1
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Schäfer T, Kramer K, Werten S, Rupp B, Hoffmeister D. Characterization of the Gateway Decarboxylase for Psilocybin Biosynthesis. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200551. [PMID: 36327140 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The l-tryptophan decarboxylase PsiD catalyzes the initial step of the metabolic cascade to psilocybin, the major indoleethylamine natural product of the "magic" mushrooms and a candidate drug against major depressive disorder. Unlike numerous pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent decarboxylases for natural product biosyntheses, PsiD is PLP-independent and resembles type II phosphatidylserine decarboxylases. Here, we report on the in vitro biochemical characterization of Psilocybe cubensis PsiD along with in silico modeling of the PsiD structure. A non-canonical serine protease triad for autocatalytic cleavage of the pro-protein was predicted and experimentally verified by site-directed mutagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Schäfer
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Kristina Kramer
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastiaan Werten
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Schöpfstrasse 41, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard Rupp
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Schöpfstrasse 41, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.,k.-k. Hofkristallamt, 991 Audrey Place, Vista, CA, 92084, USA
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
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2
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Dörner S, Rogge K, Fricke J, Schäfer T, Wurlitzer JM, Gressler M, Pham DNK, Manke DR, Chadeayne AR, Hoffmeister D. Genetic Survey of Psilocybe Natural Products. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200249. [PMID: 35583969 PMCID: PMC9400892 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Psilocybe magic mushrooms are best known for their main natural product, psilocybin, and its dephosphorylated congener, the psychedelic metabolite psilocin. Beyond tryptamines, the secondary metabolome of these fungi is poorly understood. The genomes of five species (P. azurescens, P. cubensis, P. cyanescens, P. mexicana, and P. serbica) were browsed to understand more profoundly common and species-specific metabolic capacities. The genomic analyses revealed a much greater and yet unexplored metabolic diversity than evident from parallel chemical analyses. P. cyanescens and P. mexicana were identified as aeruginascin producers. Lumichrome and verpacamide A were also detected as Psilocybe metabolites. The observations concerning the potential secondary metabolome of this fungal genus support pharmacological and toxicological efforts to find a rational basis for yet elusive phenomena, such as paralytic effects, attributed to consumption of some magic mushrooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Dörner
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Kai Rogge
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Janis Fricke
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Tim Schäfer
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Jacob M. Wurlitzer
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Markus Gressler
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Duyen N. K. Pham
- Department of Chemistry & BiochemistryUniversity of Massachusetts285 Old Westport RoadDartmouthMA02747USA
| | - David R. Manke
- Department of Chemistry & BiochemistryUniversity of Massachusetts285 Old Westport RoadDartmouthMA02747USA
| | | | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
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3
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Huang Y, Valiante V. Chemical Diversity and Biosynthesis of Drimane-Type Sesquiterpenes in the Fungal Kingdom. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200173. [PMID: 35574818 PMCID: PMC9546479 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Drimane-type sesquiterpenes are a class of compounds produced by a wide range of organisms, initially isolated and characterized in plants. Meanwhile, in the past 20-30 years, a large number of novel structures from many divergent fungi have been elucidated. Recently, the biosynthesis of drimane-type sesquiter-penes and their esters has been explained in two filamentous fungi, namely Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus calidoustus, disclosing the basic biosynthetic principles needed to identify similar pathways in the fungal kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection BiologyHans Knöll Institute: Leibniz-Institut fur Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie eV Hans-Knoll-Institut, Biobricks of Microbial Natural Product Syntheses, GERMANY
| | - Vito Valiante
- Leibniz-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie eV Hans-Knöll-Institut, Biobricks of Microbial Natural Product Syntheses, Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 23, 07745, Jena, GERMANY
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4
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Lenz C, Dörner S, Trottmann F, Hertweck C, Sherwood A, Hoffmeister D. Assessment of Bioactivity-Modulating Pseudo-Ring Formation in Psilocin and Related Tryptamines. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200183. [PMID: 35483009 PMCID: PMC9401598 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Psilocybin (1) is the major alkaloid found in psychedelic mushrooms and acts as a prodrug to psilocin (2, 4‐hydroxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine), a potent psychedelic that exerts remarkable alteration of human consciousness. In contrast, the positional isomer bufotenin (7, 5‐hydroxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine) differs significantly in its reported pharmacology. A series of experiments was designed to explore chemical differences between 2 and 7 and specifically to test the hypothesis that the C‐4 hydroxy group of 2 significantly influences the observed physical and chemical properties through pseudo‐ring formation via an intramolecular hydrogen bond (IMHB). NMR spectroscopy, accompanied by quantum chemical calculations, was employed to compare hydrogen bond behavior in 4‐ and 5‐hydroxylated tryptamines. The results provide evidence for a pseudo‐ring in 2 and that sidechain/hydroxyl interactions in 4‐hydroxytryptamines influence their oxidation kinetics. We conclude that the propensity to form IMHBs leads to a higher number of uncharged species that easily cross the blood‐brain barrier, compared to 7 and other 5‐hydroxytryptamines, which cannot form IMHBs. Our work helps understand a fundamental aspect of the pharmacology of 2 and should support efforts to introduce it (via the prodrug 1) as an urgently needed therapeutic against major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudius Lenz
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, GERMANY
| | - Sebastian Dörner
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena: Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, 07745, Jena, GERMANY
| | - Felix Trottmann
- Leibniz-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie eV Hans-Knöll-Institut: Leibniz-Institut fur Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie eV Hans-Knoll-Institut, Biomolecular Chemistry, 07745, Jena, GERMANY
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Leibniz-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie eV Hans-Knöll-Institut: Leibniz-Institut fur Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie eV Hans-Knoll-Institut, Biomolecular Chemistry, GERMANY
| | - Alexander Sherwood
- Usona Institute, Chemistry, 2800 Woods Hollow Road, 53711, Madison, UNITED STATES
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Leibniz-Institut fur Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie eV Hans-Knoll-Institut, Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Kn�ll-Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, GERMANY
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5
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Lenz C, Dörner S, Sherwood A, Hoffmeister D. Structure Elucidation and Spectroscopic Analysis of Chromophores Produced by Oxidative Psilocin Dimerization. Chemistry 2021; 27:12166-12171. [PMID: 34062028 PMCID: PMC8457229 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202101382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Psilocin (1) is the dephosphorylated and psychotropic metabolite of the mushroom natural product psilocybin. Oxidation of the phenolic hydroxy group at the C-4 position of 1 results in formation of oligomeric indoloquinoid chromophores responsible for the iconic blueing of bruised psilocybin-producing mushrooms. Based on previous NMR experiments, the hypothesis included that the 5,5'-coupled quinone dimer of 1 was the primary product responsible for the blue color. To test this hypothesis, ring-methylated 1 derivatives were synthesized to provide stable analogs of 1 dimers that could be completely characterized. The chemically oxidized derivatives were spectroscopically analyzed and compared to computationally derived absorbance spectra. Experimental evidence did not support the original hypothesis. Rather, the blue color was shown to stem from the quinoid 7,7'-coupled dimer of 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudius Lenz
- Department Pharmaceutical MicrobiologyHans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Sebastian Dörner
- Department Pharmaceutical MicrobiologyHans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | | | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical MicrobiologyHans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
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6
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Watkins-Dulaney E, Straathof S, Arnold F. Tryptophan Synthase: Biocatalyst Extraordinaire. Chembiochem 2021; 22:5-16. [PMID: 32677310 PMCID: PMC7935429 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan synthase (TrpS) has emerged as a paragon of noncanonical amino acid (ncAA) synthesis and is an ideal biocatalyst for synthetic and biological applications. TrpS catalyzes an irreversible, C-C bond-forming reaction between indole and serine to make l-tryptophan; native TrpS complexes possess fairly broad specificity for indole analogues, but are difficult to engineer to extend substrate scope or to confer other useful properties due to allosteric constraints and their heterodimeric structure. Directed evolution freed the catalytically relevant TrpS β-subunit (TrpB) from allosteric regulation by its TrpA partner and has enabled dramatic expansion of the enzyme's substrate scope. This review examines the long and storied career of TrpS from the perspective of its application in ncAA synthesis and biocatalytic cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Watkins-Dulaney
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, MC 210-41, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Sabine Straathof
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, MC 210-41, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Frances Arnold
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, MC 210-41, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, MC 210-41, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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7
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Lenz C, Sherwood A, Kargbo R, Hoffmeister D. Taking Different Roads: l-Tryptophan as the Origin of Psilocybe Natural Products. Chempluschem 2020; 86:28-35. [PMID: 33237633 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Psychotropic fungi of the genus Psilocybe, colloquially referred to as "magic mushrooms", are best known for their l-tryptophan-derived major natural product, psilocybin. Yet, recent research has revealed a more diverse secondary metabolism that originates from this amino acid. In this minireview, the focus is laid on l-tryptophan and the various Psilocybe natural products and their metabolic routes are highlighted. Psilocybin and its congeners, the heterogeneous blue-colored psilocyl oligomers, alongside β-carbolines and N,N-dimethyl-l-tryptophan, are presented as well as current knowledge on their biosynthesis is provided. The multidisciplinary character of natural product research is demonstrated, and pharmacological, medicinal, ecological, biochemical, and evolutionary aspects are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudius Lenz
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Robert Kargbo
- The Usona Institute, 2800 Woods Hollow Road, Madison, 53711, WI, USA
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
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8
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Obermaier S, Müller M. Ibotenic Acid Biosynthesis in the Fly Agaric Is Initiated by Glutamate Hydroxylation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:12432-12435. [PMID: 32233056 PMCID: PMC7383597 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202001870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The fly agaric, Amanita muscaria, is widely known for its content of the psychoactive metabolites ibotenic acid and muscimol. However, their biosynthetic pathway and the respective enzymes are entirely unknown. 50 years ago, the biosynthesis was hypothesized to start with 3-hydroxyglutamate. Here, we build on this hypothesis by the identification and recombinant production of a glutamate hydroxylase from A. muscaria. The hydroxylase gene is surrounded by six further biosynthetic genes, which we link to the production of ibotenic acid and muscimol using recent genomic and transcriptomic data. Our results pinpoint the genetic basis for ibotenic acid formation and thus provide new insights into a decades-old question concerning a centuries-old drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Obermaier
- Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesAlbert-Ludwigs-Universität FreiburgAlbertstrasse 2579104FreiburgGermany
| | - Michael Müller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesAlbert-Ludwigs-Universität FreiburgAlbertstrasse 2579104FreiburgGermany
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9
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Fricke J, Kargbo R, Regestein L, Lenz C, Peschel G, Rosenbaum MA, Sherwood A, Hoffmeister D. Scalable Hybrid Synthetic/Biocatalytic Route to Psilocybin. Chemistry 2020; 26:8281-8285. [PMID: 32101345 PMCID: PMC7383583 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Psilocybin, the principal indole alkaloid of Psilocybe mushrooms, is currently undergoing clinical trials as a medication against treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder. The psilocybin supply for pharmaceutical purposes is met by synthetic chemistry. We replaced the problematic phosphorylation step during synthesis with the mushroom kinase PsiK. This enzyme was biochemically characterized and used to produce one gram of psilocybin from psilocin within 20 minutes. We also describe a pilot-scale protocol for recombinant PsiK that yielded 150 mg enzyme in active and soluble form. Our work consolidates the simplicity of tryptamine chemistry with the specificity and selectivity of enzymatic catalysis and helps provide access to an important drug at potentially reasonable cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Fricke
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Robert Kargbo
- Usona Institute2780 Woods Hollow RoadMadisonWI53711USA
| | - Lars Regestein
- Bio Pilot PlantLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-InstituteBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Claudius Lenz
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Gundela Peschel
- Bio Pilot PlantLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-InstituteBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Miriam A. Rosenbaum
- Bio Pilot PlantLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-InstituteBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | | | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
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10
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Obermaier S, Müller M. Ibotenic Acid Biosynthesis in the Fly Agaric Is Initiated by Glutamate Hydroxylation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202001870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Obermaier
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Albertstrasse 25 79104 Freiburg Germany
| | - Michael Müller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Albertstrasse 25 79104 Freiburg Germany
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11
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Demmler R, Fricke J, Dörner S, Gressler M, Hoffmeister D. S-Adenosyl-l-Methionine Salvage Impacts Psilocybin Formation in "Magic" Mushrooms. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1364-1371. [PMID: 31802575 PMCID: PMC7317531 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Psychotropic Psilocybe mushrooms biosynthesize their principal natural product psilocybin in five steps, among them a phosphotransfer and two methyltransfer reactions, which consume one equivalent of 5'-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and two equivalents of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM). This short but co-substrate-intensive pathway requires nucleoside cofactor salvage to maintain high psilocybin production rates. We characterized the adenosine kinase (AdoK) and S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) hydrolase (SahH) of Psilocybe cubensis. Both enzymes are directly or indirectly involved in regenerating SAM. qRT-PCR expression analysis revealed an induced expression of the genes in the fungal primordia and carpophores. A one-pot in vitro reaction with the N-methyltransferase PsiM of the psilocybin pathway demonstrates a concerted action with SahH to facilitate biosynthesis by removal of accumulating SAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Demmler
- Department Pharmaceutical MicrobiologyHans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Janis Fricke
- Department Pharmaceutical MicrobiologyHans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Sebastian Dörner
- Department Pharmaceutical MicrobiologyHans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Markus Gressler
- Department Pharmaceutical MicrobiologyHans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical MicrobiologyHans-Knöll-InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-UniversitätBeutenbergstrasse 11a07745JenaGermany
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12
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Blei F, Dörner S, Fricke J, Baldeweg F, Trottmann F, Komor A, Meyer F, Hertweck C, Hoffmeister D. Simultaneous Production of Psilocybin and a Cocktail of β-Carboline Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors in "Magic" Mushrooms. Chemistry 2019; 26:729-734. [PMID: 31729089 PMCID: PMC7003923 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201904363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The psychotropic effects of Psilocybe “magic” mushrooms are caused by the l‐tryptophan‐derived alkaloid psilocybin. Despite their significance, the secondary metabolome of these fungi is poorly understood in general. Our analysis of four Psilocybe species identified harmane, harmine, and a range of other l‐tryptophan‐derived β‐carbolines as their natural products, which was confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Stable‐isotope labeling with 13C11‐l‐tryptophan verified the β‐carbolines as biosynthetic products of these fungi. In addition, MALDI‐MS imaging showed that β‐carbolines accumulate toward the hyphal apices. As potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidases, β‐carbolines are neuroactive compounds and interfere with psilocybin degradation. Therefore, our findings represent an unprecedented scenario of natural product pathways that diverge from the same building block and produce dissimilar compounds, yet contribute directly or indirectly to the same pharmacological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Blei
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich Schiller University, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dörner
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich Schiller University, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Janis Fricke
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich Schiller University, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Florian Baldeweg
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich Schiller University, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Felix Trottmann
- Department Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural, Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Anna Komor
- Department Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural, Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Florian Meyer
- Transfer Group Anti-Infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product, Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Department Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural, Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany.,Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich Schiller University, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
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13
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Lenz C, Wick J, Braga D, García-Altares M, Lackner G, Hertweck C, Gressler M, Hoffmeister D. Injury-Triggered Blueing Reactions of Psilocybe "Magic" Mushrooms. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 59:1450-1454. [PMID: 31725937 PMCID: PMC7004109 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201910175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Upon injury, psychotropic psilocybin‐producing mushrooms instantly develop an intense blue color, the chemical basis and mode of formation of which has remained elusive. We report two enzymes from Psilocybe cubensis that carry out a two‐step cascade to prepare psilocybin for oxidative oligomerization that leads to blue products. The phosphatase PsiP removes the 4‐O‐phosphate group to yield psilocin, while PsiL oxidizes its 4‐hydroxy group. The PsiL reaction was monitored by in situ 13C NMR spectroscopy, which indicated that oxidative coupling of psilocyl residues occurs primarily via C‐5. MS and IR spectroscopy indicated the formation of a heterogeneous mixture of preferentially psilocyl 3‐ to 13‐mers and suggest multiple oligomerization routes, depending on oxidative power and substrate concentration. The results also imply that phosphate ester of psilocybin serves a reversible protective function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudius Lenz
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Jonas Wick
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniel Braga
- Synthetic Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Winzerlaer Str. 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - María García-Altares
- Department Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz, Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology -, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Gerald Lackner
- Synthetic Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Winzerlaer Str. 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Department Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz, Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology -, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Markus Gressler
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
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14
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Lenz C, Wick J, Braga D, García‐Altares M, Lackner G, Hertweck C, Gressler M, Hoffmeister D. Injury‐Triggered Blueing Reactions of
Psilocybe
“Magic” Mushrooms. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201910175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudius Lenz
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Beutenbergstr. 11a 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Jonas Wick
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Beutenbergstr. 11a 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Daniel Braga
- Synthetic Microbiology Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans-Knöll-Institute Winzerlaer Str. 2 07745 Jena Germany
| | - María García‐Altares
- Department Biomolecular Chemistry Leibniz, Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology –, Hans-Knöll-Institute Beutenbergstr. 11a 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Gerald Lackner
- Synthetic Microbiology Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans-Knöll-Institute Winzerlaer Str. 2 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Department Biomolecular Chemistry Leibniz, Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology –, Hans-Knöll-Institute Beutenbergstr. 11a 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Markus Gressler
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Beutenbergstr. 11a 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Beutenbergstr. 11a 07745 Jena Germany
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15
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Fricke J, Sherwood A, Kargbo R, Orry A, Blei F, Naschberger A, Rupp B, Hoffmeister D. Enzymatic Route toward 6‐Methylated Baeocystin and Psilocybin. Chembiochem 2019; 20:2824-2829. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janis Fricke
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-Universität Beutenbergstrasse 11a 07745 Jena Germany
| | | | - Robert Kargbo
- The Usona Institute 2800 Woods Hollow Road Madison WI 53711 USA
| | - Andrew Orry
- Molsoft L.L.C. 11199 Sorrento Valley Road San Diego CA 92121 USA
| | - Felix Blei
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-Universität Beutenbergstrasse 11a 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Andreas Naschberger
- Department of Genetic EpidemiologyMedizinische Universität Innsbruck Schöpfstrasse 41 6020 Innsbruck Austria
| | - Bernhard Rupp
- Department of Genetic EpidemiologyMedizinische Universität Innsbruck Schöpfstrasse 41 6020 Innsbruck Austria
- Hofkristallamt 991 Audrey Place Vista CA 92084 USA
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll InstituteFriedrich-Schiller-Universität Beutenbergstrasse 11a 07745 Jena Germany
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16
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McDonald AD, Perkins LJ, Buller AR. Facile in Vitro Biocatalytic Production of Diverse Tryptamines. Chembiochem 2019; 20:1939-1944. [PMID: 30864270 PMCID: PMC6800669 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tryptamines are a medicinally important class of small molecules that serve as precursors to more complex, clinically used indole alkaloid natural products. Typically, tryptamine analogues are prepared from indoles through multistep synthetic routes. In the natural world, the desirable tryptamine synthon is produced in a single step by l-tryptophan decarboxylases (TDCs). However, no TDCs are known to combine high activity and substrate promiscuity, which might enable a practical biocatalytic route to tryptamine analogues. We have now identified the TDC from Ruminococcus gnavus as the first highly active and promiscuous member of this enzyme family. RgnTDC performs up to 96 000 turnovers and readily accommodates tryptophan analogues with substituents at the 4, 5, 6, and 7 positions, as well as alternative heterocycles, thus enabling the facile biocatalytic synthesis of >20 tryptamine analogues. We demonstrate the utility of this enzyme in a two-step biocatalytic sequence with an engineered tryptophan synthase to afford an efficient, cost-effective route to tryptamines from commercially available indole starting materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allwin D McDonald
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Lydia J Perkins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Andrew R Buller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
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17
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Schrey H, Spiteller P. E- and Z-Proxamidines, Unprecedented 1,3-Diazacyclooct-1-ene Alkaloids from Fruiting Bodies of Laccaria proxima. Chemistry 2019; 25:8035-8042. [PMID: 31033066 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201900566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Fruiting bodies of Laccaria proxima were screened for the presence of new secondary metabolites by means of HPLC-UV and LC-HR-(+)-ESIMS. Thus, two isomeric alkaloids with a highly unusual core structure, E-proxamidine and its Z-isomer, were isolated from Laccaria proxima. The proxamidines consist of an eight-membered heterocyclic ring system with a formamidine unit. The structures were established by 2D NMR spectroscopic methods, HR-(+)-ESIMS, and HR-(+)-ESIMS/MS. The proxamidines are probably biosynthetically derived from tryptophan, dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, and S-adenosylmethionine and the eight-membered ring of the proxamidines is likely to be generated by a rearrangement of the tryptophan sceleton. Metabolic profiling of fruiting bodies of some other Laccaria species revealed that the proxamidines appear in significant amounts only in L. proxima making the compounds suitable as chemotaxonomic markers. E-Proxamidine exhibits herbicidal activity against Lepidium sativum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedda Schrey
- Institut für Organische und Analytische Chemie, Universität Bremen, Leobener Straße 7, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Peter Spiteller
- Institut für Organische und Analytische Chemie, Universität Bremen, Leobener Straße 7, 28359, Bremen, Germany
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18
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Fricke J, Lenz C, Wick J, Blei F, Hoffmeister D. Production Options for Psilocybin: Making of the Magic. Chemistry 2018; 25:897-903. [PMID: 30011099 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201802758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The fungal genus Psilocybe and other genera comprise numerous mushroom species that biosynthesize psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine). It represents the prodrug to its dephosphorylated psychotropic analogue, psilocin. The colloquial term "magic mushrooms" for these fungi alludes to their hallucinogenic effects and to their use as recreational drugs. However, clinical trials have recognized psilocybin as a valuable candidate to be developed into a medication against depression and anxiety. We here highlight its recently elucidated biosynthesis, the concurrently developed concept of enzymatic in vitro and heterologous in vivo production, along with previous synthetic routes. The prospect of psilocybin as a promising therapeutic may entail an increased demand, which can be met by biotechnological production. Therefore, we also briefly touch on psilocybin's therapeutic relevance and pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Fricke
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Claudius Lenz
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Jonas Wick
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Felix Blei
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Hans-Knöll-Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
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19
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Blei F, Fricke J, Wick J, Slot JC, Hoffmeister D. Iterative
l
‐Tryptophan Methylation in
Psilocybe
Evolved by Subdomain Duplication. Chembiochem 2018; 19:2160-2166. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Blei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Beutenbergstrasse 11a 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Janis Fricke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Beutenbergstrasse 11a 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Jonas Wick
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Beutenbergstrasse 11a 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Jason C. Slot
- Department of Plant Pathology Ohio State University 2021 Coffey Road Columbus OH 43210 USA
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Beutenbergstrasse 11a 07745 Jena Germany
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20
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Blei F, Baldeweg F, Fricke J, Hoffmeister D. Biocatalytic Production of Psilocybin and Derivatives in Tryptophan Synthase-Enhanced Reactions. Chemistry 2018; 24:10028-10031. [PMID: 29750381 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201801047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is the main alkaloid of the fungal genus Psilocybe, the so-called "magic mushrooms." The pharmaceutical interest in this psychotropic natural product as a future medication to treat depression and anxiety is strongly re-emerging. Here, we present an enhanced enzymatic route of psilocybin production by adding TrpB, the tryptophan synthase of the mushroom Psilocybe cubensis, to the reaction. We capitalized on its substrate flexibility and show psilocybin formation from 4-hydroxyindole and l-serine, which are less cost-intensive substrates, compared to the previous method. Furthermore, we show enzymatic production of 7-phosphoryloxytryptamine (isonorbaeocystin), a non-natural congener of the Psilocybe alkaloid norbaeocystin (4-phosphoryloxytryptamine), and of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) by means of the same in vitro approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Blei
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Florian Baldeweg
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Janis Fricke
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
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