Research Advances in Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Ecology, and Distribution of the Genus Cladophialophora
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Thitla Tanapol ,   Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Kumla Jaturong ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Khuna Surapong ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Srinuanpan Sirasit ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Hongsanan Sinang ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Shenzhen Key Labolatory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China, Senwanna Chanokned ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Tibpromma Saowaluck ,   Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan 655011, China, Pathom-aree Wasu ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Lumyong Saisamorn ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok 10300, Thailand, Suwannarach Nakarin ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Published: December 2023

The genus Cladophialophora was established in 1980. Prior to this study, a total of 63 species had been validated and assigned to this genus. The members of Cladophialophora have been recognized as human pathogens that cause chromoblastomycosis and various other skin diseases. Beyond its pathogenic role, some members of this genus are associated with a range of lifestyles, as phytopathogens, endophytic fungi, saprobic fungi, rock-inhabiting fungi, and lichenicolous fungi. In this study, we present background information and recent research progress regarding the genus Cladophialophora by elucidating its taxonomic history, species diversity, classification outline, ecology, and geographical distribution. Additionally, the phylogenetic placement of the members of this genus has been updated based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses. Moreover, the issues and perspectives in this genus are summarized. This article provides researchers with valuable information and increases the understanding of Cladophialophora, which will be useful for further research (taxonomy, phylogeny, distribution, diversity, ecological roles and medical fields) in this genus.