1
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Babinskas J, Sabotič J, Matijošytė I. Synthesis and application of a phenazine class substrate for high-throughput screening of laccase activity. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:66. [PMID: 38194139 PMCID: PMC10776486 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12958-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Biocatalysis is one of the greatest tools for implementing the 12 principles of Green chemistry. Biocatalysts are bio-based, highly efficient and selective, operate at moderate conditions, and can be reused multiple times. However, the wider application of biocatalysts is plagued by a plethora of drawbacks, such as poor stability at operating conditions, inadequate efficiency of catalytic systems, a small number of commercially available biocatalysts, and a lack of substrates or methods for their discovery and development. In this work, we address the lack of suitable substrates for high-throughput screening of laccase by synthesising and investigating a newly developed phenazine-type substrate - Ferbamine. Investigation of Ferbamine pH and thermal stability indicated that its long-term stability in an aqueous medium is superior to that of commercially available substrates and does not require organic solvents. Ferbamine displayed convincing performance in detecting laccase activity on Ferbamine-agar plates in commercial laccase products and the collection of extracts from wild terrestrial fungi (42 species, 65 extracts), of which 26 species have not been described to have laccase activity prior to this work. Incubation of microorganisms on Ferbamine-agar plates showed its compatibility with live colonies. Ferbamine proved to be an easy-to-use substrate, which could be a great addition to the toolbox of methods for the functional analysis of laccases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justinas Babinskas
- Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Sector of Applied Biocatalysis, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio ave. 7, Vilnius, LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Jerica Sabotič
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Inga Matijošytė
- Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Sector of Applied Biocatalysis, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio ave. 7, Vilnius, LT-10257, Lithuania.
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2
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Zheng S, Ma R, Yang Y, Li G. Psilocybin for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1420601. [PMID: 39050672 PMCID: PMC11266071 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1420601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as a formidable neurodegenerative ailment and a prominent contributor to dementia. The scarcity of available therapies for AD accentuates the exigency for innovative treatment modalities. Psilocybin, a psychoactive alkaloid intrinsic to hallucinogenic mushrooms, has garnered attention within the neuropsychiatric realm due to its established safety and efficacy in treating depression. Nonetheless, its potential as a therapeutic avenue for AD remains largely uncharted. This comprehensive review endeavors to encapsulate the pharmacological effects of psilocybin while elucidating the existing evidence concerning its potential mechanisms contributing to a positive impact on AD. Specifically, the active metabolite of psilocybin, psilocin, elicits its effects through the modulation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2A receptor). This modulation causes heightened neural plasticity, diminished inflammation, and improvements in cognitive functions such as creativity, cognitive flexibility, and emotional facial recognition. Noteworthy is psilocybin's promising role in mitigating anxiety and depression symptoms in AD patients. Acknowledging the attendant adverse reactions, we proffer strategies aimed at tempering or mitigating its hallucinogenic effects. Moreover, we broach the ethical and legal dimensions inherent in psilocybin's exploration for AD treatment. By traversing these avenues, We propose therapeutic potential of psilocybin in the nuanced management of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of General Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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3
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Hudspeth J, Rogge K, Dörner S, Müll M, Hoffmeister D, Rupp B, Werten S. Methyl transfer in psilocybin biosynthesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2709. [PMID: 38548735 PMCID: PMC10978996 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46997-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Psilocybin, the natural hallucinogen produced by Psilocybe ("magic") mushrooms, holds great promise for the treatment of depression and several other mental health conditions. The final step in the psilocybin biosynthetic pathway, dimethylation of the tryptophan-derived intermediate norbaeocystin, is catalysed by PsiM. Here we present atomic resolution (0.9 Å) crystal structures of PsiM trapped at various stages of its reaction cycle, providing detailed insight into the SAM-dependent methylation mechanism. Structural and phylogenetic analyses suggest that PsiM derives from epitranscriptomic N6-methyladenosine writers of the METTL16 family, which is further supported by the observation that bound substrates physicochemically mimic RNA. Inherent limitations of the ancestral monomethyltransferase scaffold hamper the efficiency of psilocybin assembly and leave PsiM incapable of catalysing trimethylation to aeruginascin. The results of our study will support bioengineering efforts aiming to create novel variants of psilocybin with improved therapeutic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Hudspeth
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Kai Rogge
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Research Group Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute of Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dörner
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Research Group Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute of Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Maximilian Müll
- Research Group Biosynthetic Design of Natural Products, Leibniz Institute of Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Research Group Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute of Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Rupp
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- k.-k. Hofkristallamt, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sebastiaan Werten
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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4
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Raithatha S, Hagel JM, Matinkhoo K, Yu L, Press D, Cook SG, Sharma G, Dhananjaya D, Jensen G, Lee JB, Cai C, Gallant J, Bains J, Tucker JE, Facchini PJ. Novel Psilocin Prodrugs with Altered Pharmacological Properties as Candidate Therapies for Treatment-Resistant Anxiety Disorders. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1024-1043. [PMID: 37983270 PMCID: PMC10823477 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The psychedelic prodrug psilocybin has shown therapeutic benefits for the treatment of numerous psychiatric conditions. Despite positive clinical end points targeting depression and anxiety, concerns regarding the duration of the psychedelic experience produced by psilocybin, associated with enduring systemic exposure to the active metabolite psilocin, pose a barrier to its therapeutic application. Our objective was to create a novel prodrug of psilocin with similar therapeutic benefits but a reduced duration of psychedelic effects compared with psilocybin. Here, we report the synthesis and functional screening of 28 new chemical entities. Our strategy was to introduce a diversity of cleavable groups at the 4-hydroxy position of the core indole moiety to modulate metabolic processing. We identified several novel prodrugs of psilocin with altered pharmacokinetic profiles and reduced pharmacological exposure compared with psilocybin. These candidate prodrugs have the potential to maintain the long-term benefits of psilocybin therapy while attenuating the duration of psychedelic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jillian M. Hagel
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Kaveh Matinkhoo
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Lisa Yu
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - David Press
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Sarah G. Cook
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Govinda Sharma
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - D. Dhananjaya
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Glynnis Jensen
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Jessica B. Lee
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Charlie Cai
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Jonathan Gallant
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Jaideep Bains
- Hotchkiss
Brain Institute and Department of Physiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Joseph E. Tucker
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Peter J. Facchini
- Enveric
Biosciences, Inc., 3655
36 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1Y8, Canada
- Department
of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
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5
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Bradshaw AJ, Ramírez-Cruz V, Awan AR, Furci G, Guzmán-Dávalos L, Dentinger BTM. Phylogenomics of the psychoactive mushroom genus Psilocybe and evolution of the psilocybin biosynthetic gene cluster. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2311245121. [PMID: 38194448 PMCID: PMC10801892 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311245121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychoactive mushrooms in the genus Psilocybe have immense cultural value and have been used for centuries in Mesoamerica. Despite the recent surge of interest in these mushrooms due to the psychotherapeutic potential of their natural alkaloid psilocybin, their phylogeny and taxonomy remain substantially incomplete. Moreover, the recent elucidation of the psilocybin biosynthetic gene cluster is known for only five of ~165 species of Psilocybe, four of which belong to only one of two major clades. We set out to improve the phylogeny of Psilocybe using shotgun sequencing of fungarium specimens, from which we obtained 71 metagenomes including from 23 types, and conducting phylogenomic analysis of 2,983 single-copy gene families to generate a fully supported phylogeny. Molecular clock analysis suggests the stem lineage of Psilocybe arose ~67 mya and diversified ~56 mya. We also show that psilocybin biosynthesis first arose in Psilocybe, with 4 to 5 possible horizontal transfers to other mushrooms between 40 and 9 mya. Moreover, predicted orthologs of the psilocybin biosynthetic genes revealed two distinct gene orders within the biosynthetic gene cluster that corresponds to a deep split within the genus, possibly a signature of two independent acquisitions of the cluster within Psilocybe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Bradshaw
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
- Natural History Museum of Utah, Collections and Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84108
| | - Virginia Ramírez-Cruz
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCYT), Departamento de Botánica y Zoología, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan45147, Mexico
| | - Ali R. Awan
- Genomics Innovation Unit, Guy’s and St.Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, St Thomas’ Hospital, LondonSE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Laura Guzmán-Dávalos
- Departamento de Botánica y Zoología, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan45147, Mexico
| | - Bryn T. M. Dentinger
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
- Natural History Museum of Utah, Collections and Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84108
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6
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Schäfer E, Seibold PS, Bartram S, Trottmann F, Haensch VG, Gressler M, Chadeayne AR, Hertweck C, O'Connor SE, Hoffmeister D. A "Magic Mushroom" Multi-Product Sesquiterpene Synthase. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300511. [PMID: 37614035 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Psilocybe "magic mushrooms" are chemically well understood for their psychotropic tryptamines. However, the diversity of their other specialized metabolites, in particular terpenoids, has largely remained an open question. Yet, knowledge on the natural product background is critical to understand if other compounds modulate the psychotropic pharmacological effects. CubA, the single clade II sesquiterpene synthase of P. cubensis, was heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and characterized in vitro, complemented by in vivo product formation assays in Aspergillus niger as a heterologous host. Extensive GC-MS analyses proved a function as multi-product synthase and, depending on the reaction conditions, cubebol, β-copaene, δ-cadinene, and germacrene D were detected as the major products of CubA. In addition, mature P. cubensis carpophores were analysed chromatographically which led to the detection of β-copaene and δ-cadinene. Enzymes closely related to CubA are encoded in the genomes of various Psilocybe species. Therefore, our results provide insight into the metabolic capacity of the entire genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike Schäfer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Winzerlaer Str. 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Paula S Seibold
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Winzerlaer Str. 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Neugasse 23, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Bartram
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Department Natural Product Biosynthesis, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, 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
| | - Veit G Haensch
- Department Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Markus Gressler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Winzerlaer Str. 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Christian Hertweck
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Neugasse 23, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Department Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Neugasse 23, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Sarah E O'Connor
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Department Natural Product Biosynthesis, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Winzerlaer Str. 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Neugasse 23, 07743, Jena, Germany
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7
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Nagy L, Vonk P, Künzler M, Földi C, Virágh M, Ohm R, Hennicke F, Bálint B, Csernetics Á, Hegedüs B, Hou Z, Liu X, Nan S, Pareek M, Sahu N, Szathmári B, Varga T, Wu H, Yang X, Merényi Z. Lessons on fruiting body morphogenesis from genomes and transcriptomes of Agaricomycetes. Stud Mycol 2023; 104:1-85. [PMID: 37351542 PMCID: PMC10282164 DOI: 10.3114/sim.2022.104.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Fruiting bodies (sporocarps, sporophores or basidiomata) of mushroom-forming fungi (Agaricomycetes) are among the most complex structures produced by fungi. Unlike vegetative hyphae, fruiting bodies grow determinately and follow a genetically encoded developmental program that orchestrates their growth, tissue differentiation and sexual sporulation. In spite of more than a century of research, our understanding of the molecular details of fruiting body morphogenesis is still limited and a general synthesis on the genetics of this complex process is lacking. In this paper, we aim at a comprehensive identification of conserved genes related to fruiting body morphogenesis and distil novel functional hypotheses for functionally poorly characterised ones. As a result of this analysis, we report 921 conserved developmentally expressed gene families, only a few dozens of which have previously been reported to be involved in fruiting body development. Based on literature data, conserved expression patterns and functional annotations, we provide hypotheses on the potential role of these gene families in fruiting body development, yielding the most complete description of molecular processes in fruiting body morphogenesis to date. We discuss genes related to the initiation of fruiting, differentiation, growth, cell surface and cell wall, defence, transcriptional regulation as well as signal transduction. Based on these data we derive a general model of fruiting body development, which includes an early, proliferative phase that is mostly concerned with laying out the mushroom body plan (via cell division and differentiation), and a second phase of growth via cell expansion as well as meiotic events and sporulation. Altogether, our discussions cover 1 480 genes of Coprinopsis cinerea, and their orthologs in Agaricus bisporus, Cyclocybe aegerita, Armillaria ostoyae, Auriculariopsis ampla, Laccaria bicolor, Lentinula edodes, Lentinus tigrinus, Mycena kentingensis, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Schizophyllum commune, providing functional hypotheses for ~10 % of genes in the genomes of these species. Although experimental evidence for the role of these genes will need to be established in the future, our data provide a roadmap for guiding functional analyses of fruiting related genes in the Agaricomycetes. We anticipate that the gene compendium presented here, combined with developments in functional genomics approaches will contribute to uncovering the genetic bases of one of the most spectacular multicellular developmental processes in fungi. Citation: Nagy LG, Vonk PJ, Künzler M, Földi C, Virágh M, Ohm RA, Hennicke F, Bálint B, Csernetics Á, Hegedüs B, Hou Z, Liu XB, Nan S, M. Pareek M, Sahu N, Szathmári B, Varga T, Wu W, Yang X, Merényi Z (2023). Lessons on fruiting body morphogenesis from genomes and transcriptomes of Agaricomycetes. Studies in Mycology 104: 1-85. doi: 10.3114/sim.2022.104.01.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.G. Nagy
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - P.J. Vonk
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - M. Künzler
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - C. Földi
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - M. Virágh
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - R.A. Ohm
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - F. Hennicke
- Project Group Genetics and Genomics of Fungi, Chair Evolution of Plants and Fungi, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany;
| | - B. Bálint
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - Á. Csernetics
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - B. Hegedüs
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - Z. Hou
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - X.B. Liu
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - S. Nan
- Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Hubei Province, PR China
| | - M. Pareek
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - N. Sahu
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - B. Szathmári
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - T. Varga
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - H. Wu
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - X. Yang
- Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Z. Merényi
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
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8
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Strauss D, Ghosh S, Murray Z, Gryzenhout M. Global species diversity and distribution of the psychedelic fungal genus Panaeolus. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16338. [PMID: 37274634 PMCID: PMC10238702 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychedelic fungi have received considerable attention recently due to their promising treatment potential of several psychiatric disorders and medical conditions, both in clinical settings but also as a nutraceutical. Besides research, a growing number of companies are developing capacity to conduct research and clinical trials where these fungi and their products can be used, and to provide these fungi to the public market that are rapidly becoming legal across the world. Whereas Psilocybe species are better known as psychedelic fungi, species in Panaeolus are also reputed to contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin and used recreationally. For the novice, there is no contemporary scientific summary of all the species in this genus that are known to be psychedelic, compared to those that are not. The global distribution and species diversity of these brown to white, often inconspicuous mushrooms are also not summarised, nor is it known to what extent DNA sequence data that are needed for identification have been generated for all of the species in this genus. However, psychedelic Panaeolus species are used and moved across the world. This lack of data makes it difficult to regulate bioexploitation and apply law enforcement of these fungi and the compounds they contain, especially seen in the light of the rapid development of the related markets. The aim of this review is to summarise current scientific data and knowledge on the species biodiversity, geographical distribution, extent of sequence data for identification purposes, and the psychedelic potential of species, based on published results. The review revealed where species are mostly known from, while also indicating areas seriously lacking such biodiversity data. A significant degree of study across the world is still needed to confirm which of these species are truly psychedelic and exactly what compounds they can produce.
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9
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Meyer M, Slot J. The evolution and ecology of psilocybin in nature. Fungal Genet Biol 2023; 167:103812. [PMID: 37210028 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2023.103812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Fungi produce diverse metabolites that can have antimicrobial, antifungal, antifeedant, or psychoactive properties. Among these metabolites are the tryptamine-derived compounds psilocybin, its precursors, and natural derivatives (collectively referred to as psiloids), which have played significant roles in human society and culture. The high allocation of nitrogen to psiloids in mushrooms, along with evidence of convergent evolution and horizontal transfer of psilocybin genes, suggest they provide a selective benefit to some fungi. However, no precise ecological roles of psilocybin have been experimentally determined. The structural and functional similarities of psiloids to serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter in animals, suggest that they may enhance the fitness of fungi through interference with serotonergic processes. However, other ecological mechanisms of psiloids have been proposed. Here, we review the literature pertinent to psilocybin ecology and propose potential adaptive advantages psiloids may confer to fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Meyer
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Environmental Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Jason Slot
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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10
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Plazas E, Faraone N. Indole Alkaloids from Psychoactive Mushrooms: Chemical and Pharmacological Potential as Psychotherapeutic Agents. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020461. [PMID: 36830997 PMCID: PMC9953455 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress represent a substantial long-term challenge for the global health systems because of their rising prevalence, uncertain neuropathology, and lack of effective pharmacological treatments. The approved existing studies constitute a piece of strong evidence whereby psychiatric drugs have shown to have unpleasant side effects and reduction of sustained tolerability, impacting patients' quality of life. Thus, the implementation of innovative strategies and alternative sources of bioactive molecules for the search for neuropsychiatric agents are required to guarantee the success of more effective drug candidates. Psychotherapeutic use of indole alkaloids derived from magic mushrooms has shown great interest and potential as an alternative to the synthetic drugs currently used on the market. The focus on indole alkaloids is linked to their rich history, their use as pharmaceuticals, and their broad range of biological properties, collectively underscoring the indole heterocycle as significant in drug discovery. In this review, we aim to report the physicochemical and pharmacological characteristics of indole alkaloids, particularly those derived from magic mushrooms, highlighting the promising application of such active ingredients as safe and effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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11
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Gotvaldová K, Borovička J, Hájková K, Cihlářová P, Rockefeller A, Kuchař M. Extensive Collection of Psychotropic Mushrooms with Determination of Their Tryptamine Alkaloids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214068. [PMID: 36430546 PMCID: PMC9693126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since not only psilocybin (PSB) but also PSB-containing mushrooms are used for psychedelic therapy and microdosing, it is necessary to know their concentration variability in wild-grown mushrooms. This article aimed to determine the PSB, psilocin (PS), baeocystin (BA), norbaeocystin (NB), and aeruginascin (AE) concentrations in a large sample set of mushrooms belonging to genera previously reported to contain psychotropic tryptamines. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify tryptamine alkaloids in the mushroom samples. Most mushroom collections were documented by fungarium specimens and/or ITS rDNA/LSU/EF1-α sequencing. Concentrations of five tryptamine alkaloids were determined in a large sample set of 226 fruiting bodies of 82 individual collections from seven mushroom genera. For many mushroom species, concentrations of BA, NB, and AE are reported for the first time. The highest PSB/PS concentrations were found in Psilocybe species, but no tryptamines were detected in the P. fuscofulva and P. fimetaria collections. The tryptamine concentrations in mushrooms are extremely variable, representing a problem for mushroom consumers due to the apparent risk of overdose. The varied cocktail of tryptamines in wild mushrooms could influence the medicinal effect compared to therapy with chemically pure PSB, posing a serious problem for data interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Gotvaldová
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha 6—Dejvice, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Borovička
- Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Hlavní 130, 250 68 Husinec-Řež, Czech Republic
- Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Praha 6, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Hájková
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha 6—Dejvice, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Cihlářová
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha 6—Dejvice, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | | | - Martin Kuchař
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha 6—Dejvice, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-220444431
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12
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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] [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
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, GERMANY
| | - Kai Rogge
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, GERMANY
| | - Janis Fricke
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena, Pharmaceutical Microbiologie, GERMANY
| | - Tim Schäfer
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, GERMANY
| | - Jacob M Wurlitzer
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, GERMANY
| | - Markus Gressler
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, GERMANY
| | - Duyen N K Pham
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, UNITED STATES
| | - David R Manke
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 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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13
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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: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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14
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Della-Felice F, de Andrade Bartolomeu A, Pilli RA. The phosphate ester group in secondary metabolites. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:1066-1107. [PMID: 35420073 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00078k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2000 to mid-2021The phosphate ester is a versatile, widespread functional group involved in a plethora of biological activities. Its presence in secondary metabolites, however, is relatively rare compared to other functionalities and thus is part of a rather unexplored chemical space. Herein, the chemistry of secondary metabolites containing the phosphate ester group is discussed. The text emphasizes their structural diversity, biological and pharmacological profiles, and synthetic approaches employed in the phosphorylation step during total synthesis campaigns, covering the literature from 2000 to mid-2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Della-Felice
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), P.O. Box 6154, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Av. Països Catalans 16, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | | | - Ronaldo Aloise Pilli
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), P.O. Box 6154, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Vilca-Melendez S, Uthaug MV, Griffin JL. 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: A Future Approach to the Metabolic Profiling of Psychedelics in Human Biofluids? Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:742856. [PMID: 34966300 PMCID: PMC8710695 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.742856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
While psychedelics may have therapeutic potential for treating mental health disorders such as depression, further research is needed to better understand their biological effects and mechanisms of action when considering the development of future novel therapy approaches. Psychedelic research could potentially benefit from the integration of metabonomics by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy which is an analytical chemistry-based approach that can measure the breakdown of drugs into their metabolites and their metabolic consequences from various biofluids. We have performed a systematic review with the primary aim of exploring published literature where 1H NMR analysed psychedelic substances including psilocin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), LSD derivatives, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and bufotenin. The second aim was to assess the benefits and limitations of 1H NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics as a tool in psychedelic research and the final aim was to explore potential future directions. We found that the most current use of 1H NMR in psychedelic research has been for the structural elucidation and analytical characterisation of psychedelic molecules and that no papers used 1H NMR in the metabolic profiling of biofluids, thus exposing a current research gap and the underuse of 1H NMR. The efficacy of 1H NMR spectroscopy was also compared to mass spectrometry, where both metabonomics techniques have previously shown to be appropriate for biofluid analysis in other applications. Additionally, potential future directions for psychedelic research were identified as real-time NMR, in vivo 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and 1H NMR studies of the gut microbiome. Further psychedelic studies need to be conducted that incorporate the use of 1H NMR spectroscopy in the analysis of metabolites both in the peripheral biofluids and in vivo to determine whether it will be an effective future approach for clinical and naturalistic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvana Vilca-Melendez
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Malin V. Uthaug
- The Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Julian L. Griffin
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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16
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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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17
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Nudelman A. Dimeric Drugs. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2751-2845. [PMID: 34375175 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210810124159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review intends to summarize the structures of an extensive number of symmetrical-dimeric drugs, having two monomers linked via a bridging entity while emphasizing the large versatility of biologically active substances reported to possess dimeric structures. The largest number of classes of these compounds consist of anticancer agents, antibiotics/antimicrobials, and anti-AIDS drugs. Other symmetrical-dimeric drugs include antidiabetics, antidepressants, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, anticholesterolemics, estrogenics, antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors, anti-Parkisonians, laxatives, antiallergy compounds, cannabinoids, etc. Most of the articles reviewed do not compare the activity/potency of the dimers to that of their corresponding monomers. Only in limited cases, various suggestions have been made to justify unexpected higher activity of the dimers vs. the corresponding monomers. These suggestions include statistical effects, the presence of dimeric receptors, binding of a dimer to two receptors simultaneously, and others. It is virtually impossible to predict which dimers will be preferable to their respective monomers, or which linking bridges will lead to the most active compounds. It is expected that the extensive number of articles summarized, and the large variety of substances mentioned, which display various biological activities, should be of interest to many academic and industrial medicinal chemists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Nudelman
- Chemistry Department, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
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18
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Fricke J, Sherwood AM, Halberstadt AL, Kargbo RB, Hoffmeister D. Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of 5-Methylpsilocybin: A Tryptamine with Potential Psychedelic Activity. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:1403-1408. [PMID: 33667102 PMCID: PMC9191645 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
A novel analogue of psilocybin was produced by hybrid chemoenzymatic synthesis in sufficient quantity to enable bioassay. Utilizing purified 4-hydroxytryptamine kinase from Psilocybe cubensis, chemically synthesized 5-methylpsilocin (2) was enzymatically phosphorylated to provide 5-methylpsilocybin (1). The zwitterionic product was isolated from the enzymatic step with high purity utilizing a solvent-antisolvent precipitation approach. Subsequently, 1 was tested for psychedelic-like activity using the mouse head-twitch response assay, which indicated activity that was more potent than the psychedelic dimethyltryptamine, but less potent than that of psilocybin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Fricke
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Adam L Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0804, United States
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California 92161, United States
| | | | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans-Knöll-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
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19
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Patocka J, Wu R, Nepovimova E, Valis M, Wu W, Kuca K. Chemistry and Toxicology of Major Bioactive Substances in Inocybe Mushrooms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042218. [PMID: 33672330 PMCID: PMC7926736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mushroom poisoning has always been a threat to human health. There are a large number of reports about ingestion of poisonous mushrooms every year around the world. It attracts the attention of researchers, especially in the aspects of toxin composition, toxic mechanism and toxin application in poisonous mushroom. Inocybe is a large genus of mushrooms and contains toxic substances including muscarine, psilocybin, psilocin, aeruginascin, lectins and baeocystin. In order to prevent and remedy mushroom poisoning, it is significant to clarify the toxic effects and mechanisms of these bioactive substances. In this review article, we summarize the chemistry, most known toxic effects and mechanisms of major toxic substances in Inocybe mushrooms, especially muscarine, psilocybin and psilocin. Their available toxicity data (different species, different administration routes) published formerly are also summarized. In addition, the treatment and medical application of these toxic substances in Inocybe mushrooms are also discussed. We hope that this review will help understanding of the chemistry and toxicology of Inocybe mushrooms as well as the potential clinical application of its bioactive substances to benefit human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Patocka
- Department of Radiology, Toxicology and Civil Protection, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, University of South Bohemia, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ran Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic;
| | - Martin Valis
- Department of Neurology of the Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic;
| | - Wenda Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic;
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (K.K.); Tel.: +86-152-5185-0173 (W.W.); +420-439-332-509 (K.K.)
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic;
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (K.K.); Tel.: +86-152-5185-0173 (W.W.); +420-439-332-509 (K.K.)
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20
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Gressler M, Löhr NA, Schäfer T, Lawrinowitz S, Seibold PS, Hoffmeister D. Mind the mushroom: natural product biosynthetic genes and enzymes of Basidiomycota. Nat Prod Rep 2021; 38:702-722. [PMID: 33404035 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00077a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to September 2020 Mushroom-forming fungi of the division Basidiomycota have traditionally been recognised as prolific producers of structurally diverse and often bioactive secondary metabolites, using the methods of chemistry for research. Over the past decade, -omics technologies were applied on these fungi, and sophisticated heterologous gene expression platforms emerged, which have boosted research into the genetic and biochemical basis of the biosyntheses. This review provides an overview on experimentally confirmed natural product biosyntheses of basidiomycete polyketides, amino acid-derived products, terpenoids, and volatiles. We also present challenges and solutions particular to natural product research with these fungi. 222 references are cited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Gressler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Nikolai A Löhr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Tim Schäfer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Lawrinowitz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Paula Sophie Seibold
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Hans Knöll Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany.
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21
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Jomori T, Matsuda K, Egami Y, Abe I, Takai A, Wakimoto T. Insights into phosphatase-activated chemical defense in a marine sponge holobiont. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:1600-1607. [PMID: 34977575 PMCID: PMC8637855 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00163a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine sponges often contain potent cytotoxic compounds, which in turn evokes the principle question of how marine sponges avoid self-toxicity. In a marine sponge Discodermia calyx, the highly toxic calyculin A is detoxified by the phosphorylation, which is catalyzed by the phosphotransferase CalQ of a producer symbiont, “Candidatus Entotheonella” sp. Here we show the activating mechanism to dephosphorylate the stored phosphocalyculin A protoxin. The phosphatase specific to phosphocalyculin A is CalL, which is also encoded in the calyculin biosynthetic gene cluster. CalL represents a new clade and unprecedently coordinates the heteronuclear metals Cu and Zn. CalL is localized in the periplasmic space of the sponge symbiont, where it is ready for the on-demand production of calyculin A in response to sponge tissue disruption. The phosphatase that activates calyculin biogenesis in the sponge Discodermia calyx turned out to originate from the bacterial symbiont Entotheonella.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Jomori
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 6, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Kenichi Matsuda
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 6, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- Global Station for Biosurfaces and Drug Discovery, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 6, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yoko Egami
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 6, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Ikuro Abe
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Akira Takai
- Department of Physiology, Asahikawa Medical University, 1-1-1 Midorigaoka Higashi 2 jo, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Wakimoto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 6, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- Global Station for Biosurfaces and Drug Discovery, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 6, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
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22
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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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23
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Kargbo RB, Sherwood A, Walker A, Cozzi NV, Dagger RE, Sable J, O’Hern K, Kaylo K, Patterson T, Tarpley G, Meisenheimer P. Direct Phosphorylation of Psilocin Enables Optimized cGMP Kilogram-Scale Manufacture of Psilocybin. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:16959-16966. [PMID: 32685866 PMCID: PMC7364850 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A second-generation kilogram-scale synthesis of the psychedelic tryptamine psilocybin has been developed. The synthesis was designed to address several challenges first encountered with the scale-up of previously described literature procedures, which were not optimized for providing consistent yield and purity of products, atom economy, or being run in pilot plant-scale reactors. These challenges were addressed and circumvented with the design of the second-generation route, which featured an optimized cGMP large-scale Speeter-Anthony tryptamine synthesis to the intermediate psilocin with improved in-process control and impurity removal over the three steps. Psilocin was subsequently phosphorylated directly with phosphorous oxychloride for the first time, avoiding a tedious and poor atom economy benzyl-protecting group strategy common to all previously described methods for producing psilocybin. In this report, the challenges encountered in a 100 g scale first-generation literature-based synthesis are highlighted, followed by a detailed description of the newly developed second-generation synthesis to provide over one kilogram of high-purity psilocybin under cGMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B. Kargbo
- Usona
Institute, 2800 Woods
Hollow Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Alexander Sherwood
- Usona
Institute, 2800 Woods
Hollow Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Andrew Walker
- Almac
Sciences, 20 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon BT63 5QD, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas V. Cozzi
- Neuropharmacology
Laboratory, University of Wisconsin School
of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Alexander
Shulgin Research Institute, 1483 Shulgin Road, Lafayette, California 94549, United States
| | - Raymond E. Dagger
- Stonehedge
Pharmaceutical Consulting, LLC, 13121 Old Annapolis Road, Mount Airy, Maryland 21771, United States
| | - Jessica Sable
- Promega
Corporation, 2800 Woods
Hollow Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Kelsey O’Hern
- Usona
Institute, 2800 Woods
Hollow Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Kristi Kaylo
- Usona
Institute, 2800 Woods
Hollow Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Tura Patterson
- Usona
Institute, 2800 Woods
Hollow Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Gary Tarpley
- Usona
Institute, 2800 Woods
Hollow Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Poncho Meisenheimer
- Usona
Institute, 2800 Woods
Hollow Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
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24
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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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25
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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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