenetic tree"
Discovery of the closest free-living relative of the domesticated ‘magic mushroom’ Psilocybe cubensis in Africa
Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences – March 11, 2026
Summary
A significant finding reveals that the psychedelic mushroom Psilocybe cubensis, widely cultivated for recreational and medicinal use, shares a common ancestor with the newly identified species Psilocybe ochraceocentrata. This ancestor existed approximately 1.5 million years ago, predating cattle domestication. Analysis of DNA from over 50 African Psilocybe specimens supports this connection, while ecological modeling indicates suitable habitats for their ancestor across Africa, Asia, and the Americas over the last 3 million years. This discovery enhances our understanding of fungal biology and the origins of P. cubensis.
Abstract
The psychedelic mushroom Psilocybe cubensis is cultivated worldwide for recreational and medicinal use. Described initially from Cuba in 1906, ther...
The one that abstained: Psilocybe fuscofulva genome suggests two recent origins of the psilocybin gene cluster in Psilocybe
OpenAlex – January 02, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound defining the *Psilocybe* genus, surprisingly originated twice. Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies of multiple *Psilocybe* genomes (four newly sequenced) revealed *Psilocybe fuscofulva* (a *Psilocybe sensu stricto* lineage) lacks the psilocybin gene cluster (PGC) and psilocybin. Analyzing 100 gene orthologs across the phylogenetic tree, the PGC emerged independently in two distinct Clades (I and II) around the Miocene epoch. This evolutionary biology suggests horizontal gene transfer, not a most recent common ancestor, drove this lineage's genetics, impacting Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Abstract Production of the psychoactive compound psilocybin is a defining feature of the genus Psilocybe , commonly referred to as “psychedelic mus...
Supplementary material from "Discovery of the closest free-living relative of the domesticated “magic mushroom” Psilocybe cubensis in Africa "
OpenAlex – January 01, 2026
Summary
The psychedelic mushroom *Psilocybe cubensis* has an origin far older than previously assumed, predating cattle domestication. Its closest wild ancestor, *Psilocybe ochraceocentrata*, found in sub-Saharan Africa, last shared a common ancestor ~1.5 million years ago. Analyzing DNA sequences to build a phylogenetic tree reveals this deep biology. Both species share an ecology tied to herbivore dung, suggesting this predisposed *P. cubensis* to its current global geography. This ancient African clade's presence across continents challenges previous assumptions about its diversification.
Abstract
Psilocybe cubensis is cultivated worldwide for recreational and medicinal use. Described initially from Cuba in 1904, there has been substantial de...
Molecular Phylogeny and Morphology Reveal Four New Species of Conocybe (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China
Journal of Fungi – January 07, 2025
Summary
Seven *Conocybe* species, including four new ones, were identified on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, revealing fungi with potential for drug development. Collected over a decade, these *Agaricales* *taxa* contain alkaloids suitable for *chemical synthesis*, offering hope for psychiatric treatments. *Molecular phylogenetics* built a *phylogenetic tree*, confirming these unique *clades* within the *genus*. This enriches *biodiversity* and our understanding of *fungal biology and applications* in extreme *ecology*, marking a new *plateau* of discovery.
Abstract
The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, known for its high altitude, geological history of plate collision, crustal uplift, and special ecology factors, provid...
Unraveling the organellar genomic landscape of the therapeutic and entheogenic plant Mimosa tenuiflora: insights into genetic, structural, and evolutionary dynamics.
Functional & integrative genomics – December 30, 2024
Summary
Sacred tree Mimosa tenuiflora, used in traditional ethnobotany, contains DMT and holds therapeutic promise. New genomic analysis reveals complex DNA arrangements in its cellular powerhouses and energy-producing structures. Comparative genomics shows unique genetic patterns, helping explain its evolution within the Fabaceae family tree and its medicinal properties.
Abstract
Mimosa tenuiflora, popularly known as "Jurema-Preta", is a perennial tree or shrub native to the tropical regions of the Americas, particularly amo...
Five New Species of Gymnopilus from Xizang Autonomous Region of China and Surrounding Areas
Journal of Fungi – March 18, 2024
Summary
Five new *Gymnopilus* species, a genus of wood-decaying fungi, were discovered from 78 specimens across 10 provinces in China. Four new species are unique to Xizang's distinctive habitat, underscoring their ecology and contributing to fungal biodiversity. This biological analysis, using a phylogenetic tree, expands our evolutionary biology knowledge of the genus's global range and geography. Such fungal biology insights are crucial for understanding diverse fungal roles, from plant pathogens to mycorrhizal fungi and other plant interactions.
Abstract
The species of Gymnopilus (Hymenogastraceae, Agricales) are commonly recognized as wood-decaying fungi. Certain members of this genus have been ide...
Hypothetical biosynthetic pathways of pharmaceutically potential hallucinogenic metabolites in Myristicaceae, mechanistic convergence and co-evolutionary trends in plants and humans.
Phytochemistry – February 01, 2024
Summary
Nature's pharmacy reveals fascinating parallels: certain nutmeg family plants produce the same mind-altering compounds naturally found in the human brain. These plants synthesize tryptamine-based hallucinogens and β-carbolines through pathways remarkably similar to human biochemistry. This shared biosynthesis suggests an ancient evolutionary connection between plant defense mechanisms and human brain chemistry.
Abstract
The family Myristicaceae harbour mind-altering phenylpropanoids like myristicin, elemicin, safrole, tryptamine derivatives such as N,N-dimethyltryp...
Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Gymnopilus junonius
Mitochondrial DNA Part B – March 04, 2021
Summary
The complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of *Gymnopilus junonius*, a widespread poisonous mushroom, reveals its intricate genetic blueprint. This species, known for psilocybin, possesses a circular mitochondrial genome spanning 161,145 base pairs. Its genetics comprise 15 protein-coding genes, 24 transfer RNA genes, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes, with a GC-content of 31.56%. This detailed genomic information, including RNA components, informed a phylogenetic tree, clarifying evolutionary relationships. Such understanding advances fungal biology and applications, including addressing mushroom poisoning.
Abstract
Gymnopilus junonius, a well-known poisonous mushroom, is distributed worldwide. It contains a hallucinogenic alkaloid psilocybin and several other ...
For_F1000_merged-norm-with-strain-names.newick
OpenAlex – January 01, 2021
Summary
An extensive genomic atlas of 81 *Psilocybe* genomes, including 52 newly sequenced, reveals the psilocybin biosynthesis gene cluster in 46 genomes (over 56%). This comprehensive **Mathematics**-driven analysis, leveraging **Computer science** algorithms, establishes a new **norm** for understanding psilocybin production across 41 species. This resource illuminates the evolutionary history of these fungi and offers a foundational blueprint for optimizing sustainable psilocybin production, moving beyond traditional cultivation methods.
Abstract
Phylogenetic tree described in A whole genome atlas of 81 Psilocybe genomes as a resource for psilocybin productionhttps://f1000research.com/articl...
Phylogenetic and chemical studies in the potential psychotropic species complex of Psilocybe atrobrunnea with taxonomic and nomenclatural notes
Persoonia - Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution of Fungi – November 26, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin and psilocin, potent psychedelic alkaloids, were detected for the first time in the fungus *Psilocybe medullosa*. Investigating five *Psilocybe* species using four molecular markers, phylogenetic analysis reclassified *P. laetissima* into the *Leratiomyces* genus. Intriguingly, *P. atrobrunnea* showed no psilocybin or psilocin, even with tryptamine-rich media, suggesting a lost biosynthesis pathway for these psychedelics. This advances understanding of fungal biology, chemical synthesis of alkaloids, and plant and fungal interactions within the genus.
Abstract
Five Psilocybe species with unresolved systematic position ( P. atrobrunnea , P. laetissima , P. medul- losa , P. pelliculosa , and P. silvatica ) ...