First Genome Sequence of the Microcolonial Black Fungus MUM 23.14: Insights into the Unique Genomic Traits of the Family

MUM 23.14 is an extremotolerant microcolonial black fungus, originally isolated from a biodeteriorated limestone artwork in Portugal. This recently introduced species belongs to the family, representing the second member of this monophyletic clade. This fungus exhibits a unique set of characteristics, including xerophily, cold tolerance, high UV radiation tolerance, and an exceptional ability to thrive in NaCl concentrations of up to 30% while also enduring pH levels ranging from 5 to 11. To gain insights into its genomic traits associated with stress resistance mechanisms, specialization, and their potential implications in stone biodeterioration, we conducted a comprehensive genome sequencing and analysis. This draft genome not only marks the first for the genus but also the second for the family. Furthermore, we performed two comparative genomic analyses: one focusing on the closest relative within the family, , and another encompassing the genome of different extremotolerant black fungi. In this study, we successfully achieved high genome completeness for and confirmed its close phylogenetic relationship to . Our findings revealed traits contributing to its extremophilic nature and provided insights into potential mechanisms contributing to stone biodeterioration. Many traits are common to both species and are shared with other black fungi, while numerous unique traits may be attributed to species-specific characteristics.