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Khan MF, Hof C, Niemcova P, Murphy CD. Biotransformation of fluorinated drugs and xenobiotics by the model fungus Cunninghamella elegans. Methods Enzymol 2024; 696:251-285. [PMID: 38658083 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.12.016] [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] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Some species of the genus Cunninghamella (C. elegans, C. echinulata and C. blaskesleeana) produce the same phase I and phase II metabolites when incubated with xenobiotics as mammals, and thus are considered microbial models of mammalian metabolism. This had made these fungi attractive for metabolism studies with drugs, pesticides and environmental pollutants. As a substantial proportion of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals are fluorinated, their biotransformation has been studied in Cunninghamella fungi and C. elegans in particular. This article details the methods employed for cultivating the fungi in planktonic and biofilm cultures, and extraction and analysis of fluorinated metabolites. Furthermore, protocols for the heterologous expression of Cunninghamella cytochromes P450 (CYPs), which are the enzymes associated with phase I metabolism, are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Faheem Khan
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Carina Hof
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patricie Niemcova
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cormac D Murphy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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2
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Moreno CM, Moreno JN, Valdez MC, Baldwin MP, Vallor AC, Carvalho PB. Fungal-Mediated Biotransformation of the Plant Growth Regulator Forchlorfenuron by Cunninghamella elegans. Metabolites 2024; 14:101. [PMID: 38392993 PMCID: PMC10890479 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The synthetic cytokinin forchlorfenuron (FCF), while seemingly presenting relatively low toxicity for mammalian organisms, has been the subject of renewed scrutiny in the past few years due to its increasing use in fruit crops and potential for bioaccumulation. Despite many toxicological properties of FCF being known, little research has been conducted on the toxicological effects of its secondary metabolites. Given this critical gap in the existing literature, understanding the formation of relevant FCF secondary metabolites and their association with mammalian metabolism is essential. To investigate the formation of FCF metabolites in sufficient quantities for toxicological studies, a panel of four fungi were screened for their ability to catalyze the biotransformation of FCF. Of the organisms screened, Cunninghamella elegans (ATCC 9245), a filamentous fungus, was found to convert FCF to 4-hydroxyphenyl-forchlorfenuron, the major FCF secondary metabolite identified in mammals, after 26 days. Following the optimization of biotransformation conditions using a solid support system, media screening, and inoculation with a solid pre-formed fungal mass of C. elegans, this conversion time was significantly reduced to 7 days-representing a 73% reduction in total reaction time as deduced from the biotransformation products and confirmed by LC-MS, NMR spectroscopic data, as well as a comparison with synthetically prepared metabolites. Our study provides the first report of the metabolism of FCF by C. elegans. These findings suggest that C. elegans can produce FCF secondary metabolites consistent with those produced via mammalian metabolism and could be used as a more efficient, cost-effective, and ethical alternative for producing those metabolites in useful quantities for toxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M Moreno
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | - Jaclyn N Moreno
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | - Matthew C Valdez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | - Melinda P Baldwin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | - Ana C Vallor
- Department of Biology, School of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
| | - Paulo B Carvalho
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
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3
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Corrêa-Junior D, Parente CET, Frases S. Hazards Associated with the Combined Application of Fungicides and Poultry Litter in Agricultural Areas. J Xenobiot 2024; 14:110-134. [PMID: 38249104 PMCID: PMC10801622 DOI: 10.3390/jox14010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the poultry farming industry has assumed a pivotal role in meeting the global demand for affordable animal proteins. While poultry farming makes a substantial contribution to food security and nutrition, it also presents environmental and public health challenges. The use of poultry litter as fertilizer for agricultural soils raises concerns about the transfer of pathogens and drug-resistant microorganisms from poultry farms to crop production areas. On the other hand, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), fungicides represent the second most used chemical group in agricultural practices. In this context, agricultural soils receive the application of both poultry litter as a fertilizer and fungicides used in agricultural production. This practice can result in fungal contamination of the soil and the development of antifungal resistance. This article explores the necessity of monitoring antifungal resistance, particularly in food production areas with co-application of poultry litter and fungicides. It also highlights the role of fungi in ecosystems, decomposition, and mutualistic plant associations. We call for interdisciplinary research to comprehensively understand fungal resistance to fungicides in the environment. This approach seeks to promote sustainability in the realms of human health, agriculture, and the environment, aligning seamlessly with the One Health concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Corrêa-Junior
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21941-902, Brazil;
| | - Cláudio Ernesto Taveira Parente
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho s/n, Bloco G0, Sala 60, Subsolo, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21941-902, Brazil;
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21941-902, Brazil;
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21941-902, Brazil
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4
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Ibrahim ARS, Mansour MK, Ahmed MMA, Ulber R, Zayed A. Metabolism of natural and synthetic bioactive compounds in Cunninghamella fungi and their applications in drug discovery. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106801. [PMID: 37643568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106801] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Investigation of xenobiotic metabolism is a key step for drug discovery. Since the in vivo investigations may be associated with harmful effects attributed to production of toxic metabolites, it is deemed necessary to predict their structure especially at the preliminary clinical studies. Furthermore, the application of microorganisms that are capable of metabolizing drugs mimic human metabolism and consequently may predict possible metabolites. The genus Cunninghamella has been proven to be a potential candidate, which mimics xenobiotic metabolism occurring inside the human body, including phase I and II metabolic reactions. Moreover, biotransformation with Cunninghamella showed chemical diversity, where a lot of products were detected in relation to the initial substrates after being modified by oxidation, hydroxylation, and conjugation reactions. Some of these products are more bioactive than the parent compounds. The current review presents a comprehensive literature overview regarding the Cunninghamella organisms as biocatalysts, which simulate mammalian metabolism of natural secondary and synthetic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel-Rahim S Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Tanta University, Faculty of Pharmacy, El-Geish Street, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Mai K Mansour
- Department of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products, Egyptian Drug Authority, Giza 11553, Egypt
| | - Mohammed M A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, United States; Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, United States
| | - Roland Ulber
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Gottlieb-Daimler-Str. 49, Kaiserslautern 67663, Germany
| | - Ahmed Zayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Tanta University, Faculty of Pharmacy, El-Geish Street, Tanta 31527, Egypt; Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Gottlieb-Daimler-Str. 49, Kaiserslautern 67663, Germany.
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Hof C, Khan MF, Murphy CD. Endogenous production of 2-phenylethanol by Cunninghamella echinulata inhibits biofilm growth of the fungus. Fungal Biol 2023; 127:1384-1388. [PMID: 37993249 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2023.10.001] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Cunninghamella echinulata is a model of mammalian xenobiotic metabolism. Under certain conditions it grows as a biofilm, which is a natural form of immobilisation and enables the fungus to catalyse repeated biotransformations. Putative signalling molecules produced by other Cunninghamella spp., such as 3-hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol, do not affect the biofilm growth of C. echinulata, suggesting that it employs a different molecule to regulate biofilm growth. In this paper we report that 2-phenylethanol is produced in higher concentrations in planktonic cultures of C. echinulata than when the fungus is grown as a biofilm. We demonstrate that exogenously added 2-phenylethanol inhibits biofilm growth of C. echinulata but has no effect on planktonic growth. Furthermore, we show that addition of 2-phenylethanol to established C. echinulata biofilm causes detachment. Therefore, we conclude that this molecule is produced by the fungus to regulate biofilm growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Hof
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Mohd Faheem Khan
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Cormac D Murphy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Khan MF, Hof C, Niemcová P, Murphy CD. Recent advances in fungal xenobiotic metabolism: enzymes and applications. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:296. [PMID: 37658215 PMCID: PMC10474215 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03737-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Fungi have been extensively studied for their capacity to biotransform a wide range of natural and xenobiotic compounds. This versatility is a reflection of the broad substrate specificity of fungal enzymes such as laccases, peroxidases and cytochromes P450, which are involved in these reactions. This review gives an account of recent advances in the understanding of fungal metabolism of drugs and pollutants such as dyes, agrochemicals and per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), and describes the key enzymes involved in xenobiotic biotransformation. The potential of fungi and their enzymes in the bioremediation of polluted environments and in the biocatalytic production of important compounds is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Faheem Khan
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Carina Hof
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Patricie Niemcová
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Cormac D Murphy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Expression of F-actin and β-tubulin genes in free mycelia and robust biofilms of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:2357-2362. [PMID: 34549373 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00611-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphology and growth of the filamentous fungi are influenced by different factors as the culture conditions and the type of fermentative process. The production and secretion of metabolites by these organisms present a direct relationship with their morphology. The organization of the microtubules and actin in the cytoskeleton is determinant for both the fungal growth and morphology. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the expression of the β-tubulin, F-actin, and glucan synthase in the A. niger mycelia obtained from submerged fermentation and biofilm fermentation through qPCR, as well as the analysis of the nucleus distribution in the hypha. Herein, we showed that β-tubulin and the F-actin gene were more expressed in the biofilm condition, while the glucan synthase was in the submerged condition. No significant difference was observed in the nucleus distribution between the mycelia obtained from both the fermentative processes. In conclusion, the different morphologies observed for the mycelia from submerged fermentation and biofilm fermentation might be influenced by the differential modulation of genes that codify cytoskeleton proteins, which seems to be potentially regulated by mechanosensing during fungal contact with solid supports.
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Khan MF, Saleem D, Murphy CD. Regulation of Cunninghamella spp. biofilm growth by tryptophol and tyrosol. Biofilm 2021; 3:100046. [PMID: 33898970 PMCID: PMC8058532 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2021.100046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi belonging to the genus Cunninghamella are often used as microbial models of mammalian metabolism owing to their ability to transform a range of xenobiotic compounds. Furthermore, under specific growth conditions species such as Cunninghamellaelegans and Cunninghamellaechinulata grow as biofilms enabling a convenient semi-continuous production of valuable drug metabolites. However, the molecular mechanism of biofilm regulation is not understood, thus controlling biofilm thickness limits the productive applications of it. In this paper we describe the identification of two molecules, tyrosol and tryptophol, that were identified in C. blakesleeana cultures, but not in C. elegans and C. echinulata. The molecules are known quorum sensing molecules (QSMs) in yeast and their potential role in Cunninghamella biofilm regulation was explored. Both were present in higher concentrations in C. blakesleeana planktonic cultures compared with biofilms; they inhibited the growth of the fungus on agar plates and selectively inhibited biofilm growth in liquid cultures. The molecules had a comparatively minor impact on the biofilm growth of C. elegans and C. echinulata and on the growth of these fungi on agar plates. Finally, when exogenous tyrosol or tryptophol was added to previously grown C. blakesleeana biofilm, detachment was visible and new additional planktonic culture was measured, confirming that these molecules specifically regulate biofilm growth in this fungus. Tyrosol and tryptophol were identified in culture supernatants of Cunninghamella blakesleeana. Concentrations of the compounds were substantially higher in planktonic cultures compared with biofilms. Bioassays revealed that tyrosol and tryptophol inhibited growth of C. blakesleeana on agar plates. Biofilm growth was inhibited by exogenous addition of the compounds whereas planktonic growth was unaffected. The compounds caused detachment of previously grown biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Faheem Khan
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Dua Saleem
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Cormac D Murphy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Khan MF, Murphy CD. 3-Hydroxytyrosol regulates biofilm growth in Cunninghamella elegans. Fungal Biol 2020; 125:211-217. [PMID: 33622537 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to yeast biofilms, those of filamentous fungi are relatively poorly understood, in particular with respect to their regulation. Cunninghamella elegans is a filamentous fungus that is of biotechnological interest as it catabolises drugs and other xenobiotics in an analogous manner to animals; furthermore, it can grow as a biofilm enabling repeated batch biotransformations. Precisely how the fungus switches from planktonic to biofilm growth is unknown and the aim of this study was to shed light on the possible mechanism of biofilm regulation. In dimorphic yeasts, alcohols such as tyrosol and 2-phenylethanol are known to control the yeast-to-hypha switch, and a similar molecule might be involved in regulating biofilm in C. elegans. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of crude ethyl acetate extracts from supernatants of 72 h planktonic and biofilm cultures revealed 3-hydroxytyrosol as a prominent metabolite. Further quantification revealed that the amounts of the compound in planktonic cultures were substantially higher (>10-fold) than in biofilm cultures. In the presence of exogenous 3-hydroxytyrosol the growth of aerial mycelium was inhibited, and there was selective inhibition of biofilm when it was added to culture medium. There was no biotransformation of the compound when it was added to 72 h-old cultures, in contrast to the related compounds tyrosol and 2-phenylethanol, which were oxidised to a number of products. Therefore, we propose that 3-hydroxytyrosol is a new signalling molecule in fungi, which regulates biofilm growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Faheem Khan
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Cormac D Murphy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Steinbrecht S, Kiebist J, König R, Thiessen M, Schmidtke KU, Kammerer S, Küpper JH, Scheibner K. Synthesis of cyclophosphamide metabolites by a peroxygenase from Marasmius rotula for toxicological studies on human cancer cells. AMB Express 2020; 10:128. [PMID: 32683510 PMCID: PMC7368878 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-020-01064-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide (CPA) represents a widely used anti-cancer prodrug that is converted by liver cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes into the primary metabolite 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide (4-OH-CPA), followed by non-enzymatic generation of the bioactive metabolites phosphoramide mustard and acrolein. The use of human drug metabolites as authentic standards to evaluate their toxicity is essential for drug development. However, the chemical synthesis of 4-OH-CPA is complex and leads to only low yields and undesired side products. In past years, fungal unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) have raised to powerful biocatalysts. They can exert the identical selective oxyfunctionalization of organic compounds and drugs as known for CYP enzymes with hydrogen peroxide being used as sole cosubstrate. Herein, we report the efficient enzymatic hydroxylation of CPA using the unspecific peroxygenase from Marasmius rotula (MroUPO) in a simple reaction design. Depending on the conditions used the primary liver metabolite 4-OH-CPA, its tautomer aldophosphamide (APA) and the overoxidized product 4-ketocyclophosphamide (4-keto-CPA) could be obtained. Using a kinetically controlled approach 4-OH-CPA was isolated with a yield of 32% (purity > 97.6%). Two human cancer cell lines (HepG2 and MCF-7) were treated with purified 4-OH-CPA produced by MroUPO (4-OH-CPAUPO). 4-OH-CPAUPO–induced cytotoxicity as measured by a luminescent cell viability assay and its genotoxicity as measured by γH2AX foci formation was not significantly different to the commercially available standard. The high yield of 4-OH-CPAUPO and its biological activity demonstrate that UPOs can be efficiently used to produce CYP-specific drug metabolites for pharmacological assessment.
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Palmer-Brown W, Miranda-CasoLuengo R, Wolfe KH, Byrne KP, Murphy CD. The CYPome of the model xenobiotic-biotransforming fungus Cunninghamella elegans. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9240. [PMID: 31239505 PMCID: PMC6592952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45706-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungus Cunninghamella elegans is recognised as a microbial model of mammalian drug metabolism owing to its ability to catabolise xenobiotic compounds in an analogous fashion to animals. Its ability to produce phase I (oxidative) metabolites of drugs is associated with cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity; however, almost nothing is known about these enzymes in the fungus. In this paper we report the in silico analysis of the genome sequence of C. elegans B9769, which contains 32 genes putatively coding for CYPs. Based on their predicted amino acid sequences these were classified as belonging to CYP509, 5203, 5208, 5313, 5210, 61 and 51 families. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed that the gene coding for CYP5313D1 was significantly upregulated when C. elegans DSM1908 was cultivated in sabouraud dextrose in contrast to its expression in cells grown in Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium. This corresponded to the fungus' xenobiotic biotransformation ability when grown in the two media. Heterologous expression of cyp5313D1 in Pichia pastoris resulted in a recombinant strain that biotransformed flurbiprofen to 4'-hydroxyflurbiprofen, the same metabolite generated by C. elegans cultures. This is the first report of a xenobiotic-biotransforming CYP from this biotechnologically important fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Palmer-Brown
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - Raúl Miranda-CasoLuengo
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - Kenneth H Wolfe
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - Kevin P Byrne
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - Cormac D Murphy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, Ireland.
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12
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Palmer-Brown W, de Melo Souza PL, Murphy CD. Cyhalothrin biodegradation in Cunninghamella elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:1414-1421. [PMID: 30426373 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3689-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The insecticide λ-cyhalothrin was incubated with planktonic and biofilm cultures of the fungus Cunninghamella elegans. 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated that the compound was initially biosorbed to the biomass and more slowly degraded by the fungus. Furthermore, the presence of trifluoromethyl-containing metabolites was observed. Analysis of culture extracts by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified non-fluorinated metabolites that suggested the likely catabolic pathway. The hydroxylated metabolites were probably generated from the action of cytochromes P450 (CYPs), as the presence of CYP inhibitors resulted in the absence of biodegradation. Planktonic cells were measurably faster at degrading the pesticide compared with biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Palmer-Brown
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | | | - Cormac D Murphy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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13
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Yarrowia lipolytica morphological mutant enables lasting in situ immobilization in bioreactor. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:5473-5482. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9006-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Rodil A, Bosisio S, Ayoup MS, Quinn L, Cordes DB, Slawin AMZ, Murphy CD, Michel J, O'Hagan D. Metabolism and hydrophilicity of the polarised 'Janus face' all- cis tetrafluorocyclohexyl ring, a candidate motif for drug discovery. Chem Sci 2018; 9:3023-3028. [PMID: 29732086 PMCID: PMC5916015 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc00299a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolism and polarity of the all-cis tetra-fluorocyclohexane motif is explored in the context of its potential as a motif for inclusion in drug discovery programmes. Biotransformations of phenyl all-cis tetra-, tri- and di- fluoro cyclohexanes with the human metabolism model organism Cunninghamella elegans illustrates various hydroxylated products, but limited to benzylic hydroxylation for the phenyl all-cis tetrafluorocyclohexyl ring system. Evaluation of the lipophilicities (log P) indicates a significant and progressive increase in polarity with increasing fluorination on the cyclohexane ring system. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that water associates much more closely with the hydrogen face of these Janus face cyclohexyl rings than the fluorine face owing to enhanced hydrogen bonding interactions with the polarised hydrogens and water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rodil
- EaStChem School of Chemistry , University of St Andrews , North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST , UK .
| | - Stefano Bosisio
- EaStChem School of Chemistry , University of Edinburgh , Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Road , Edinburgh , EH9 3FJ , UK .
| | - Mohammed Salah Ayoup
- EaStChem School of Chemistry , University of St Andrews , North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST , UK . .,Department of Chemistry , Faculty of Science , Alexandria University , P.B. 426 Ibrahimia , Egypt
| | - Laura Quinn
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences , University College Dublin , Belfield , Dublin , Ireland .
| | - David B Cordes
- EaStChem School of Chemistry , University of St Andrews , North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST , UK .
| | - Alexandra M Z Slawin
- EaStChem School of Chemistry , University of St Andrews , North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST , UK .
| | - Cormac D Murphy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences , University College Dublin , Belfield , Dublin , Ireland .
| | - Julien Michel
- EaStChem School of Chemistry , University of Edinburgh , Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Road , Edinburgh , EH9 3FJ , UK .
| | - David O'Hagan
- EaStChem School of Chemistry , University of St Andrews , North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST , UK .
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One step N-glycosylation by filamentous fungi biofilm in bioreactor of a new phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor tetrazole. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:3177-3181. [PMID: 27209234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.04.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
An efficient and rapid process for N-glycosylation of 5-(1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-2H-tetrazole-LQFM 021 (1), a new synthetic derivative of pyrazole with phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE-3) inhibitory action, vasorelaxant activity and low toxicity catalyzed by filamentous fungi biofilm in bioreactor was successfully developed. A maximum N-glycosyl yield of 68% was obtained with Cunninghamella echinulata ATCC 9244 biofilm in bioreactor with conditions of 25mgml(-1) of 1 in PDSM medium at 28°C for 96h. After extraction with ethyl acetate, the derivative was identified by Ultrahigh Resolution Mass Spectrometry and (1)H-(13)C HSQC/HMBC.
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16
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Augustina Egbuta M, Mwanza M, Oluranti Babalola O. A Review of the Ubiquity of Ascomycetes Filamentous Fungi in Relation to Their Economic and Medical Importance. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.4236/aim.2016.614103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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17
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Al-Kaidy H, Duwe A, Huster M, Muffler K, Schlegel C, Sieker T, Stadtmüller R, Tippkötter N, Ulber R. Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering - From the First Ullmann's Article to Recent Trends. CHEMBIOENG REVIEWS 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/cben.201500008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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18
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Zune Q, Delepierre A, Gofflot S, Bauwens J, Twizere JC, Punt PJ, Francis F, Toye D, Bawin T, Delvigne F. A fungal biofilm reactor based on metal structured packing improves the quality of a Gla::GFP fusion protein produced by Aspergillus oryzae. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:6241-54. [PMID: 25935344 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6608-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Fungal biofilm is known to promote the excretion of secondary metabolites in accordance with solid-state-related physiological mechanisms. This work is based on the comparative analysis of classical submerged fermentation with a fungal biofilm reactor for the production of a Gla::green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein by Aspergillus oryzae. The biofilm reactor comprises a metal structured packing allowing the attachment of the fungal biomass. Since the production of the target protein is under the control of the promoter glaB, specifically induced in solid-state fermentation, the biofilm mode of culture is expected to enhance the global productivity. Although production of the target protein was enhanced by using the biofilm mode of culture, we also found that fusion protein production is also significant when the submerged mode of culture is used. This result is related to high shear stress leading to biomass autolysis and leakage of intracellular fusion protein into the extracellular medium. Moreover, 2-D gel electrophoresis highlights the preservation of fusion protein integrity produced in biofilm conditions. Two fungal biofilm reactor designs were then investigated further, i.e. with full immersion of the packing or with medium recirculation on the packing, and the scale-up potentialities were evaluated. In this context, it has been shown that full immersion of the metal packing in the liquid medium during cultivation allows for a uniform colonization of the packing by the fungal biomass and leads to a better quality of the fusion protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Zune
- Microbial Processes and Interactions (MiPI), Gembloux ABT (ULg), 2 Passage des Déportés, 5030, Gembloux, Belgium,
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19
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Production of drug metabolites by immobilised Cunninghamella elegans: from screening to scale up. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 42:799-806. [PMID: 25665503 DOI: 10.1007/s10295-015-1594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cunninghamella elegans is a fungus that has been used extensively as a microbial model of mammalian drug metabolism, whilst its potential as a biocatalyst for the preparative production of human drug metabolites has been often proposed, little effort has been made to enable this. Here, we describe a workflow for the application of C. elegans for the production of drug metabolites, starting from well-plate screening assays leading to the preparative production of drug metabolites using fungus immobilised either in alginate or as a biofilm. Using 12- and 96-well plates, the simultaneous screening of several drug biotransformations was achieved. To scale up the biotransformation, both modes of immobilisation enabled semi-continuous production of hydroxylated drug metabolites through repeated addition of drug and rejuvenation of the fungus. It was possible to improve the productivity in the biofilm culture for the production of 4'-hydroxydiclofenac from 1 mg/l h to over 4 mg/l h by reducing the incubation time for biotransformation and the number of rejuvenation steps.
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20
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Simões LC, Simões M, Lima N. Kinetics of biofilm formation by drinking water isolated Penicillium expansum. BIOFOULING 2015; 31:349-362. [PMID: 26010032 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2015.1042873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Current knowledge on drinking water (DW) biofilms has been obtained mainly from studies on bacterial biofilms. Very few reports on filamentous fungi (ff) biofilms are available, although they can contribute to the reduction in DW quality. This study aimed to assess the dynamics of biofilm formation by Penicillium expansum using microtiter plates under static conditions, mimicking water flow behaviour in stagnant regions of drinking water distribution systems. Biofilms were analysed in terms of biomass (crystal violet staining), metabolic activity (resazurin, fluorescein diacetate and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide [MTT]) and morphology (epifluorescence [calcofluor white M2R, FUN-1, FDA and acridine orange] and bright-field microscopies). Biofilm development over time showed the typical sigmoidal curve with noticeable different phases in biofilm formation (induction, exponential, stationary, and sloughing off). The methods used to assess metabolic activity provided similar results. The microscope analysis allowed identification of the involvement of conidia in initial adhesion (4 h), germlings (8 h), initial monolayers (12 h), a monolayer of intertwined hyphae (24 h), mycelial development, hyphal layering and bundling, and development of the mature biofilms (≥48 h). P. expansum grows as a complex, multicellular biofilm in 48 h. The metabolic activity and biomass of the fungal biofilms were shown to increase over time and a correlation between metabolism, biofilm mass and hyphal development was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lúcia Chaves Simões
- a CEB, Centre of Biological Engineering , University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
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21
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Al-Kaidy H, Duwe A, Huster M, Muffler K, Schlegel C, Sieker T, Stadtmüller R, Tippkötter N, Ulber R. Biotechnologie und Bioverfahrenstechnik - Vom ersten Ullmanns Artikel bis hin zu aktuellen Forschungsthemen. CHEM-ING-TECH 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/cite.201400083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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22
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Drug metabolism in microorganisms. Biotechnol Lett 2014; 37:19-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s10529-014-1653-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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23
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Winn M, Casey E, Habimana O, Murphy CD. Characteristics ofStreptomyces griseusbiofilms in continuous flow tubular reactors. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2014; 352:157-64. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Winn
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science; University College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
| | - Eoin Casey
- UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering; University College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
| | - Olivier Habimana
- UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering; University College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
| | - Cormac D. Murphy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science; University College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
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Enhanced biotransformation of fluoranthene by intertidally derived Cunninghamella elegans under biofilm-based and niche-mimicking conditions. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:7922-30. [PMID: 24038685 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02129-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of the investigation were to ascertain if surface attachment of Cunninghamella elegans and niche intertidal conditions provided in a bioreactor influenced biotransformation of fluoranthene by C. elegans. A newly designed polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) conico-cylindrical flask (CCF) holding eight equidistantly spaced rectangular strips mounted radially on a circular disc allowed comparison of fluoranthene biotransformation between CCFs with a hydrophobic surface (PMMA-CCF) and a hydrophilic glass surface (GS-CCF) and a 500-ml Erlenmeyer flask (EF). Fluoranthene biotransformation was higher by 22-fold, biofilm growth was higher by 3-fold, and cytochrome P450 gene expression was higher by 2.1-fold when C. elegans was cultivated with 2% inoculum as biofilm culture in PMMA-CCF compared to planktonic culture in EF. Biotransformation was enhanced by 7-fold with 10% inoculum. The temporal pattern of biofilm progression based on three-channel fluorescence detection by confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated well-developed, stable biofilm with greater colocalization of fluoranthene within extracellular polymeric substances and filaments of the biofilm grown on PMMA in contrast to a glass surface. A bioreactor with discs rotating at 2 revolutions per day affording 6-hourly emersion and immersion mimicked the niche intertidal habitat of C. elegans and supported biofilm formation and transformation of fluoranthene. The amount of transformed metabolite was 3.5-fold, biofilm growth was 3-fold, and cytochrome P450 gene expression was 1.9-fold higher in the process mimicking the intertidal conditions than in a submerged process without disc rotation. In the CCF and reactor, where biofilm formation was comparatively greater, higher concentration of exopolysaccharides allowed increased mobilization of fluoranthene within the biofilm with consequential higher gene expression leading to enhanced volumetric productivity.
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