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Liu D, Piao J, Li Y, Guan H, Hao J, Zhou R. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Candidate Genes for Light Regulation of Elsinochrome Biosynthesis in Elsinoë arachidis. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1027. [PMID: 38792856 PMCID: PMC11124282 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12051027] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Light regulation is critical in fungal growth, development, morphogenesis, secondary metabolism, and the biological clock. The fungus Elsinoë arachidis is known to produce the mycotoxin Elsinochrome (ESC), a key factor contributing to its pathogenicity, under light conditions. Although previous studies have predominantly focused on the light-induced production of ESC and its biosynthetic pathways, the detailed mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unexplored. This study explores the influence of light on ESC production and gene expression in E. arachidis. Under white light exposure for 28 days, the ESC yield was observed to reach 33.22 nmol/plug. Through transcriptome analysis, 5925 genes were identified as differentially expressed between dark and white light conditions, highlighting the significant impact of light on gene expression. Bioinformatics identified specific light-regulated genes, including eight photoreceptor genes, five global regulatory factors, and a cluster of 12 genes directly involved in the ESC biosynthesis, with expression trends confirmed by RT-qPCR. In conclusion, the study reveals the substantial alteration in gene expression associated with ESC biosynthesis under white light and identifies potential candidates for in-depth functional analysis. These findings advance understanding of ESC biosynthesis regulation and suggest new strategies for fungal pathogenicity control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Rujun Zhou
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (D.L.); (J.P.); (Y.L.); (H.G.); (J.H.)
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2
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Gwon Y, So KK, Chun J, Kim DH. Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the biosynthesis of a fungal pigment from the phytopathogenic fungus Cladosporium phlei. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:33. [PMID: 38741106 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00429-0] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cladosporium phlei is a phytopathogenic fungus that produces a pigment called phleichrome. This fungal perylenequinone plays an important role in the production of a photosensitizer that is a necessary component of photodynamic therapy. We applied synthetic biology to produce phleichrome using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. RESULTS The gene Cppks1, which encodes a non-reducing polyketide synthase (NR-PKS) responsible for the biosynthesis of phleichrome in C. phlei, was cloned into a yeast episomal vector and used to transform S. cerevisiae. In addition, a gene encoding a phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase) of Aspergillus nidulans was cloned into a yeast integrative vector and also introduced into S. cerevisiae for the enzymatic activation of the protein product of Cppks1. Co-transformed yeasts were screened on a leucine/uracil-deficient selective medium and the presence of both integrative as well as episomal recombinant plasmids in the yeast were confirmed by colony PCR. The episomal vector for Cppks1 expression was so dramatically unstable during cultivation that most cells lost their episomal vector rapidly in nonselective media. This loss was also observed to a less degree in selective media. This data strongly suggests that the presence of the Cppks1 gene exerts a significant detrimental effect on the growth of transformed yeast cells and that selection pressure is required to maintain the Cppks1-expressing vector. The co-transformants on the selective medium showed the distinctive changes in pigmentation after a period of prolonged cultivation at 20 °C and 25 °C, but not at 30 °C. Furthermore, thin layer chromatography (TLC) revealed the presence of a spot corresponding with the purified phleichrome in the extract from the cells of the co-transformants. Liquid chromatography (LC/MS/MS) verified that the newly expressed pigment was indeed phleichrome. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that metabolic engineering by multiple gene expression is possible and capable of producing fungal pigment phleichrome in S. cerevisiae. This result adds to our understanding of the characteristics of fungal PKS genes, which exhibit complex structures and diverse biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeji Gwon
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Kum-Kang So
- Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeesun Chun
- Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyuk Kim
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea.
- Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Skellam E, Rajendran S, Li L. Combinatorial biosynthesis for the engineering of novel fungal natural products. Commun Chem 2024; 7:89. [PMID: 38637654 PMCID: PMC11026467 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01172-9] [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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural products are small molecules synthesized by fungi, bacteria and plants, which historically have had a profound effect on human health and quality of life. These natural products have evolved over millions of years resulting in specific biological functions that may be of interest for pharmaceutical, agricultural, or nutraceutical use. Often natural products need to be structurally modified to make them suitable for specific applications. Combinatorial biosynthesis is a method to alter the composition of enzymes needed to synthesize a specific natural product resulting in structurally diversified molecules. In this review we discuss different approaches for combinatorial biosynthesis of natural products via engineering fungal enzymes and biosynthetic pathways. We highlight the biosynthetic knowledge gained from these studies and provide examples of new-to-nature bioactive molecules, including molecules synthesized using combinations of fungal and non-fungal enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Skellam
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX, 76203, USA.
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX, 76203, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX, 76203, USA.
| | - Sanjeevan Rajendran
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
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Su Z, Guo B, Xu H, Yuan Z, Liu H, Guo T, Deng Z, Zhang Y, Yin D, Liu C, Chen JH, Rao Y. Synthetic Biology-based Construction of Unnatural Perylenequinones with Improved Photodynamic Anticancer Activities. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317726. [PMID: 38258338 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317726] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The construction of structural complexity and diversity of natural products is crucial for drug discovery and development. To overcome high dark toxicity and poor photostability of natural photosensitizer perylenequinones (PQs) for photodynamic therapy, herein, we aim to introduce the structural complexity and diversity to biosynthesize the desired unnatural PQs in fungus Cercospora through synthetic biology-based strategy. Thus, we first elucidate the intricate biosynthetic pathways of class B PQs and reveal how the branching enzymes create their structural complexity and diversity from a common ancestor. This enables the rational reprogramming of cercosporin biosynthetic pathway in Cercospora to generate diverse unnatural PQs without chemical modification. Among them, unnatural cercosporin A displays remarkably low dark toxicity and high photostability with retention of great photodynamic anticancer and antimicrobial activities. Moreover, it is found that, unlike cercosporin, unnatural cercosporin A could be selectively accumulated in cancer cells, providing potential targets for drug development. Therefore, this work provides a comprehensive foundation for preparing unnatural products with customized functions through synthetic biology-based strategies, thus facilitating drug discovery pipelines from nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengping Su
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Baodang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Huibin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Zhenbo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Huiling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Tao Guo
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Zhiwei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Dejing Yin
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Changmei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Huan Chen
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Yijian Rao
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
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5
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Wang R, Liang JJ, Yang W, Vuong D, Kalaitzis JA, Lacey AE, Lacey E, Piggott AM, Chooi YH, Li H. Heterologous Biosynthesis of the Sterol O-Acyltransferase Inhibitor Helvamide Unveils an α-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Cross-Linking Oxygenase. Org Lett 2024; 26:1807-1812. [PMID: 38393343 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c04310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
We have identified the biosynthetic gene cluster (hvm) for the sterol O-acyltransferase inhibitor helvamide (1) from the genome of Aspergillus rugulosus MST-FP2007. Heterologous expression of hvm in A. nidulans produced a previously unreported analog helvamide B (5). An α-ketoglutarate-dependent oxygenase Hvm1 was shown to catalyze intramolecular cyclization of 1 to yield 5. The biosynthetic branch to the related hancockiamides and helvamides was found to be controlled by the substrate selectivity of monomodular nonribosomal peptide synthetases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Jia-Jing Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Wencong Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Daniel Vuong
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - John A Kalaitzis
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Alastair E Lacey
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Ernest Lacey
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Andrew M Piggott
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Yit-Heng Chooi
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Hang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
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6
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Liu X, Li K, Yu J, Ma C, Che Q, Zhu T, Li D, Pfeifer BA, Zhang G. Cyclo-diphenylalanine production in Aspergillus nidulans through stepwise metabolic engineering. Metab Eng 2024; 82:147-156. [PMID: 38382797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2024.02.009] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Cyclo-diphenylalanine (cFF) is a symmetrical aromatic diketopiperazine (DKP) found wide-spread in microbes, plants, and resulting food products. As different bioactivities continue being discovered and relevant food and pharmaceutical applications gradually emerge for cFF, there is a growing need for establishing convenient and efficient methods to access this type of compound. Here, we present a robust cFF production system which entailed stepwise engineering of the filamentous fungal strain Aspergillus nidulans A1145 as a heterologous expression host. We first established a preliminary cFF producing strain by introducing the heterologous nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene penP1 to A. nidulans A1145. Key metabolic pathways involving shikimate and aromatic amino acid biosynthetic support were then engineered through a combination of gene deletions of competitive pathway steps, over-expressing feedback-insensitive enzymes in phenylalanine biosynthesis, and introducing a phosphoketolase-based pathway, which diverted glycolytic flux toward the formation of erythrose 4-phosphate (E4P). Through the stepwise engineering of A. nidulans A1145 outlined above, involving both heterologous pathway addition and native pathway metabolic engineering, we were able to produce cFF with titers reaching 611 mg/L in shake flask culture and 2.5 g/L in bench-scale fed-batch bioreactor culture. Our study establishes a production platform for cFF biosynthesis and successfully demonstrates engineering of phenylalanine derived diketopiperazines in a filamentous fungal host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Kang Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Chuanteng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qian Che
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Tianjiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Dehai Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Department for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Blaine A Pfeifer
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, United States.
| | - Guojian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Department for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China; Lab of Marine Medicinal Resources Discovery, Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao, 266075, China.
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7
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Arishi AA, Shang Z, Lacey E, Crombie A, Vuong D, Li H, Bracegirdle J, Turner P, Lewis W, Flematti GR, Piggott AM, Chooi YH. Discovery and heterologous biosynthesis of glycosylated polyketide luteodienoside A reveals unprecedented glucinol-mediated product offloading by a fungal carnitine O-acyltransferase domain. Chem Sci 2024; 15:3349-3356. [PMID: 38425541 PMCID: PMC10901484 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05008d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Luteodienoside A is a novel glycosylated polyketide produced by the Australian fungus Aspergillus luteorubrus MST-FP2246, consisting of an unusual 1-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-myo-inositol (glucinol) ester of 3-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethylocta-4,6-dienoic acid. Mining the genome of A. luteorubrus identified a putative gene cluster for luteodienoside A biosynthesis (ltb), harbouring a highly reducing polyketide synthase (HR-PKS, LtbA) fused at its C-terminus to a carnitine O-acyltransferase (cAT) domain. Heterologous pathway reconstitution in Aspergillus nidulans, substrate feeding assays and gene truncation confirmed the identity of the ltb cluster and demonstrated that the cAT domain is essential for offloading luteodienoside A from the upstream HR-PKS. Unlike previously characterised cAT domains, the LtbA cAT domain uses glucinol as an offloading substrate to release the product from the HR-PKS. Furthermore, the PKS methyltransferase (MT) domain is capable of catalysing gem-dimethylation of the 3-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethylocta-4,6-dienoic acid intermediate, without requiring reversible product release and recapture by the cAT domain. This study expands the repertoire of polyketide modifications known to be catalysed by cAT domains and highlights the potential of mining fungal genomes for this subclass of fungal PKSs to discover new structurally diverse secondary metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr A Arishi
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia Perth WA 6009 Australia
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Zhuo Shang
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia Perth WA 6009 Australia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China
| | - Ernest Lacey
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Sydney NSW 2109 Australia
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd Smithfield NSW 2164 Australia
| | - Andrew Crombie
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd Smithfield NSW 2164 Australia
| | - Daniel Vuong
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd Smithfield NSW 2164 Australia
| | - Hang Li
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia Perth WA 6009 Australia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510006 China
| | - Joe Bracegirdle
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia Perth WA 6009 Australia
| | - Peter Turner
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - William Lewis
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Gavin R Flematti
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia Perth WA 6009 Australia
| | - Andrew M Piggott
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Sydney NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Yit-Heng Chooi
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia Perth WA 6009 Australia
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8
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Yao Y, Wu T, Pan L, Yan S, Yu S, Chen S. The evaluation of four nano-formulations loaded-Elsinochrome A on characteristics and in vitro cytotoxicity effect. J Biomater Appl 2024; 38:834-847. [PMID: 38154025 DOI: 10.1177/08853282231225559] [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: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Elsinochrome A (EA) is a naturally occurring photosensitizer with potential applications in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for various malignancies. Despite its promising therapeutic properties, the poor solubility of EA hampers its effective utilization in clinical settings. To circumvent this limitation, we engineered four distinct nano-formulations: PLGA/EA nanoparticles (NPs), CMC-PLGA/EA NPs, mPEG-PCL/EA nanomicelles (NMs), and LHP-CHOL/EA nanoliposomes (NLs), all designed to enhance the solubility of EA. A comparative evaluation of these formulations, based on metrics such as particle size, Zeta potential, drug loading efficiency, and encapsulation efficiency, identified PLGA/EA NPs and mPEG-PCL/EA NMs as the most efficacious candidates. Subsequent in vitro investigations into the drug release kinetics under varying pH conditions and the impact on cell viability and apoptosis in A549 and MCF-7 cell lines were conducted. Remarkably, the maximum drug release for PLGA/EA NPs and mPEG-PCL/EA NMs was recorded at 62.5% and 70.8% in an acidic environment (pH 5.7), respectively. Upon exposure to 460 nm light, PLGA/EA NPs induced a significant reduction in A549 cell viability to 13.8% and an apoptosis rate of 93.8%, whereas mPEG-PCL/EA NMs elicited a decrease in MCF-7 cell viability to 12.8% and an apoptosis rate of 73.0%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianlong Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Pan
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuzhen Yan
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuqin Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuanglin Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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9
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Bao Z, Xie Y, Xu C, Zhang Z, Zhu D. Biotechnological production and potential applications of hypocrellins. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:6421-6438. [PMID: 37695342 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12727-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Hypocrellins (HYPs), a kind of natural perylenequinones (PQs) with an oxidized pentacyclic core, are important natural compounds initially extracted from the stromata of Hypocrella bambusae and Shiraia bambusicola. They have been widely concerned for their use as anti-microbial, anti-cancers, and anti-viral photodynamic therapy agents in recent years. Considering the restrictions of natural stromal resources, submerged fermentation with Shiraia spp. has been viewed as a promising alternative biotechnology for HYP production, and great efforts have been made to improve HYP production over the past decade. This article reviews recent publications about the mycelium fermentation production of HYPs, and their bioactivities and potential applications, and especially summarizes the progresses toward manipulation of fermentation conditions. Also, their chemical structure and analytic methods are outlined. Herein, it is worth mentioning that the gene arrangement in HYP gene cluster is revised; previous unknown genes in HYP and CTB gene clusters with correct function annotation are deciphered; the homologous sequences of HYP, CTB, and elc are systematically aligned, and especially the biosynthetic pathway of HYPs is full-scale proposed. KEY POINTS: • The mycelial fermentation process and metabolic regulation of hypocrellins are reviewed. • The bioactivities and potential applications of hypocrellins are summarized. • The biosynthesis pathway and regulatory mechanisms of hypocrellins are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanying Bao
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Yunchang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Chenglong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Du Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China.
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10
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Xu C, Lin W, Chen Y, Gao B, Zhang Z, Zhu D. Heat stress enhanced perylenequinones biosynthesis of Shiraia sp. Slf14(w) through nitric oxide formation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:3745-3761. [PMID: 37126084 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12554-9] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Perylenequinones (PQs) are a class of natural polyketides used as photodynamic therapeutics. Heat stress (HS) is an important environmental factor affecting secondary metabolism of fungi. This study investigated the effects of HS treatment on PQs biosynthesis of Shiraia sp. Slf14(w) and the underlying molecular mechanism. After the optimization of HS treatment conditions, the total PQs amount reached 577 ± 34.56 mg/L, which was 20.89-fold improvement over the control. Also, HS treatment stimulated the formation of intracellular nitric oxide (NO). Genome-wide analysis of Shiraia sp. Slf14(w) revealed iNOSL and cNOSL encoding inducible and constitutive NOS-like proteins (iNOSL and cNOSL), respectively. Cloned iNOSL in Escherichia coli BL21 showed higher nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity than cNOSL, and the expression level of iNOSL under HS treatment was observably higher than that of cNOSL, suggesting that iNOSL is more responsible for NO production in the HS-treated strain Slf14(w) and may play an important role in regulating PQs biosynthesis. Moreover, the putative biosynthetic gene clusters for PQs and genes encoding iNOSL and nitrate reductase (NR) in the HS-treated strain Slf14(w) were obviously upregulated. PQs biosynthesis and efflux stimulated by HS treatment were significantly inhibited upon the addition of NO scavenger, NOS inhibitor, and NR inhibitor, indicating that HS-induced NO, as a signaling molecule, triggered promoted PQs biosynthesis and efflux. Our results provide an effective strategy for PQs production and contribute to the understanding of heat shock signal transduction studies of other fungi.Key points• PQs titer of Shiraia sp. Slf14(w) was significantly enhanced by HS treatment.• HS-induced NO was first reported to participate in PQs biosynthetic regulation.• Novel inducible and constitutive NOS-like proteins (iNOSL and cNOSL) were obtained and their NOS activities were determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Wenxi Lin
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Yunni Chen
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Boliang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Du Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China.
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11
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Woodcraft C, Chooi YH, Roux I. The expanding CRISPR toolbox for natural product discovery and engineering in filamentous fungi. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:158-173. [PMID: 36205232 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00055e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to May 2022Fungal genetics has transformed natural product research by enabling the elucidation of cryptic metabolites and biosynthetic steps. The enhanced capability to add, subtract, modulate, and rewrite genes via CRISPR/Cas technologies has opened up avenues for the manipulation of biosynthetic gene clusters across diverse filamentous fungi. This review discusses the innovative and diverse strategies for fungal natural product discovery and engineering made possible by CRISPR/Cas-based tools. We also provide a guide into multiple angles of CRISPR/Cas experiment design, and discuss current gaps in genetic tool development for filamentous fungi and the promising opportunities for natural product research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Woodcraft
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Yit-Heng Chooi
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Indra Roux
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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12
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Deng H, Liang X, Liu J, Zheng X, Fan TP, Cai Y. Advances and perspectives on perylenequinone biosynthesis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1070110. [PMID: 36605511 PMCID: PMC9808054 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1070110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Under illumination, the fungal secondary metabolites, perylenequinones (PQs) react with molecular oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which, in excess can damage cellular macromolecules and trigger apoptosis. Based on this property, PQs have been widely used as photosensitizers and applied in pharmaceuticals, which has stimulated research into the discovery of new PQs and the elucidation of their biosynthetic pathways. The PQs-associated literature covering from April 1967 to September 2022 is reviewed in three sections: (1) the sources, structural diversity, and biological activities of microbial PQs; (2) elucidation of PQ biosynthetic pathways, associated genes, and mechanisms of regulation; and (3) advances in pathway engineering and future potential strategies to modify cellular metabolism and improve PQ production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaxiang Deng
- Center for Synthetic Biochemistry, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China,The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Huaxiang Deng,
| | - Xinxin Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinbin Liu
- School of Marine and Bioengineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohui Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Tai-Ping Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Yujie Cai
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China,Yujie Cai,
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13
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Chiang YM, Lin TS, Wang CCC. Total Heterologous Biosynthesis of Fungal Natural Products in Aspergillus nidulans. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:2484-2518. [PMID: 36173392 PMCID: PMC9621686 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fungal natural products comprise a wide range of bioactive compounds including important drugs and agrochemicals. Intriguingly, bioinformatic analyses of fungal genomes have revealed that fungi have the potential to produce significantly more natural products than what have been discovered so far. It has thus become widely accepted that most biosynthesis pathways of fungal natural products are silent or expressed at very low levels under laboratory cultivation conditions. To tap into this vast chemical reservoir, the reconstitution of entire biosynthetic pathways in genetically tractable fungal hosts (total heterologous biosynthesis) has become increasingly employed in recent years. This review summarizes total heterologous biosynthesis of fungal natural products accomplished before 2020 using Aspergillus nidulans as heterologous hosts. We review here Aspergillus transformation, A. nidulans hosts, shuttle vectors for episomal expression, and chromosomal integration expression. These tools, collectively, not only facilitate the discovery of cryptic natural products but can also be used to generate high-yield strains with clean metabolite backgrounds. In comparison with total synthesis, total heterologous biosynthesis offers a simplified strategy to construct complex molecules and holds potential for commercial application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Chiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Shyang Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Clay C C Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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14
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Geris R, Pinho MA, Boffo EF, Simpson TJ. Naturally Occurring Partially Reduced Perylenequinones from Fungi. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:2236-2250. [PMID: 36098709 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This Review provides a critical analysis of the literature covering the naturally occurring partially reduced perylenequinones (PQs) from fungi without carbon substituents (which can be named class A perylenequinones) and discusses their structures, stereochemistry, biosynthesis, and biological activities as appropriate. Perylenequinones are natural pigments with a perylene skeleton produced by certain fungi, aphids, some plants, and animal species. These compounds display several biological activities, e.g., antimicrobial, anti-HIV, photosensitizers, cytotoxic, and phytotoxic. It describes 36 fungal PQs and cites 81 references, covering from 1956 to August 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Geris
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Química de Microrganismos (LBQM), Departamento de Química Orgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo S/n, 40170-115 Salvador, Brasil
| | - Matheus A Pinho
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Química de Microrganismos (LBQM), Departamento de Química Orgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo S/n, 40170-115 Salvador, Brasil
| | - Elisangela F Boffo
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Química de Microrganismos (LBQM), Departamento de Química Orgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo S/n, 40170-115 Salvador, Brasil
| | - Thomas J Simpson
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
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15
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Wen Y, Liao B, Yan X, Wu Z, Tian X. Temperature-responsive regulation of the fermentation of hypocrellin A by Shiraia bambusicola (GDMCC 60438). Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:135. [PMID: 35787717 PMCID: PMC9254528 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01862-w] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypocrellin A (HA) is a perylene quinone pigment with high medicinal value that is produced by Shiraia bambusicola Henn. (S. bambusicola) and Hypocrella bambusae (Berk. & Broome) Sacc. (Ascomycetes) with great potential in clinical photodynamic therapy. Submerged cultivation of S. bambusicola is a popular technique for HA production. However, there is not much research on how temperature changes lead to differential yields of HA production. RESULTS The temperature regulation of submerged fermentation is an efficient approach to promote HA productivity. After a 32 °C fermentation, the HA content in the mycelia S. bambusicola (GDMCC 60438) was increased by more than three- and fivefold when compared to that at 28 °C and 26 °C, respectively. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis showed that the regulation of the expression of transcription factors and genes essential for HA biosynthesis could be induced by high temperature. Among the 496 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) explicitly expressed at 32 °C, the hub genes MH01c06g0046321 and MH01c11g0073001 in the coexpression network may affect HA biosynthesis and cytoarchitecture, respectively. Moreover, five genes, i.e., MH01c01g0006641, MH01c03g0017691, MH01c04g0029531, MH01c04g0030701 and MH01c22g0111101, potentially related to HA synthesis also exhibited significantly higher expression levels. Morphological observation showed that the autolysis inside the mycelial pellets tightly composted intertwined mycelia without apparent holes. CONCLUSIONS The obtained results provide an effective strategy in the submerged fermentation of S. bambusicola for improved HA production and reveal an alternative regulatory network responsive to the biosynthesis metabolism of HA in response to environmental signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongdi Wen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation & Enzyme Engineering, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Baosheng Liao
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yan
- Zhuhai Institute of Modern Industrial Innovation, South China University of Technology, 8 Fushan Road, Fushan Industrial Park, Zhuhai, 519100, China
| | - Zhenqiang Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation & Enzyme Engineering, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaofei Tian
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation & Enzyme Engineering, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,Zhuhai Institute of Modern Industrial Innovation, South China University of Technology, 8 Fushan Road, Fushan Industrial Park, Zhuhai, 519100, China.
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16
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Li H, Mirzayans PM, Butler MS, Lacey AE, Vuong D, Chen R, Kalaitzis JA, Moggach SA, Lacey E, Piggott AM, Chooi YH. Discovery of brevijanazines from Aspergillus brevijanus reveals the molecular basis for p-nitrobenzoic acid in fungi. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:6296-6299. [PMID: 35537125 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc01679f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The brevijanazines are novel p-nitrobenzoylated piperazines isolated from Aspergillus brevijanus. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, X-ray crystallography and total synthesis. Heterologous biosynthesis, precursor feeding and in vitro microsomal assays unveiled the biosynthetic pathway to the brevijanazines, featuring a cytochrome P450 oxygenase that converts p-aminobenzoic acid to p-nitrobenzoic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China. .,School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Paul M Mirzayans
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | | | - Alastair E Lacey
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Daniel Vuong
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Rachel Chen
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - John A Kalaitzis
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia. .,Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Stephen A Moggach
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia. .,Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ernest Lacey
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia. .,Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Andrew M Piggott
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Yit-Heng Chooi
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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17
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Zhao Q, Zhuang Z, Liu T, Yang Q, He QL, Liu W, Lin GQ. Unsymmetrically Regioselective Homodimerization Depends on the Subcellular Colocalization of Laccase/Fasciclin Protein in the Biosynthesis of Phlegmacins. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:791-796. [PMID: 35274920 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Phlegmacins are homodimeric dihydroanthracenone natural products featuring two torosachrysone monomers unsymmetrically conjugated by 7,10'-coupling. Herein, we report the identification and characterization of the biosynthetic gene cluster of phlegmacins in ascomycete Talaromyces sp. F08Z-0631. On the basis of the heterologous reconstitution of the phlegmacin pathway in Aspergillus oryzae, we demonstrated an unprecedented laccase-involved unsymmetrically regioselective oxidative coupling reaction. The association of laccase PhlC and the fasciclin partner protein PhlB was verified to be indispensable for the coupling activity. Intriguingly, both proteins can be transferred and located independently at the mitochondrial membrane. Notably, only their subcellular colocalization led to the occurrence of oxidative dimerization. These observations add new insights into the poorly understood catalytic mechanisms of various laccases involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, particularly those functioning with variable partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunfei Zhao
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zheng Zhuang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tian Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 7 Pengfei Road, Shenzhen 518120, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qing-Li He
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guo-Qiang Lin
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
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18
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Khiralla A, Mohammed AO, Yagi S. Fungal perylenequinones. Mycol Prog 2022; 21:38. [PMID: 35401071 PMCID: PMC8977438 DOI: 10.1007/s11557-022-01790-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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19
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Hou Z, Sun C, Chen X, Zhang G, Che Q, Li D, Zhu T. Xanalterate A, Altertoxin VIII and IX, Perylenequinone Derivatives from Antarctica-Sponge-Derived Fungus Alternaria sp. HDN19-690. Tetrahedron Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2022.153778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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20
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Roux I, Chooi YH. Cre/ lox-Mediated Chromosomal Integration of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters for Heterologous Expression in Aspergillus nidulans. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1186-1195. [PMID: 35168324 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Building strains of filamentous fungi for stable long-term heterologous expression of large biosynthetic pathways is limited by the low transformation efficiency or genetic stability of current methods. Here, we developed a system for targeted chromosomal integration of large biosynthetic gene clusters in Aspergillus nidulans based on site-specific recombinase-mediated cassette exchange. We built A. nidulans strains harboring a chromosomal landing pad for Cre/lox-mediated recombination and demonstrated efficient targeted integration of a 21 kb DNA fragment in a single step. We further evaluated the integration at two loci by analyzing the expression of a fluorescent reporter and the production of a heterologous polyketide metabolite. We compared chromosomal expression at those landing loci to episomal AMA1-based expression, which also shed light on uncharacterized aspects of episomal expression in filamentous fungi. This is the first demonstration of site-specific recombinase-mediated integration in filamentous fungi, setting the foundations for the further development of this tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indra Roux
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Yit-Heng Chooi
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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21
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Chen Y, Xu C, Yang H, Liu Z, Zhang Z, Yan R, Zhu D. L-Arginine enhanced perylenequinone production in the endophytic fungus Shiraia sp. Slf14(w) via NO signaling pathway. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:2619-2636. [PMID: 35291023 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11877-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Perylenequinones (PQ) are natural polyketides used as anti-microbial, -cancers, and -viral photodynamic therapy agents. Herein, the effects of L-arginine (Arg) on PQ biosynthesis of Shiraia sp. Slf14(w) and the underlying molecular mechanism were investigated. The total content of PQ reached 817.64 ± 72.53 mg/L under optimal conditions of Arg addition, indicating a 30.52-fold improvement over controls. Comparative transcriptome analysis demonstrated that Arg supplement promoted PQ precursors biosynthesis of Slf14(w) by upregulating the expression of critical genes associated with the glycolysis pathway, and acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA synthesis. By downregulating the expression of genes related to the glyoxylate cycle pathway and succinate dehydrogenase, more acetyl-CoA flow into the formation of PQ. Arg supplement upregulated the putative biosynthetic gene clusters for PQ and activated the transporter proteins (MFS and ABC) for exudation of PQ. Further studies showed that Arg increased the gene transcription levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and nitrate reductase (NR), and activated NOS and NR, thus promoting the formation of nitric oxide (NO). A supplement of NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) also confirmed that NO triggered promoted biosynthesis and efflux of PQ. PQ production stimulated by Arg or/and SNP can be significantly inhibited upon the addition of NO scavenger carboxy-PTIO, NOS inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine, or soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor NS-2028. These results showed that Arg-derived NO, as a signaling molecule, is involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of PQ in Slf14(W) through the NO-cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. Our results provide a valuable strategy for large-scale PQ production and contribute to further understanding of NO signaling in the fungal metabolite biosynthesis. KEY POINTS: • PQ production of Shiraia sp. Slf14(w) was significantly improved by L-arginine addition. • Arginine-derived NO was firstly reported to be involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of PQ. • The NO-cGMP-PKG signaling pathway was proposed for the first time to participate in PQ biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunni Chen
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Chenglong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Zhenying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Riming Yan
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Du Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China.
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22
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Liu X, Yuan Z, Su H, Hou X, Deng Z, Xu H, Guo B, Yin D, Sheng X, Rao Y. Molecular Basis of the Unusual Seven-Membered Methylenedioxy Bridge Formation Catalyzed by Fe(II)/α-KG-Dependent Oxygenase CTB9. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c04627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xuanzhong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
| | - Zhenbo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
| | - Hao Su
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
| | - Zhiwei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
| | - Huibin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
| | - Baodang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
| | - Dejing Yin
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Sheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, P. R. China
| | - Yijian Rao
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
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23
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Al Subeh ZY, Waldbusser AL, Raja HA, Pearce CJ, Ho KL, Hall MJ, Probert MR, Oberlies NH, Hematian S. Structural Diversity of Perylenequinones Is Driven by Their Redox Behavior. J Org Chem 2022. [PMID: 35077640 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypocrellins and hypomycins are two subclasses of fungal perylenequinones with unique structural, biological, and photochemical properties. With the growing interest in these naturally occurring photosensitizers, more studies were warranted to better understand the structural relationships between these two subclasses of perylenequinones. In this study, the long-postulated biosynthetic precursor (7) of class B fungal perylenequinones was isolated and characterized from a Shiraia-like sp. (strain MSX60519). Furthermore, the electrochemical and chemical redox behaviors of hypocrellins and hypomycins were investigated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. These studies served to define the structural relationship within hypocrellins (1-3), which was further supported by X-ray crystallography, and between hypocrellins and hypomycins (4-6). Chemical reductions of hypocrellins under anaerobic conditions identified the origin of hypomycin A (4), hypomycin C (5), and hypomycin E (6), which in turn served to confirm 4 and revise the absolute configurations of 5 and 6. Hypocrellins were shown to undergo reversible reduction and reoxidation under aerobic conditions, while in an anaerobic environment and longer time scale, the fully reduced form can, to some extent, undergo an intramolecular ring closing metathesis. This may impart a means of reductive pathway for self-protection against these phototoxins and explain the chemical diversity observed in the fungal metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Y Al Subeh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Amy L Waldbusser
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Huzefa A Raja
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Cedric J Pearce
- Mycosynthetix, Inc., Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278, United States
| | - Kin Lok Ho
- Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Hall
- Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Michael R Probert
- Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas H Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Shabnam Hematian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
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24
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Wang H, Guo Y, Luo Z, Gao L, Li R, Zhang Y, Kalaji HM, Qiang S, Chen S. Recent Advances in Alternaria Phytotoxins: A Review of Their Occurrence, Structure, Bioactivity and Biosynthesis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020168. [PMID: 35205922 PMCID: PMC8878860 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternaria is a ubiquitous fungal genus in many ecosystems, consisting of species and strains that can be saprophytic, endophytic, or pathogenic to plants or animals, including humans. Alternaria species can produce a variety of secondary metabolites (SMs), especially low molecular weight toxins. Based on the characteristics of host plant susceptibility or resistance to the toxin, Alternaria phytotoxins are classified into host-selective toxins (HSTs) and non-host-selective toxins (NHSTs). These Alternaria toxins exhibit a variety of biological activities such as phytotoxic, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial properties. Generally, HSTs are toxic to host plants and can cause severe economic losses. Some NHSTs such as alternariol, altenariol methyl-ether, and altertoxins also show high cytotoxic and mutagenic activities in the exposed human or other vertebrate species. Thus, Alternaria toxins are meaningful for drug and pesticide development. For example, AAL-toxin, maculosin, tentoxin, and tenuazonic acid have potential to be developed as bioherbicides due to their excellent herbicidal activity. Like altersolanol A, bostrycin, and brefeldin A, they exhibit anticancer activity, and ATX V shows high activity to inhibit the HIV-1 virus. This review focuses on the classification, chemical structure, occurrence, bioactivity, and biosynthesis of the major Alternaria phytotoxins, including 30 HSTs and 50 NHSTs discovered to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Wang
- Weed Research Laboratory, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.W.); (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (L.G.); (Y.Z.); (S.Q.)
| | - Yanjing Guo
- Weed Research Laboratory, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.W.); (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (L.G.); (Y.Z.); (S.Q.)
| | - Zhi Luo
- Weed Research Laboratory, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.W.); (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (L.G.); (Y.Z.); (S.Q.)
| | - Liwen Gao
- Weed Research Laboratory, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.W.); (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (L.G.); (Y.Z.); (S.Q.)
| | - Rui Li
- Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Ordos Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Bureau, Ordos 017010, China;
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- Weed Research Laboratory, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.W.); (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (L.G.); (Y.Z.); (S.Q.)
| | - Hazem M. Kalaji
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences SGGW, 159 Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
- Institute of Technology and Life Sciences—National Research Institute, Falenty, Al. Hrabska 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland
| | - Sheng Qiang
- Weed Research Laboratory, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.W.); (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (L.G.); (Y.Z.); (S.Q.)
| | - Shiguo Chen
- Weed Research Laboratory, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.W.); (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (L.G.); (Y.Z.); (S.Q.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-25-84395117
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25
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Al Subeh ZY, Waldbusser AL, Raja HA, Pearce CJ, Ho KL, Hall MJ, Probert MR, Oberlies NH, Hematian S. Structural Diversity of Perylenequinones Is Driven by Their Redox Behavior. J Org Chem 2022; 87:2697-2710. [PMID: 35077640 PMCID: PMC8898278 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c02639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Hypocrellins and
hypomycins are two subclasses of fungal perylenequinones
with unique structural, biological, and photochemical properties.
With the growing interest in these naturally occurring photosensitizers,
more studies were warranted to better understand the structural relationships
between these two subclasses of perylenequinones. In this study, the
long-postulated biosynthetic precursor (7) of class B
fungal perylenequinones was isolated and characterized from a Shiraia-like sp. (strain MSX60519). Furthermore, the electrochemical
and chemical redox behaviors of hypocrellins and hypomycins were investigated
under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. These studies served to define
the structural relationship within hypocrellins (1–3), which was further supported by X-ray crystallography,
and between hypocrellins and hypomycins (4–6). Chemical reductions of hypocrellins under anaerobic conditions
identified the origin of hypomycin A (4), hypomycin C
(5), and hypomycin E (6), which in turn
served to confirm 4 and revise the absolute configurations
of 5 and 6. Hypocrellins were shown to undergo
reversible reduction and reoxidation under aerobic conditions, while
in an anaerobic environment and longer time scale, the fully reduced
form can, to some extent, undergo an intramolecular ring closing metathesis.
This may impart a means of reductive pathway for self-protection against
these phototoxins and explain the chemical diversity observed in the
fungal metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Y. Al Subeh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Amy L. Waldbusser
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Huzefa A. Raja
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Cedric J. Pearce
- Mycosynthetix, Inc., Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278, United States
| | - Kin Lok Ho
- Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Hall
- Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Michael R. Probert
- Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas H. Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Shabnam Hematian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
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26
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Perylene as a controversial antiviral scaffold. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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27
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Roux I, Chooi YH. Heterologous Expression of Fungal Biosynthetic Pathways in Aspergillus nidulans Using Episomal Vectors. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2489:75-92. [PMID: 35524046 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2273-5_5] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi produce a wide diversity of secondary metabolites, whose biosynthesis is encoded in biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). As novel BGCs are often found in fungal species that are genetically intractable or difficult to cultivate, heterologous expression is increasingly being used for compound discovery. In addition, heterologous expression is a useful strategy to elucidate the function of the genes within a BGC and shed light on their enzymatic mechanisms. Here, we describe a method for BGC elucidation using multi-marker AMA1-based pYFAC vectors for episomal expression in the fungal host Aspergillus nidulans. The pYFAC vectors have the advantage of high transformation efficiency and support high compound production. In addition, different pathway intermediates can be easily evaluated by testing different vector combinations. This protocol encompasses different AMA1-based strategies for BGC expression such as cloning of a BGC native sequence, promoter exchange or transcription factor overexpression. We also describe procedures for A. nidulans protoplasting, transformation, and small-scale culture analysis of strains containing AMA1 vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indra Roux
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Yit Heng Chooi
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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28
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Wu W, Wang S, Zhang H, Guo W, Lu H, Xu H, Zhan R, Fidan O, Sun L. Biosynthesis of Novel Naphthoquinone Derivatives in the Commonly-used Chassis Cells Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2021. [PMCID: PMC8700708 DOI: 10.1134/s0003683821100124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Naphthoquinones harboring 1,4-naphthoquinone pharmacophore are considered as privileged structures in medicinal chemistry. In pharmaceutical industry and fundamental research, polyketide naphthoquinones were widely produced by heterologous expression of polyketide synthases in microbial chassis cells, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli. Nevertheless, these cell factories still remain, to a great degree, black boxes that often exceed engineers’ expectations. In this work, the biotransformation of juglone or 1,4-naphthoquinone was conducted to generate novel derivatives and it was revealed that these two naphthoquinones can indeed be modified by the chassis cells. Seventeen derivatives, including 6 novel compounds, were isolated and their structural characterizations indicated the attachment of certain metabolites of chassis cells to naphthoquinones. Some of these biosynthesized derivatives were reported as potent antimicrobial agents with reduced cytotoxic activities. Additionally, molecular docking as simple and quick in silico approach was performed to screen the biosynthesized compounds for their potential antiviral activity. It was found that compound 11 and 17 showed the most promising binding affinities against Nsp9 of SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating their potential antiviral activities. Overall, this work provides a new approach to generate novel molecules in the commonly used chassis cells, which would expand the chemical diversity for the drug development pipeline. It also reveals a novel insight into the potential of the catalytic power of the most widely used chassis cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Wu
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resource Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan (Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Joint Laboratory of National Engineering Research Center for the Pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicines, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - S. Wang
- Suzhou Institute of Drug Control, 215000 Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - H. Zhang
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resource Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan (Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Joint Laboratory of National Engineering Research Center for the Pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicines, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - W. Guo
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510405 Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - H. Lu
- Suzhou Institute of Drug Control, 215000 Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - H. Xu
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resource Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan (Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Joint Laboratory of National Engineering Research Center for the Pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicines, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - R. Zhan
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resource Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan (Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Joint Laboratory of National Engineering Research Center for the Pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicines, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - O. Fidan
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gül University, 38080 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - L. Sun
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resource Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan (Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Joint Laboratory of National Engineering Research Center for the Pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicines, 510006 Guangzhou, P. R. China
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29
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Shang Q, Tang H, Liu Y, Yin M, Su L, Xie S, Liu L, Yang W, Chen Y, Dong J, Zhou Y, Yin SF. Cu(i) catalysis for selective condensation/bicycloaromatization of two different arylalkynes: direct and general construction of functionalized C-N axial biaryl compounds. Chem Sci 2021; 13:263-273. [PMID: 35059176 PMCID: PMC8694356 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc03865f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective condensation/bicycloaromatization of two different arylalkynes is firstly developed under ligand-free copper(i)-catalysis, which allows the direct synthesis of C-N axial biaryl compounds in high yields with excellent selectivity and functional group tolerance. Due to the critical effects of Cu(i) catalyst and HFIP, many easily occurring undesired reactions are suppressed, and the coupled five-six aromatic rings are constructed via the selective formation of two C(sp2)-N(sp2) bonds and four C(sp2)-C(sp2) bonds. The achievement of moderate enantioselectivity verifies its potential for the simplest asymmetric synthesis of atropoisomeric biaryls. Western blotting demonstrated that the newly developed compounds are promising targets in biology and pharmaceuticals. This unique reaction can construct structurally diverse C-N axial biaryl compounds that have never been reported by other methods, and might be extended to various applications in materials, chemistry, biology, and pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Shang
- Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Haifang Tang
- Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Yongping Liu
- School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine Changsha 410208 China
| | - MingMing Yin
- School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine Changsha 410208 China
| | - Lebin Su
- Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Shimin Xie
- Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Lixin Liu
- Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Wen Yang
- Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Yi Chen
- School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine Changsha 410208 China
| | - Jianyu Dong
- Department of Educational Science, Hunan First Normal University Changsha 410205 China
| | - Yongbo Zhou
- Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Shuang-Feng Yin
- Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
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30
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Yao Y, Wang W, Shi W, Yan R, Zhang J, Wei G, Liu L, Che Y, An C, Gao SS. Overproduction of medicinal ergot alkaloids based on a fungal platform. Metab Eng 2021; 69:198-208. [PMID: 34902590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Privileged ergot alkaloids (EAs) produced by the fungal genus Claviceps are used to treat a wide range of diseases. However, their use and research have been hampered by the challenging genetic engineering of Claviceps. Here we systematically refactored and rationally engineered the EA biosynthetic pathway in heterologous host Aspergillus nidulans by using a Fungal-Yeast-Shuttle-Vector protocol. The obtained strains allowed the production of diverse EAs and related intermediates, including prechanoclavine (PCC, 333.8 mg/L), chanoclavine (CC, 241.0 mg/L), agroclavine (AC, 78.7 mg/L), and festuclavine (FC, 99.2 mg/L), etc. This fungal platform also enabled the access to the methyl-oxidized EAs (MOEAs), including elymoclavine (EC), lysergic acid (LA), dihydroelysergol (DHLG), and dihydrolysergic acid (DHLA), by overexpressing a P450 enzyme CloA. Furthermore, by optimizing the P450 electron transfer (ET) pathway and using multi-copy of cloA, the titers of EC and DHLG have been improved by 17.3- and 9.4-fold, respectively. Beyond our demonstration of A. nidulans as a robust platform for EA overproduction, our study offers a proof of concept for engineering the eukaryotic P450s-contained biosynthetic pathways in a filamentous fungal host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongpeng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Wenyu Shi
- Microbial Resource and Big Data Center, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Rui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Guangzheng Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Ling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Yongsheng Che
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China
| | - Chunyan An
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China.
| | - Shu-Shan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China.
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31
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Li H, Shu S, Kalaitzis JA, Shang Z, Vuong D, Crombie A, Lacey E, Piggott AM, Chooi YH. Genome Mining of Aspergillus hancockii Unearths Cryptic Polyketide Hancockinone A Featuring a Prenylated 6/6/6/5 Carbocyclic Skeleton. Org Lett 2021; 23:8789-8793. [PMID: 34747627 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c03283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Activation of a cryptic polyketide synthase gene cluster hkn from Aspergillus hancockii via overexpression of the gene-cluster-specific transcription factor HknR led to the discovery of a novel polycyclic metabolite, which we named hancockinone A. The compound features an unprecedented prenylated 6/6/6/5 tetracarbocyclic skeleton and shows moderate antibacterial activity. Heterologous expression, substrate feeding, and in vitro assays confirmed the role of cytochrome P450 HknE in constructing the five-membered ring in hancockinone A from the precursor neosartoricin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Li
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Si Shu
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - John A Kalaitzis
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.,Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Zhuo Shang
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Daniel Vuong
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Andrew Crombie
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Ernest Lacey
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.,Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Andrew M Piggott
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Yit-Heng Chooi
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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32
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Roux I, Bowles S, Kalaitzis JA, Vuong D, Lacey E, Chooi YH, Piggott AM. Characterisation and heterologous biosynthesis of burnettiene A, a new polyene-decalin polyketide from Aspergillus burnettii. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:9506-9513. [PMID: 34714309 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01766g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemical exploration of the recently described Australian fungus, Aspergillus burnettii, uncovered a new metabolite, burnettiene A. Here, we characterise the structure of burnettiene A as a polyene-decalin polyketide. Bioinformatic analysis of the genome of A. burnettii identified a putative biosynthetic gene cluster for burnettiene A (bue), consisting of eight genes and sharing similarity to the fusarielin gene cluster. Introduction of the reassembled bue gene cluster into Aspergillus nidulans for heterologous expression resulted in the production of burnettiene A under native promoters. Omission of bueE encoding a cytochrome P450 led to the production of preburnettiene A, confirming that BueE is responsible for catalysing the regiospecific multi-oxidation of terminal methyl groups to carboxylic acids. Similarly, bueF was shown to encode an ester-forming methyltransferase, with its omission resulting in the production of the tricarboxylic acid, preburnettiene B. Introduction of an additional copy of the transcription factor bueR under the regulation of the gpdA promoter significantly improved the heterologous production of the burnettienes. Burnettiene A displayed strong in vitro cytotoxicity against mouse myeloma NS-1 cells (MIC 0.8 μg mL-1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Indra Roux
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Simon Bowles
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd, Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - John A Kalaitzis
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd, Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia.,Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Daniel Vuong
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd, Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Ernest Lacey
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd, Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia.,Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Yit-Heng Chooi
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Andrew M Piggott
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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33
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Kahlert L, Bernardi D, Hauser M, Ióca LP, Berlinck RGS, Skellam EJ, Cox RJ. Early Oxidative Transformations During the Biosynthesis of Terrein and Related Natural Products. Chemistry 2021; 27:11895-11903. [PMID: 34114710 PMCID: PMC8453496 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202101447] [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: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The mycotoxin terrein is derived from the C10‐precursor 6‐hydroxymellein (6‐HM) via an oxidative ring contraction. Although the corresponding biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) has been identified, details of the enzymatic oxidative transformations are lacking. Combining heterologous expression and in vitro studies we show that the flavin‐dependent monooxygenase (FMO) TerC catalyzes the initial oxidative decarboxylation of 6‐HM. The reactive intermediate is further hydroxylated by the second FMO TerD to yield a highly oxygenated aromatic species, but further reconstitution of the pathway was hampered. A related BGC was identified in the marine‐derived Roussoella sp. DLM33 and confirmed by heterologous expression. These studies demonstrate that the biosynthetic pathways of terrein and related (polychlorinated) congeners diverge after oxidative decarboxylation of the lactone precursor that is catalyzed by a conserved FMO and further indicate that early dehydration of the side chain is an essential step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Kahlert
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and BMWZ, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Schneiderberg 38, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Darlon Bernardi
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and BMWZ, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Schneiderberg 38, 30167, Hannover, Germany.,Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP, 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Maurice Hauser
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and BMWZ, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Schneiderberg 38, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura P Ióca
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP, 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto G S Berlinck
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP, 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth J Skellam
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and BMWZ, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Schneiderberg 38, 30167, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Chemistry & BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle 305220, Denton, Texas, 76203, USA
| | - Russell J Cox
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and BMWZ, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Schneiderberg 38, 30167, Hannover, Germany
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34
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Sbaraini N, Hu J, Roux I, Phan CS, Motta H, Rezaee H, Schrank A, Chooi YH, Staats CC. Polyketides produced by the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae induce Candida albicans growth. Fungal Genet Biol 2021; 152:103568. [PMID: 33991663 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2021.103568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Metarhizium anisopliae is an important entomopathogenic species and model for arthropod-fungus interaction studies. This fungus harbors a diverse arsenal of unexplored secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, which are suggested to perform diverse roles during host interaction and soil subsistence as a saprophytic species. Here we explored an unusual carnitine acyltransferase domain-containing highly reducing polyketide synthase found in the genome of M. anisopliae. Employing heterologous expression in Aspergillus nidulans, two new polyketides were obtained, named BAA and BAB, as well as one known polyketide [(2Z,4E,6E)-octa-2,4,6-trienedioic acid]. Intra-hemocoel injection of the most abundant compound (BAA) in the model-arthropod Galleria mellonella larvae did not induce mortality or noticeable alterations, suggesting that this compound may not harbor insecticidal activity. Also, the potential role of such molecules in polymicrobial interactions was evaluated. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration assays using distinct fungal species revealed that BAA and BAB did not alter Cryptococcus neoformans growth, while BAA exhibited weak antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Unexpectedly, these compounds increased Candida albicans growth compared to control conditions. Furthermore, BAA can mitigate the fungicidal effects of fluconazole over C. albicans. Although the exact role of these compounds on the M. anisopliae life cycle is elusive, the described results add up to the complexity of secondary metabolites produced by Metarhizium spp. Moreover, up to our knowledge, these are the first polyketides isolated from filamentous fungi that can boost the growth of another fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolau Sbaraini
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jinyu Hu
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Indra Roux
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Chin-Soon Phan
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Heryk Motta
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Hamideh Rezaee
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Augusto Schrank
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Yit-Heng Chooi
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Charley Christian Staats
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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35
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Ma YJ, Li XP, Wang Y, Wang JW. Nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside-induced transcriptional changes and hypocrellin biosynthesis of Shiraia sp. S9. Microb Cell Fact 2021; 20:92. [PMID: 33910564 PMCID: PMC8082767 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01581-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous signaling mediator in various physiological processes. However, there are less reports concerning the effects of NO on fungal secondary metabolites. Hypocrellins are effective anticancer photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents from fungal perylenequinone pigments of Shiraia. NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was used as a chemical elicitor to promote hypocrellin biosynthesis in Shiraia mycelium cultures. Results SNP application at 0.01–0.20 mM was found to stimulate significantly fungal production of perylenequinones including hypocrellin A (HA) and elsinochrome A (EA). SNP application could not only enhance HA content by 178.96% in mycelia, but also stimulate its efflux to the medium. After 4 days of SNP application at 0.02 mM, the highest total production (110.34 mg/L) of HA was achieved without any growth suppression. SNP released NO in mycelia and acted as a pro-oxidant, thereby up-regulating the gene expression and activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating NADPH oxidase (NOX) and antioxidant enzymes, leading to the increased levels of superoxide anion (O2−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that SNP treatment could up-regulate biosynthetic genes for hypocrellins and activate the transporter protein major facilitator superfamily (MFS) for the exudation. Moreover, SNP treatment increased the proportion of total unsaturated fatty acids in the hypha membranes and enhanced membrane permeability. Our results indicated both cellular biosynthesis of HA and its secretion could contribute to HA production induced by SNP. Conclusions The results of this study provide a valuable strategy for large-scale hypocrellin production and can facilitate further understanding and exploration of NO signaling in the biosynthesis of the important fungal metabolites. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-021-01581-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jun Ma
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.,College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xin Ping Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jian Wen Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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36
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Stricker SM, Gossen BD, McDonald MR. Risk assessment of secondary metabolites produced by fungi in the genus Stemphylium. Can J Microbiol 2021; 67:445-450. [PMID: 33705203 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2020-0351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The fungal genus Stemphylium (phylum Ascomycota, teleomorph Pleospora) includes plant pathogenic, endophytic, and saprophytic species with worldwide distributions. Stemphylium spp. produce prodigious numbers of airborne spores, so are a human health concern as allergens. Some species also produce secondary metabolites, such as glucosides, ferric chelates, aromatic polyketides, and others, that function as toxins that damage plants and other fungal species. Some of these compounds also exhibit a low level of mammalian toxicity. The high production of airborne spores by this genus can result in a high incidence of human exposure. Concern about toxin production appears to be the reason that Stemphylium vesicarium, which is a pathogen of several vegetable crops, was classified in Canada as a potential risk of harm to humans for many years. A detailed assessment of the risk of exposure was provided to the relevant regulatory body, the Public Health Agency of Canada, which then determined that Stemphylium spp. in nature or under laboratory conditions posed little to no risk to humans or animals, and the species was re-assigned as a basic (level 1) risk agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Stricker
- Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bruce D Gossen
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Canada
| | - Mary Ruth McDonald
- Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Li YT, Yang C, Wu Y, Lv JJ, Feng X, Tian X, Zhou Z, Pan X, Liu S, Tian LW. Axial Chiral Binaphthoquinone and Perylenequinones from the Stromata of Hypocrella bambusae Are SARS-CoV-2 Entry Inhibitors. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:436-443. [PMID: 33560122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A new axial chiral binaphtoquinone, hypocrellone (1), and a new perylenequinone, hypomycin F (2), were isolated from the stromata of Hypocrella bambusae, together with five known compounds, 3-7. The structures of 1 and 2 were assigned by spectroscopic and HRESIMS data analyses. The axial chirality of 1 was determined by electronic circular dichroism data analysis, and the absolute configurations of 2 and 3 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The axial chirality of 7 was determined by UV-induced photooxidation from 4. Compounds 1, 4, and 5 showed inhibitory activity against pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 infection in 293T-ACE2 cells with IC50 values of 0.17, 0.038, and 0.12 μM. Compounds 4 and 5 were also active against live SARS-CoV-2 infection with EC50 values of 0.22 and 0.21 μM, respectively. Further cell-cell fusion assays, surface plasmon resonance assays, and molecular docking studies revealed that 4 and 5 could bind with the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 S protein to prevent its interaction with human angiotensin-converting enzyme II receptor. Our results revealed that 4 and 5 are potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Jiang Lv
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 401331, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Xiaofei Tian
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Xiaoyan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China
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38
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Chiang YM, Lin TS, Chang SL, Ahn G, Wang CCC. An Aspergillus nidulans Platform for the Complete Cluster Refactoring and Total Biosynthesis of Fungal Natural Products. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:173-182. [PMID: 33375785 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fungal natural products (NPs) comprise a vast number of bioactive molecules with diverse activities, and among them are many important drugs. However, the yields of fungal NPs from native producers are usually low, and total synthesis of structurally complex NPs is challenging. As such, downstream derivatization and optimization of lead fungal NPs can be impeded by the high cost of obtaining sufficient starting material. In recent years, reconstitution of NP biosynthetic pathways in heterologous hosts has become an attractive alternative approach to produce complex NPs. Here, we present an efficient, cloning-free strategy for the cluster refactoring and total biosynthesis of fungal NPs in Aspergillus nidulans. Our platform places our genes of interest (GOIs) under the regulation of the robust asperfuranone afo biosynthesis gene machinery, allowing for their concerted activation upon induction. We demonstrated the utility of our system by creating strains that can synthesize high-value NPs, citreoviridin (1), mutilin (2), and pleuromutilin (3), with good to high yield and purity. This platform can be used not only for producing NPs of interests (i.e., total biosynthesis) but also for elucidating cryptic biosynthesis pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Chiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tzu-Shyang Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Shu-Lin Chang
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Green Ahn
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Clay C C Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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39
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Liu J, Liu A, Hu Y. Enzymatic dimerization in the biosynthetic pathway of microbial natural products. Nat Prod Rep 2021; 38:1469-1505. [PMID: 33404031 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00063a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Covering: up to August 2020The dramatic increase in the identification of dimeric natural products generated by microorganisms and plants has played a significant role in drug discovery. The biosynthetic pathways of these products feature inherent dimerization reactions, which are valuable for biosynthetic applications and chemical transformations. The extraordinary mechanisms of the dimerization of secondary metabolites should advance our understanding of the uncommon chemical rules for natural product biosynthesis, which will, in turn, accelerate the discovery of dimeric reactions and molecules in nature and provide promising strategies for the total synthesis of natural products through dimerization. This review focuses on the enzymes involved in the dimerization in the biosynthetic pathway of microbial natural products, with an emphasis on cytochrome P450s, laccases, and intermolecular [4 + 2] cyclases, along with other atypical enzymes. The identification, characterization, and catalytic landscapes of these enzymes are also introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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40
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Li H, Lacey AE, Shu S, Kalaitzis JA, Vuong D, Crombie A, Hu J, Gilchrist CLM, Lacey E, Piggott AM, Chooi YH. Hancockiamides: phenylpropanoid piperazines from Aspergillus hancockii are biosynthesised by a versatile dual single-module NRPS pathway. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:587-595. [DOI: 10.1039/d0ob02243h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The hancockiamides are an unusual new family of N-cinnamoylated piperazines from the Australian soil fungus Aspergillus hancockii, originating from mixed nonribosomal peptide and phenylpropanoid pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Li
- School of Molecular Sciences
- The University of Western Australia
- Perth
- Australia
| | | | - Si Shu
- School of Molecular Sciences
- The University of Western Australia
- Perth
- Australia
| | | | - Daniel Vuong
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd
- Smithfield
- Australia
| | - Andrew Crombie
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd
- Smithfield
- Australia
| | - Jinyu Hu
- School of Molecular Sciences
- The University of Western Australia
- Perth
- Australia
| | | | - Ernest Lacey
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd
- Smithfield
- Australia
- Department of Molecular Sciences
- Macquarie University
| | | | - Yit-Heng Chooi
- School of Molecular Sciences
- The University of Western Australia
- Perth
- Australia
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41
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Hüttel W, Müller M. Regio- and stereoselective intermolecular phenol coupling enzymes in secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 38:1011-1043. [PMID: 33196733 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00010h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2005 to 2020Phenol coupling is a key reaction in the biosynthesis of important biopolymers such as lignin and melanin and of a plethora of biarylic secondary metabolites. The reaction usually leads to several different regioisomeric products due to the delocalization of a radical in the reaction intermediates. If axial chirality is involved, stereoisomeric products are obtained provided no external factor influences the selectivity. Hence, in non-enzymatic organic synthesis it is notoriously difficult to control the selectivity of the reaction, in particular if the coupling is intermolecular. From biosynthesis, it is known that especially fungi, plants, and bacteria produce biarylic compounds regio- and stereoselectively. Nonetheless, the involved enzymes long evaded discovery. First progress was made in the late 1990s; however, the breakthrough came only with the genomic era and, in particular, in the last few years the number of relevant publications has dramatically increased. The discoveries reviewed in this article reveal a remarkable diversity of enzymes that catalyze oxidative intermolecular phenol coupling, including various classes of laccases, cytochrome P450 enzymes, and heme peroxidases. Particularly in the case of laccases, the catalytic systems are often complex and additional proteins, substrates, or reaction conditions have a strong influence on activity and regio- and atroposelectivity. Although the field of (selective) enzymatic phenol coupling is still in its infancy, the diversity of enzymes identified recently could make it easier to select suitable candidates for biotechnological development and to approach this challenging reaction through biocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Hüttel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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42
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Caesar LK, Kelleher NL, Keller NP. In the fungus where it happens: History and future propelling Aspergillus nidulans as the archetype of natural products research. Fungal Genet Biol 2020; 144:103477. [PMID: 33035657 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2020.103477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In 1990 the first fungal secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene was cloned in Aspergillus nidulans. Thirty years later, >30 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) have been linked to specific natural products in this one fungal species. While impressive, over half of the BGCs in A. nidulans remain uncharacterized and their compounds structurally and functionally unknown. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of past advances that have enabled A. nidulans to rise to its current status as a natural product powerhouse focusing on the discovery and annotation of secondary metabolite clusters. From genome sequencing, heterologous expression, and metabolomics to CRISPR and epigenetic manipulations, we present a guided tour through the evolution of technologies developed and utilized in the last 30 years. These insights provide perspective to future efforts to fully unlock the biosynthetic potential of A. nidulans and, by extension, the potential of other filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay K Caesar
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Neil L Kelleher
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States; Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States; Proteomics Center of Excellence, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Nancy P Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.
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43
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Deng H, Liang W, Fan TP, Zheng X, Cai Y. Modular engineering of Shiraia bambusicola for hypocrellin production through an efficient CRISPR system. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 165:796-803. [PMID: 33010268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.09.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Shiraia bambusicola exhibits an excellent capability to produce high-value pharmacological drugs, such as hypocrellin. However, less effective molecular tools hamper the processes to discover or exploit these metabolites. To address this issue, the more effective CRISPR/Cas9 system was constructed by optimizing the sgRNA transcription elements and disrupting the endogenous non-homologous end-joining pathway. These tactics prompted the gene-targeting frequency of 100% and simultaneously multiplex genome editing in S. bambusicola. This optimal CRISPR system encouraged us to rewire the entire hypocrellin flux and improve the yield by orchestrating the substrate pool supply, the central hypocrellin pathway, and the antioxidant system. Thus, 8632 mg/L hypocrellin was obtained, resulting in a 12-fold increase than that of the wild-type strain. This engineered S. bambusicola can still endure oxidative stresses from higher target metabolites and sustain an excellent biological activity. This study provides a whole conception to establish the more efficient genome-editing system. Higher conserved transcription elements for sgRNA expressions inspire us to adopt this system for gene modifications of other filamentous fungi. The rational and global biosystems outline will offer guidance to modulate metabolite productivity in other filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaxiang Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Weiyue Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Tai-Ping Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaohui Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shanxi 710069, China
| | - Yujie Cai
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
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44
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Al Subeh ZY, Raja HA, Monro S, Flores-Bocanegra L, El-Elimat T, Pearce CJ, McFarland SA, Oberlies NH. Enhanced Production and Anticancer Properties of Photoactivated Perylenequinones. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:2490-2500. [PMID: 32786877 PMCID: PMC7493285 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Hypocrellins and hypomycins are naturally occurring fungal perylenequinones with potential photodynamic activity against cancer and microbial diseases. This project pursued three lines of research. First, the production of perylenequinones was enhanced by investigating the effect of culture medium and light exposure on their biosynthesis. Solid-fermentation cultures on rice medium allowed for enhanced production of hypocrellins as compared to Cheerios or oatmeal medium. Alternatively, increased production of hypomycins, which are structurally related to the hypocrellins, was observed on oatmeal medium. In both cases, light exposure was an essential factor for the enhanced biosynthesis. In addition, this led to the discovery of two new perylenequinones, ent-shiraiachrome A (5) and hypomycin E (8), which were elucidated based on spectroscopic data. Finally, the photocytotoxic effects of both classes of compounds were evaluated against human skin melanoma, with EC50 values at nanomolar levels for hypocrellins and micromolar levels for hypomycins. In contrast, both classes of compounds showed reduced dark toxicity (EC50 values >100 μM), demonstrating promising phototherapeutic indices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Y. Al Subeh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Huzefa A. Raja
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Susan Monro
- Department of Chemistry, Acadia University, 6 University Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Laura Flores-Bocanegra
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
| | - Tamam El-Elimat
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Cedric J. Pearce
- Mycosynthetix, Inc., Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278, United States
| | - Sherri A. McFarland
- Department of Chemistry, Acadia University, 6 University Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Nicholas H. Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402, United States
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45
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Roux I, Woodcraft C, Hu J, Wolters R, Gilchrist CLM, Chooi YH. CRISPR-Mediated Activation of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters for Bioactive Molecule Discovery in Filamentous Fungi. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:1843-1854. [PMID: 32526136 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Accessing the full biosynthetic potential encoded in the genomes of fungi is limited by the low expression of most biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) under common laboratory culture conditions. CRISPR-mediated transcriptional activation (CRISPRa) of fungal BGCs could accelerate genomics-driven bioactive secondary metabolite discovery. In this work, we established the first CRISPRa system for filamentous fungi. First, we constructed a CRISPR/dLbCas12a-VPR-based system and demonstrated the activation of a fluorescent reporter in Aspergillus nidulans. Then, we targeted the native nonribosomal peptide synthetase-like (NRPS-like) gene micA in both chromosomal and episomal contexts, achieving increased production of the compound microperfuranone. Finally, multigene CRISPRa led to the discovery of the mic cluster product as dehydromicroperfuranone. Additionally, we demonstrated the utility of the variant dLbCas12aD156R-VPR for CRISPRa at room temperature culture conditions. Different aspects that influence the efficiency of CRISPRa in fungi were investigated, providing a framework for the further development of fungal artificial transcription factors based on CRISPR/Cas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indra Roux
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Clara Woodcraft
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jinyu Hu
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wolters
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Cameron L M Gilchrist
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Yit-Heng Chooi
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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46
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González-Montiel GA, Kaweesa EN, Feau N, Hamelin RC, Stone JK, Loesgen S. Chemical, Bioactivity, and Biosynthetic Screening of Epiphytic Fungus Zasmidium pseudotsugae. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102358. [PMID: 32438585 PMCID: PMC7287617 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the first secondary metabolite, 8,8′-bijuglone, obtained from pure cultures of the slow growing Douglas fir- (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) foliage-associated fungus Zasmidium pseudotsugae. The quinone was characterized using extensive LC/MS and NMR-based spectroscopic methods. 8,8′-Bijuglone exhibited moderate antibiotic activity against Gram-positive pathogens and weak cytotoxic activity in the NCI-60 cell line panel and in our in-house human colon carcinoma (HCT-116) cell line. An analysis of the fungal genome sequence to assess its metabolic potential was implemented using the bioinformatic tool antiSMASH. In total, 36 putative biosynthetic gene clusters were found with a majority encoding for polyketides (17), followed by non-ribosomal peptides (14), terpenes (2), ribosomal peptides (1), and compounds with mixed biosynthetic origin (2). This study demonstrates that foliage associated fungi of conifers produce antimicrobial metabolites and suggests this guild of fungi may present a rich source of novel molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth N. Kaweesa
- Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (G.A.G.-M.); (E.N.K.)
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
| | - Nicolas Feau
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1ZA, Canada;
| | - Richard C. Hamelin
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1ZA, Canada;
- Faculté de Foresterie et Géomatique, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Jeffrey K. Stone
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
| | - Sandra Loesgen
- Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (G.A.G.-M.); (E.N.K.)
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +904-201-8437
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47
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Thiele W, Obermaier S, Müller M. A Fasciclin Protein Is Essential for Laccase-Mediated Selective Phenol Coupling in Sporandol Biosynthesis. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:844-848. [PMID: 32227858 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The biaryl scaffold, often showing axial chirality, is a common feature of various fungal natural products. Their biosynthesis requires an oxidative phenol-coupling reaction usually catalyzed by laccases, cytochrome P450 enzymes, or peroxidases. The combination of a laccase and a fasciclin domain-containing (fas) protein is encoded in many biosynthetic gene clusters of biaryls from ascomycetes. However, such phenol-coupling systems including their regio- and stereoselectivity have not been characterized so far. Elucidating the biosynthesis of the antiparasitic binaphthalene sporandol from Chrysosporium merdarium, we demonstrate the combination of a laccase and a fas protein to be crucial for the dimerization reaction. Only the heterologous coproduction of the laccase and the fas protein led to a functional phenol-coupling system, whereas the laccase alone showed no coupling activity. Thus, the laccase/fas protein combination forms an independent group of phenol-coupling enzymes that determines the coupling activity and selectivity of the reaction concurrently and applies to the biosynthesis of many fungal natural products with a biaryl scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Thiele
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Obermaier
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Müller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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48
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Li H, Gilchrist CLM, Phan CS, Lacey HJ, Vuong D, Moggach SA, Lacey E, Piggott AM, Chooi YH. Biosynthesis of a New Benzazepine Alkaloid Nanangelenin A from Aspergillus nanangensis Involves an Unusual l-Kynurenine-Incorporating NRPS Catalyzing Regioselective Lactamization. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:7145-7152. [PMID: 32182055 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c01605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
1-Benzazepine is a pharmaceutically important scaffold but is rare among natural products. Nanangelenin A (1), containing an unprecedented 3,4-dihydro-1-benzazepine-2,5-dione-N-prenyl-N-acetoxy-anthranilamide scaffold, was isolated from a novel species of Australian fungus, Aspergillus nanangensis. Genomic and retrobiosynthetic analyses identified a putative nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene cluster (nan). The detailed biosynthetic pathway to 1 was established by heterologous pathway reconstitution in A. nidulans, which led to biosynthesis of intermediates nanagelenin B-F (2-5 and 7). We demonstrated that the NRPS NanA incorporates anthranilic acid (Ant) and l-kynurenine (l-Kyn), which is supplied by a dedicated indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase NanC encoded in the gene cluster. Using heterologous in vivo assays and mutagenesis, we demonstrated that the C-terminal condensation (CT) and thiolation (T3) domains of NanA are responsible for the regioselective cyclization of the tethered Ant-l-Kyn dipeptide to form the unusual benzazepine scaffold in 1. We also showed that NanA-CT catalyzes the regioselective cyclization of a surrogate synthetic substrate, Ant-l-Kyn-N-acetylcysteamine, to give the benzazepine scaffold, while spontaneous cyclization of the dipeptide yielded the alternative kinetically favored benzodiazepine scaffold. The discovery of 1 and the characterization of NanA have expanded the chemical and functional diversities of fungal NRPSs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Heather J Lacey
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | - Daniel Vuong
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia
| | | | - Ernest Lacey
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, NSW 2164, Australia.,Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Andrew M Piggott
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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49
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Li H, Wei H, Hu J, Lacey E, Sobolev AN, Stubbs KA, Solomon PS, Chooi YH. Genomics-Driven Discovery of Phytotoxic Cytochalasans Involved in the Virulence of the Wheat Pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:226-233. [PMID: 31815421 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of fungal pathogenesis of grains is critical to global food security. The large number of orphan biosynthetic gene clusters uncovered in fungal plant pathogen genome sequencing projects suggests that we have a significant knowledge gap about the secondary metabolite repertoires of these pathogens and their roles in plant pathogenesis. Cytochalasans are a family of natural products of significant interest due to their ability to bind to actin and interfere with cellular processes that involved actin polymerization; however, our understanding of their biosynthesis and biological roles remains incomplete. Here, we identified a putative polyketide synthase-nonribosomal peptide synthetase (PKS-NRPS) gene cluster (phm) that was upregulated in the pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum during its infection on wheat. Overexpression of the transcription factor gene phmR encoded in the phm gene cluster resulted in the production of two leucine-derived cytochalasans, phomacins D and E (1 and 2, respectively), and an acetonyl adduct phomacin F. Heterologous expression of the PKS-NRPS gene phmA and the trans-enoyl reductase (ER) gene phmE in Aspergillus nidulans resulted in the production of a novel 2-pyrrolidone precursor prephomacin. Reverse genetics and wheat seedling infection assays showed that ΔphmA mutants exhibited significantly reduced virulence compared to the wild type. We further demonstrated that both 1 and 2 showed potent actin polymerization-inhibitory activities and exhibited potentially monocot-specific antigerminative activities. The findings from this study have advanced our knowledge based on the biosynthesis and biological roles of cytochalasans, the latter of which could have significant implications for our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of fungus-plant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haochen Wei
- Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | | | - Ernest Lacey
- Microbial Screening Technologies Pty. Ltd., Smithfield, New South Wales 2164, Australia
| | | | | | - Peter S. Solomon
- Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
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50
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Global identification of alternative splicing in Shiraia bambusicola and analysis of its regulation in hypocrellin biosynthesis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 104:211-223. [PMID: 31768612 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10189-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Hypocrellins, as natural pigments from Shiraia bambusicola, have extensive applications in the agricultural, cosmetic, food, and feed industries, and play a vital role in photodynamic therapy for anticancer and antiviral treatments. However, environmental stresses are always the bottlenecks for increasing hypocrellin yield during the process of fermentation. Pre-mRNA alternative splicing (AS) is an essential mechanism in the defense of abiotic stresses in the animal and plant kingdom, but is seldom involved in fungi. In this study, AS from genome-wide sequencing and RNA-seq data for S. bambusicola was analyzed for the first time. Interestingly, the proportion of AS in S. bambusicola was 38.44% (most of them participated in metabolic processes, covering pigmentation and response to stimulus), a much higher ratio than seen in that of other fungal species (1.3-18%). Here, we identified the relationship of AS and secondary metabolic (SM) biosynthesis under a series of abiotic stresses. Suitable fungicides suppressed hypocrellin production significantly, and AS occurred in key functional genes (sbFLO, sbMFS, sbPKS) of hypocrellin biosynthesis. In contrast, H2O2 improved the yield of hypocrellins, but AS were not found in the corresponding gene cluster. A further study showed that overexpressing an isoform of sbPKS (sbPKSa) in Shiraia bambusicola could dramatically down-regulate the expression of the original gene sbPKS and nearly inhibit the production of hypocrellins. Altogether, our study strongly supported the hypothesis that AS had a vital role in the regulation of hypocrellin biosynthesis under stresses, and initially explored whether SM functional genes were relevant for fungi.
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