In a breakthrough that bridges the gap between historical botanical mystery and modern pharmaceutical potential, a West Virginia University undergraduate student has identified a long-sought-after fungus that has eluded scientists for decades. Corinne Hazel, an environmental microbiology major and Goldwater Scholar from Delaware, Ohio, discovered the previously undescribed species while conducting research at the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The fungus, which produces compounds similar to those found in the semisynthetic drug LSD, has been formally named Periglandula clandestina.
The discovery occurred under the mentorship of Daniel Panaccione, the Davis-Michael Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences. Hazel’s research was initially focused on the complex symbiotic relationship between morning glory plants and the fungi that reside within them. Specifically, she was investigating how these plants disperse protective chemicals known as "ergot alkaloids" through their root systems. It was during this rigorous examination of plant anatomy that she stumbled upon the organism that would eventually bear a name reflecting its secretive nature.
"We had a ton of plants lying around and they had these tiny little seed coats," Hazel recalled. "We noticed a little bit of fuzz in the seed coat. That was our fungus."
That "little bit of fuzz" turned out to be a significant scientific find. After isolating the organism, the team prepared a DNA sample for genome sequencing, a process made possible by a WVU Davis College Student Enhancement Grant that Hazel had secured to support her research. The resulting genomic data confirmed that the fungus was indeed a new species, and the genetic sequence has now been officially deposited in a recognized gene bank, permanently linking Hazel’s name to the discovery.
For Panaccione, the achievement is a testament to both the student’s dedication and the power of modern genomic tools. "Sequencing a genome is a significant thing," Panaccione said. "It’s amazing for a student."
The discovery settles a scientific inquiry that dates back to the mid-20th century. Morning glory plants are well-known for their symbiotic relationship with fungi that synthesize ergot alkaloids—the same class of chemical compounds that Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, the father of LSD, modified in the late 1930s to create the potent psychedelic drug. Hofmann himself hypothesized that a specific, hidden fungus residing within the morning glory was responsible for producing these alkaloids. However, while researchers could identify the presence of the chemicals, the actual fungal source remained an elusive mystery for generations.
"Morning glories contain high concentrations of similar lysergic acid derivatives that give them their psychedelic activities," Panaccione explained. "This inspired Hofmann and others to investigate morning glories for the presence of a hidden fungus related to the ergot fungus that might be the source of these chemicals. They found very similar chemicals, but they could never find the fungus itself."
The implications of this discovery extend far beyond the classification of a new species. Ergot alkaloids, while biologically significant, are a double-edged sword. Primarily produced by fungi, these compounds can be found in nature on various grains, such as rye, where they have historically caused poisoning in humans and livestock. Yet, when harnessed under controlled conditions, these same alkaloids possess powerful therapeutic properties. They are currently used by clinicians to treat a variety of serious medical conditions, including migraines, dementia, uterine hemorrhaging, and Parkinson’s disease.
The newly identified Periglandula clandestina is notable for its high efficiency in producing these ergot alkaloids. This trait makes it a prime candidate for future research into pharmaceutical development. If scientists can better understand how the fungus synthesizes these chemicals, they may be able to manipulate the process to create more effective treatments or, crucially, bypass the dangerous side effects that often accompany current alkaloid-based medications.
"Many things are toxic," Panaccione noted. "But if you administer them in the right dosage or modify them, they can be useful pharmaceuticals. By studying them, we may be able to figure out ways to bypass the side effects. These are big issues for medicine and agriculture."
The researchers chose the name Periglandula clandestina as a nod to the decades of failed attempts by previous scientists to locate the organism. The term "clandestina" highlights the fungus’s remarkable ability to remain hidden in plain sight, living within the morning glory seeds for years without detection by those who searched for it.
For Panaccione, the collaboration with Hazel represents the ideal academic experience. "I think that’s the perfect name," he said. "And I love that we did this project together. Corinne has a ton of talent. It’s about students recognizing the opportunities, seizing them and having the skill and the brain power to bring this work to fruition."
The findings, recently published in the journal Mycologia, mark a high point in Hazel’s undergraduate career, but her work is far from finished. Currently, Hazel is focused on developing the most effective methods to culture this slow-growing fungus in a laboratory setting. Culturing such specialized, symbiotic organisms is notoriously difficult, and mastering this process is essential for any further investigation into their chemical output.
Furthermore, Hazel is expanding her scope to determine whether other species of morning glory might also host previously unknown fungal symbiotes that contribute to the plant’s alkaloid profile. The discovery of Periglandula clandestina has opened a wide door for further exploration into the hidden world of plant-fungal symbiosis.
Reflecting on the journey from a routine lab observation to a published scientific discovery, Hazel remains humble about her role in the project. "I’m lucky to have stumbled into this opportunity," she said. "People have been looking for this fungus for years, and one day, I look in the right place, and there it is. I’m very proud of the work that I’ve done at WVU."
As research continues, the scientific community will be watching closely to see how the secrets held by Periglandula clandestina might eventually influence the future of drug design. For now, the discovery stands as a powerful reminder of how foundational research, driven by student curiosity and institutional support, can resolve long-standing scientific mysteries and potentially lead to advancements in public health and medicine. The success of the project highlights the importance of fostering an environment where students are empowered to pursue rigorous, high-impact research, transforming "fuzz in a seed coat" into a key that may one day unlock new therapies for complex conditions like depression and addiction.
