The Hidden Potential of South American Cortinarii

South American Nothofagaceae forests harbor unique, endemic tree species, representing the oldest lineages of Nothofagus evolution. The ectomycorrhizal fungi in mutualistic symbiosis with Nothofagus, such as dermocyboid Cortinarius species (C.), are widely under-explored in these areas. However, it is well known that they usually co-evolve with their associated plant partner. Our previous studies demonstrated that the diversity of unknown dermocyboid C. is high there, as reflected in their pigment diversity. The pigments are mainly (pre)Anthraquinones, which are at the same time one of the most promising classes of natural photosensitizer. A systematic study of the photobiological active pigments in dermocyboid C. species will help to unravel the ecological role of such pigments. The aim of the project is to sample and eventually newly describe South American dermocyboid C., to isolate, identify their pigments, and to test the latter for photo-activity. As a base of the project, the taxonomy of endemic dermocyboid Cortinarii is resolved with extensive fieldwork, molecular network analysis of metabolites, and multi-gene phylogeny. Molecular network analysis is used for the first time here as metabolomic-taxonomical tool. Pigment profiles will be created by coupling thin layer chromatography and mass spectrometry using desorption electrospray ionization. (New) pigments will be isolated and their structure elucidated and tested for their biological activity with a focus on targeted light activation.