Purification and characterization of a novel protein with activity against non-small-cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo from the edible mushroom Boletus edulis

Lily bulb polyphenol oxidase obtained via an optimized multi-stage separation strategy for structural analysis and browning mechanism elucidation

An optimized multi-stage separation strategy was developed to purify lily bulb polyphenol oxidase (PPO) for revealing its molecular structure. The PPO was purified 14.64-fold with high specific activity of 153,900 U/mg via optimized conditions of phosphate buffer pH (6.5), solid-liquid ratio (1:3), PVPP content (2 %), extraction time (4 h), followed by 30 %-50 % ammonium sulfate, diethylaminoethyl ion-exchange chromatography (0.1 M NaCl), and size exclusion chromatography. The PPO was identified as a dimeric protein with molecular weight of 135 kDa, containing 58.79 % random coil, 20.78 % α-helix, 17.41 % β-folding, and 3.02 % β-corner. The three-dimensional structure via homology modeling suggested that active center CuA bound to His151, His172, and His181, CuB bound to His307, His311, and His341. Furthermore, molecular docking indicated that its Phe337 and Tyr312 residues were catalytic cavity gates of catechol and 4-methylcatechol, respectively. Therefore, this study successfully analyzed purified PPO structure and further provided a theoretical foundation for its browning mechanism.

In vitro and in vivo studies of selenium nanoparticles coated bacterial polysaccharide as anti-lung cancer agents

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) possess valuable biological functions and fascinating physicochemical properties. On the other hand, lung cancer is the primary contributor to global cancer-related deaths. However, health and safety concerns have prevented the identification and approval of any medications, including chemotherapeutic agents, for lung cancer treatment to date. The current study aims to enhance the production of bacterial EPS as a coating agent for the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (AZEPS-SeNPs), to enhance their biological activity against pathogenic microbes, human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) in vitro, and diethyl nitrosamine (DEN)-induced lung cancer in vivo. The synthesized AZEPS-SeNPs exhibited a significant antifungal effect reaching 49.3 mm against Candida albicans. SeNPs and EPSs demonstrated a concentration-dependent synergistic antioxidant effect of 96.8%. Moreover, the synthesized nanoparticles showed a highly potent cytotoxic effect against A549 cells (1.724 ± 0.08 µg/mL) with a therapeutic index of 7.18 ± 0.21 that leads to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. AZEPS-SeNPs demonstrated a proapoptotic effect on the lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line by stimulating caspase 3 and Bax (7.08-fold and 6.505-fold, respectively), inhibiting the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2, and arresting the cell cycle in the S phase. In vivo study revealed that the AZEPS-SeNPs-treated group showed improved histopathological examination of lung tissue sections. The present study concluded the efficiency of the synthesized bacterial EPS-SeNPs as multi-functional antimicrobial, anticancer and antioxidant agent.

Isolation, structures, bioactivities, and applications of the polysaccharides from Boletus spp.: A review

Boletus spp., the edible mushrooms distributed in Europe, Asia, and North America, have been widely used as food and medicinal ingredients worldwide. Bioactive polysaccharides are highly abundant in Boletus spp., as demonstrated by modern phytochemical studies. The isolation, chemical properties, and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Boletus spp. have long been attracted by academics worldwide. However, there is still a lack of systematic tracking of research progress on Boletus polysaccharides (BPs), which is essential for researchers to understand their potential and gain a deeper insight into their functional mechanisms. In this review, we summarized the recent development of BPs, including the extraction and purification methods, physiochemical and structural features, bioactivities and functional mechanisms, the structure-activity relationship, and the potential applications. This review aims to provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the current progress and potential of BPs to assist their further investigations.

The Anticancer Potential of Edible Mushrooms: A Review of Selected Species from Roztocze, Poland

Edible mushrooms are not only a valued culinary ingredient but also have several potential medicinal and industrial applications. They are a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and terpenoids, and thus have the capacity to support human health. Some species have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. We have therefore attempted to summarize the potential properties of the edible mushrooms popular in Poland, in the Roztocze area.

Experimental Models in Unraveling the Biological Mechanisms of Mushroom-Derived Bioactives against Aging- and Lifestyle-Related Diseases: A Review

Mushrooms have garnered considerable interest among researchers due to their immense nutritional and therapeutic properties. The presence of biologically active primary and secondary metabolites, which includes several micronutrients, including vitamins, essential minerals, and other dietary fibers, makes them an excellent functional food. Moreover, the dietary inclusion of mushrooms has been reported to reduce the incidence of aging- and lifestyle-related diseases, such as cancer, obesity, and stroke, as well as to provide overall health benefits by promoting immunomodulation, antioxidant activity, and enhancement of gut microbial flora. The multifunctional activities of several mushroom extracts have been evaluated by both in vitro and in vivo studies using cell lines along with invertebrate and vertebrate model systems to address human diseases and disorders at functional and molecular levels. Although each model has its own strengths as well as lacunas, various studies have generated a plethora of data regarding the regulating players that are modulated in order to provide various protective activities; hence, this review intends to compile and provide an overview of the plausible mechanism of action of mushroom-derived bioactives, which will be helpful in future medicinal explorations.

An anti-tumor protein PFAP specifically interacts with cholesterol-enriched membrane domains of A549 cells and induces paraptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Nowadays, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still one of the most life-threatening diseases in the world. In previous studies, a fungal protein PFAP with anti-NSCLC properties was isolated and identified from Pleurotus ferulae lanzi. In this study, the amino acid sequence of PFAP was analyzed and found to be highly homologous to the aegerolysin family. PFAP, like other members of the aegerolysin family, specifically recognizes lipid raft domains rich in cholesterol and sphingomyelin, which is probably its specific anti-tumor mechanism. Previous studies have shown that PFAP can induce AMPK-mediated autophagy and G1-phase cell cycle arrest in A549 lung cancer cells. This study further revealed that PFAP can also induce paraptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in A549 cells in vitro by targeting AMPK. PFAP induces multi-pathway death of A549 cells, and thus demonstrates its potential value for developing new drugs for NSCLC.

Selenium nanoparticles coated bacterial polysaccharide with potent antimicrobial and anti-lung cancer activities

Bacterial exopolysaccharides are homopolymeric or heteropolymeric polysaccharides with large molecular weights (10-1000 kDa). Exopolysaccharides' functional uses and potential have revolutionized the industrial and medicinal industries. Hence, the aim of the present study was to optimize the production of bacterial exopolysaccharide and apply it as a capping agent for selenium nanoparticles synthesis. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from dairy products then biochemically characterized and assessed for their potential antimicrobial effect. The most potent EPS producer was identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain A2 with accession number OP218384 using 16S rRNA sequencing. Overall, FTIR data of the extracted EPS revealed similarity with amylopectin spectrum. 1H NMR spectrum revealed an α-anomeric configuration of the glycosidic linkage pattern in the polysaccharides while the 13C NMR spectrum can also be separated into two main portions, the anomeric carbons region (δ 98-102 ppm) and the non-anomeric carbons region (δ 60-81 ppm). Antimicrobial activity of the produced EPS showed maximum activity against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans respectively. The EPS capsule layer surrounding the bacterial cells was detected by TEM study. Optimization of EPS production was evaluated using Taguchi design, trial 23 reported the highest biomass yield and EPS output (6.5 and 27.12 g/L respectively) with 2.4 and 3.3 folds increase (from the basal media) respectively. The optimized exopolysaccharide was used as a capping and stabilizing agent for selenium nanoparticles (EPS-SeNPs) synthesis. Zeta potential, size and PDI of the synthesized nanoparticles were - 19.7 mV, 45-65 nm and 0.446 respectively with strong bactericidal and fungicidal effect against the tested pathogens. Complete microbial growth eradication was recorded after 6, 8 and 10 h against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae respectively. EPS-SeNPs showed a potent antioxidant effect reached 97.4% and anticancer effect against A549 lung cancer cell line (IC50 reached 5.324 µg/mL). EPS-SeNPs inhibited cancerous cell growth at S phase. Moreover, molecular studies revealed the anti-apoptotic activity of Bcl2's was inhibited and Bax was activated. The present investigation successfully synthesized selenium nanoparticles through bacterial EPS with significantly high antimicrobial and anticancer activity.

Three-Dimensional Printing Parameter Optimization for Salmon Gelatin Gels Using Artificial Neural Networks and Response Surface Methodology: Influence on Physicochemical and Digestibility Properties

This study aimed to optimize the 3D printing parameters of salmon gelatin gels (SGG) using artificial neural networks with the genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) and response surface methodology (RSM). In addition, the influence of the optimal parameters obtained using the two different methodologies was evaluated for the physicochemical and digestibility properties of the printed SGG (PSGG). The ANN-GA had a better fit (R2 = 99.98%) with the experimental conditions of the 3D printing process than the RSM (R2 = 93.99%). The extrusion speed was the most influential parameter according to both methodologies. The optimal values of the printing parameters for the SGG were 0.70 mm for the nozzle diameter, 0.5 mm for the nozzle height, and 24 mm/s for the extrusion speed. Gel thermal properties showed that the optimal 3D printing conditions affected denaturation temperature and enthalpy, improving digestibility from 46.93% (SGG) to 51.52% (PSGG). The secondary gel structures showed that the β-turn structure was the most resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis, while the intermolecular β-sheet was the most labile. This study validated two optimization methodologies to achieve optimal 3D printing parameters of salmon gelatin gels, with improved physicochemical and digestibility properties for use as transporters to incorporate high value nutrients to the body.

Chemical composition, health benefits, food processing effects and applications of Boletus: a review

Boletus are wild edible mushrooms that are consumed worldwide for their appealing taste and abundant production. The aim of this review was to summarize and discuss the characteristics, effects of food processing and application of Boletus worldwide. A better understanding of Boletus nutritional profiles with high carbohydrate and protein, low fat and energy. Volatile (odor compounds) and nonvolatile (free amino acids, 5'-nucleotide and nucleoside, free sugars, organic acids and umami peptides) compounds together contribute to the flavor of Boletus. Varies bioactive substances such as phenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, tocopherols, lectins and pigment, have also been identified in Boletus, showing wide spectrum biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic and hypotensive activities. In addition, drying, storage and cooking influenced the physical, chemical, sensory properties and biological activities of Boletus. The application of Boletus was focused on food dietary supplement, enhancement of food nutrition and function, indicating Boletus can be further developed as a functional food for human health. Further research suggestions focus on the mechanism of bioactive substances, the novel umami peptides, and the digestion and absorption of Boletus.

New fungal protein from Pleurotus ferulae lanzi induces AMPK-mediated autophagy and G1-phase cell cycle arrest in A549 lung cancer cells

A new protein, designated PFAP, with activity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), was isolated from Pleurotus ferulae lanzi, a medicinal and edible mushroom. The purification method involved hydrophobic interaction chromatography on a HiTrap Octyl FF column and gel filtration on a Superdex 75 column. Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) revealed a single band with a molecular weight of 14.68 kDa. Following de novo sequencing and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, PFAP was identified as a protein consisting of 135 amino acid residues, with a theoretical molecular weight of 14.81 kDa. Tandem mass tag (TMT)™-based quantitative proteomic analysis and western blotting revealed that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was significantly upregulated in NSCLC A549 cells, following PFAP treatment. The downstream regulatory factor mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was suppressed, resulting in the activation of autophagy and upregulated expressions of P62, LC3 II/I, and other related proteins. PFAP blocked NSCLC A549 cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle via upregulating P53 and P21, while subsequently downregulating the expression of cyclin-dependent kinases. PFAP suppresses tumour growth via the same mechanism in a xenograft mouse model in vivo. These results demonstrate that PFAP is a multifunctional protein with anti-NSCLC properties.

V. J, Pal S, Nair BG, Kar R, Mishra N. Paraptosis: a unique cell death mode for targeting cancer

Programmed cell death (PCD) is the universal process that maintains cellular homeostasis and regulates all living systems' development, health and disease. Out of all, apoptosis is one of the major PCDs that was found to play a crucial role in many disease conditions, including cancer. The cancer cells acquire the ability to escape apoptotic cell death, thereby increasing their resistance towards current therapies. This issue has led to the need to search for alternate forms of programmed cell death mechanisms. Paraptosis is an alternative cell death pathway characterized by vacuolation and damage to the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Many natural compounds and metallic complexes have been reported to induce paraptosis in cancer cell lines. Since the morphological and biochemical features of paraptosis are much different from apoptosis and other alternate PCDs, it is crucial to understand the different modulators governing it. In this review, we have highlighted the factors that trigger paraptosis and the role of specific modulators in mediating this alternative cell death pathway. Recent findings include the role of paraptosis in inducing anti-tumour T-cell immunity and other immunogenic responses against cancer. A significant role played by paraptosis in cancer has also scaled its importance in knowing its mechanism. The study of paraptosis in xenograft mice, zebrafish model, 3D cultures, and novel paraptosis-based prognostic model for low-grade glioma patients have led to the broad aspect and its potential involvement in the field of cancer therapy. The co-occurrence of different modes of cell death with photodynamic therapy and other combinatorial treatments in the tumour microenvironment are also summarized here. Finally, the growth, challenges, and future perspectives of paraptosis research in cancer are discussed in this review. Understanding this unique PCD pathway would help to develop potential therapy and combat chemo-resistance in various cancer.

Nutritional Quality and Biological Application of Mushroom Protein as a Novel Protein Alternative

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Global concerns about population growth, economic, and nutritional transitions and health have led to the search for a low-cost protein alternative to animal origins. This review provides an overview of the viability of exploring mushroom protein as a future protein alternative considering the nutritional value, quality, digestibility, and biological benefits.

RECENT FINDINGS

Plant proteins are commonly used as alternatives to animal proteins, but the majority of them are low in quality due to a lack of one or more essential amino acids. Edible mushroom proteins usually have a complete essential amino acid profile, meet dietary requirements, and provide economic advantages over animal and plant sources. Mushroom proteins may provide health advantages by eliciting antioxidant, antitumor, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), inhibitory and antimicrobial properties over animal proteins. Protein concentrates, hydrolysates, and peptides from mushrooms are being used to improve human health. Also, edible mushrooms can be used to fortify traditional food to increase protein value and functional qualities. These characteristics highlight mushroom proteins as inexpensive, high-quality proteins that can be used as a meat alternative, as pharmaceuticals, and as treatments to alleviate malnutrition. Edible mushroom proteins are high in quality, low in cost, widely available, and meet environmental and social requirements, making them suitable as sustainable alternative proteins.

Isolation, Purification, and Antitumor Activity of a Novel Active Protein from Antrodia cinnamomea Liquid Fermentation Mycelia

Antrodia cinnamomea, a rare medicinal fungus endemic to Taiwan, contains numerous active components and displays strong antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects. We isolated and purified a novel A. cinnamomea active protein (termed ACAP) from liquid fermentation mycelia and evaluated its antitumor activity. A homogeneous protein-eluted fraction was obtained by anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography, and ACAP was identified based on the antitumor activity screening of this fraction. An in vitro assay of three tumor cell lines (HeLa, Hep G2, and Hepa 1-6) revealed significant antiproliferative effects of ACAP at low concentrations, with IC50 values of 13.10, 10.70, and 18.69 µg/mL, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis showed that ACAP induced late apoptosis of Hep G2 cells. The apoptosis rate of 50 µg/mL ACAP-treated cells (60%) was significantly (p < 0.01) more than that of the control. A Western blotting assay of apoptotic pathway proteins showed that ACAP significantly upregulated p53 and downregulated caspase-3 expression levels. Our findings indicate that ACAP has strong antitumor activity and the potential for development as a therapeutic agent and/or functional food.

Fungal antitumor protein D1 is internalized via endocytosis and inhibits non-small cell lung cancer proliferation through MAPK signaling pathway

Lung cancer has the highest mortality among cancer-related deaths worldwide. Among lung cancers, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common histological type. In the previous research, we isolated a protein (D1) from Boletus bicolor that inhibits the proliferation of NSCLC cell lines. In this study, we elucidated the internalization mechanism and antitumor mechanism of protein D1 in A549 cells. Protein D1 has a strong inhibitory effect on A549 cells. It binds to secretory carrier membrane protein 3 on the A549 cell membrane and enters A549 cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In vitro, protein D1 activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. JNK and p38MAPK are the biological targets for protein D1. In vivo, protein D1 inhibits the tumor growth of NSCLC xenografts by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. Protein D1 alters the expression of genes related to apoptosis, cell cycle, and MAPK signaling pathway in tumor cells.

Natural Products/Bioactive Compounds as a Source of Anticancer Drugs

Cancer is one of the major deadly diseases globally. The alarming rise in the mortality rate due to this disease attracks attention towards discovering potent anticancer agents to overcome its mortality rate. The discovery of novel and effective anticancer agents from natural sources has been the main point of interest in pharmaceutical research because of attractive natural therapeutic agents with an immense chemical diversity in species of animals, plants, and microorganisms. More than 60% of contemporary anticancer drugs, in one form or another, have originated from natural sources. Plants and microbial species are chosen based on their composition, ecology, phytochemical, and ethnopharmacological properties. Plants and their derivatives have played a significant role in producing effective anticancer agents. Some plant derivatives include vincristine, vinblastine, irinotecan, topotecan, etoposide, podophyllotoxin, and paclitaxel. Based on their particular activity, a number of other plant-derived bioactive compounds are in the clinical development phase against cancer, such as gimatecan, elomotecan, etc. Additionally, the conjugation of natural compounds with anti-cancerous drugs, or some polymeric carriers particularly targeted to epitopes on the site of interest to tumors, can generate effective targeted treatment therapies. Cognizance from such pharmaceutical research studies would yield alternative drug development strategies through natural sources which could be economical, more reliable, and safe to use.

Current Advancements in Antitumor Properties and Mechanisms of Medicinal Components in Edible Mushrooms

Edible and medicinal fungi, a group of eukaryotic organisms with numerous varieties, including Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps sinensis, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Grifola frondosa, have been demonstrated to possess a board range of pharmaceutical properties, including anti-virus, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotection. Moreover, edible and medicinal fungi have been traditionally consumed as food to provide multiple nutrients and as drugs owing to having the activities of invigorating blood circulation, reinforcing the healthy qi, clearing away heat, and eliminating stasis for thousands of years in China. Malignant tumors, well-known as the second leading cause of death globally, accounted for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Thus, in-depth exploration of strategies to prevent and treat cancer is extremely urgent. A variety of studies have reported that the main bioactive components of edible and medicinal fungi, mainly polysaccharides and triterpenoids, exhibit diverse anticancer activities via multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of cell proliferation and metastasis, induction of apoptosis and autophagy, reversing multidrug resistance, and regulation of immune responses, thus suggesting their substantial potential in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Our review summarizes the research progress on the anticancer properties of edible and medicinal fungi and the underlying molecular mechanism, which may offer a better understanding of this field. Additionally, few studies have reported the safety and efficacy of extracts from edible and medicinal fungi, which may limit their clinical application. In summary, there is a need to continue to explore the use of those extracts and to further validate their safety and efficacy.

Chemical profiles and health-promoting effects of porcini mushroom (Boletus edulis): A narrative review

Boletus edulis is an edible mushroom with nutritious, delicacy, and pharmacological properties. It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and taste compounds, while low in fat and calories. Diverse bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols, have been found in B. edulis. In addition, bioactive compounds and chemical extracts from B. edulis have been verified to possess constipation prevention, antioxidant, antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. This paper provides an overview of B. edulis research in recent two decades, emphasizing the nutrition constituents, taste and flavor components, bioactive compounds, and health-promoting effects of B. edulis. Boletus edulis appeared to have health-promoting effects that may effectively prevent or treat various chronic diseases. The potential of B. edulis as a functional food and medicine needs to be further investigated and confirmed.

Protective effects of a polysaccharide from Boletus aereus on S180 tumor-bearing mice and its structural characteristics

A polysaccharide from the aqueous extract of Boletus aereus fruit (BAP) was isolated. The antitumor activities of BAP and/or cyclophosphamide (CTX) were investigated using the model of S180 tumor-bearing mice. Results indicated that BAP could effectively inhibit the growth of S180 solid tumors and protect the immune organs. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and mitochondrial membrane potential analysis demonstrated that BAP could induce the apoptosis of S180 tumor cells. In combination with CTX, BAP exhibited a significant synergistic antitumor effect on S180 cells. Furthermore, a novel polysaccharide, namely, BAPF, was purified from BAP by using DEAE Cellulose-52 column and Sephadex G-100 gel column. Structural characterization revealed that BAPF was primarily composed of mannose, glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose, arabinose, and fucose at a proportion of 12.98:1:16.8:16.48:1.08:9.1. Its average molecular weight was 1.79 × 10⁶ Da. FTIR and NMR analyses demonstrated that BAPF was a pyranose with α-type and β-type glycosidic residues.