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Grundmann CO, Guzman J, Vilcinskas A, Pupo MT. The insect microbiome is a vast source of bioactive small molecules. Nat Prod Rep 2024; 41:935-967. [PMID: 38411238 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00054k] [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: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Covering: September 1964 to June 2023Bacteria and fungi living in symbiosis with insects have been studied over the last sixty years and found to be important sources of bioactive natural products. Not only classic producers of secondary metabolites such as Streptomyces and other members of the phylum Actinobacteria but also numerous bacteria from the phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and an impressive array of fungi (usually pathogenic) serve as the source of a structurally diverse number of small molecules with important biological activities including antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiparasitic and specific enzyme inhibitors. The insect niche is often the exclusive provider of microbes producing unique types of biologically active compounds such as gerumycins, pederin, dinactin, and formicamycins. However, numerous insects still have not been described taxonomically, and in most cases, the study of their microbiota is completely unexplored. In this review, we present a comprehensive survey of 553 natural products produced by microorganisms isolated from insects by collating and classifying all the data according to the type of compound (rather than the insect or microbial source). The analysis of the correlations among the metadata related to insects, microbial partners, and their produced compounds provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics between insects and their symbionts as well as the impact of their metabolites on these relationships. Herein, we focus on the chemical structure, biosynthesis, and biological activities of the most relevant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Guzman
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mônica Tallarico Pupo
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Huang SS, Yang HX, He J, Liu JK, Feng T. Discovery of a Biocontrol Strain Trichaptum laricinum: Its Metabolites and Antifungal Activity against Pathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum anthrisci. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:13154-13163. [PMID: 38780776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Finding safe and environmentally friendly fungicides is one of the important strategies in modern pesticide research and development. In this work, the antipathogenic effects of the fungus Trichaptum laricinum against the anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum anthrisci were studied. The EtOAc extract of T. laricinum showed remarkable antifungal activity against C. anthrisci with an inhibition rate of 50% at 256 μg/mL. Bioguided isolation of the cultural broth of T. laricinum produced four new drimane sesquiterpenes, trichalarins A-D (1-4), and six other metabolites (5-10). Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods, quantum chemical calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All compounds exhibited antifungal activity against C. anthrisci with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8-64 μg/mL in vitro. Further in vivo assay suggested that compounds 2, 6, and 9 could significantly inhibit C. anthrisci growth in avocado fruit with inhibition rates close to 80% at the concentration of 256 μg/mL, while compounds 2 and 6 had an inhibition rate over 90% at the concentration of 512 μg/mL. The EtOAc extract of T. laricinum had no inhibitory effect on Pinus massoniana seed germination and growth at the concentration of 2 mg/mL, showing good environmental friendliness. Thus, the fungus T. laricinum could be considered as an ideal biocontrol strain, and its metabolites provided a diverse material basis for the antibiotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Huang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Hui-Xiang Yang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Juan He
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ji-Kai Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Tao Feng
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
- International Cooperation Base for Active Substances in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
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Shahabudin S, Azmi NS, Lani MN, Mukhtar M, Hossain MS. Candida albicans skin infection in diabetic patients: An updated review of pathogenesis and management. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13753. [PMID: 38877612 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13753] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Candida species, commensal residents of human skin, are recognized as the cause of cutaneous candidiasis across various body surfaces. Individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly those with immunosuppressive conditions, are significantly more susceptible to this infection. Diabetes mellitus, a major metabolic disorder, has emerged as a critical factor inducing immunosuppression, thereby facilitating Candida colonization and subsequent skin infections. This comprehensive review examines the prevalence of different types of Candida albicans-induced cutaneous candidiasis in diabetic patients. It explores the underlying mechanisms of pathogenicity and offers insights into recommended preventive measures and treatment strategies. Diabetes notably increases vulnerability to oral and oesophageal candidiasis. Additionally, it can precipitate vulvovaginal candidiasis in females, Candida balanitis in males, and diaper candidiasis in young children with diabetes. Diabetic individuals may also experience candidal infections on their nails, hands and feet. Notably, diabetes appears to be a risk factor for intertrigo syndrome in obese individuals and periodontal disorders in denture wearers. In conclusion, the intricate relationship between diabetes and cutaneous candidiasis necessitates a comprehensive understanding to strategize effective management planning. Further investigation and interdisciplinary collaborative efforts are crucial to address this multifaceted challenge and uncover novel approaches for the treatment, management and prevention of both health conditions, including the development of safer and more effective antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakina Shahabudin
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Nina Suhaity Azmi
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nizam Lani
- Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | | | - Md Sanower Hossain
- Centre for Sustainability of Mineral and Resource Recovery Technology (Pusat SMaRRT), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
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Moussa AY. The limitless endophytes: their role as antifungal agents against top priority pathogens. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:161. [PMID: 38822407 PMCID: PMC11140875 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02411-3] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Multi resistant fungi are on the rise, and our arsenal compounds are limited to few choices in the market such as polyenes, pyrimidine analogs, azoles, allylamines, and echinocandins. Although each of these drugs featured a unique mechanism, antifungal resistant strains did emerge and continued to arise against them worldwide. Moreover, the genetic variation between fungi and their host humans is small, which leads to significant challenges in new antifungal drug discovery. Endophytes are still an underexplored source of bioactive secondary metabolites. Many studies were conducted to isolate and screen endophytic pure compounds with efficacy against resistant yeasts and fungi; especially, Candida albicans, C. auris, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus, which encouraged writing this review to critically analyze the chemical nature, potency, and fungal source of the isolated endophytic compounds as well as their novelty features and SAR when possible. Herein, we report a comprehensive list of around 320 assayed antifungal compounds against Candida albicans, C. auris, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus in the period 1980-2024, the majority of which were isolated from fungi of orders Eurotiales and Hypocreales associated with terrestrial plants, probably due to the ease of laboratory cultivation of these strains. 46% of the reviewed compounds were active against C. albicans, 23% against C. neoformans, 29% against A. fumigatus and only 2% against C. auris. Coculturing was proved to be an effective technique to induce cryptic metabolites absent in other axenic cultures or host extract cultures, with Irperide as the most promising compounds MIC value 1 μg/mL. C. auris was susceptible to only persephacin and rubiginosin C. The latter showed potent inhibition against this recalcitrant strain in a non-fungicide way, which unveils the potential of fungal biofilm inhibition. Further development of culturing techniques and activation of silent metabolic pathways would be favorable to inspire the search for novel bioactive antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashaimaa Y Moussa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, African Union Organization Street, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
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Vandborg BC, Horsfall AJ, Pederick JL, Abell AD, Bruning JB. Towards a High-Affinity Peptidomimetic Targeting Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen from Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1098. [PMID: 37998903 PMCID: PMC10672205 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111098] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are prevalent in immunocompromised patients. Due to alarming levels of increasing resistance in clinical settings, new drugs targeting the major fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are required. Attractive drug targets are those involved in essential processes like DNA replication, such as proliferating cell nuclear antigens (PCNAs). PCNA has been previously studied in cancer research and presents a viable target for antifungals. Human PCNA interacts with the p21 protein, outcompeting binding proteins to halt DNA replication. The affinity of p21 for hPCNA has been shown to outcompete other associating proteins, presenting an attractive scaffold for peptidomimetic design. p21 has no A. fumigatus homolog to our knowledge, yet our group has previously demonstrated that human p21 can interact with A. fumigatus PCNA (afumPCNA). This suggests that a p21-based inhibitor could be designed to outcompete the native binding partners of afumPCNA to inhibit fungal growth. Here, we present an investigation of extensive structure-activity relationships between designed p21-based peptides and afumPCNA and the first crystal structure of a p21 peptide bound to afumPCNA, demonstrating that the A. fumigatus replication model uses a PIP-box sequence as the method for binding to afumPCNA. These results inform the new optimized secondary structure design of a potential peptidomimetic inhibitor of afumPCNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethiney C. Vandborg
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (B.C.V.); (J.L.P.); (A.D.A.)
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Aimee J. Horsfall
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (B.C.V.); (J.L.P.); (A.D.A.)
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Jordan L. Pederick
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (B.C.V.); (J.L.P.); (A.D.A.)
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Andrew D. Abell
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (B.C.V.); (J.L.P.); (A.D.A.)
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - John B. Bruning
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (B.C.V.); (J.L.P.); (A.D.A.)
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
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Araque I, Ramírez J, Vergara R, Mella J, Aránguiz P, Espinoza L, Vera W, Montenegro I, Salas CO, Villena J, Cuellar MA. Cytotoxic Activity, Topoisomerase I Inhibition and In Silico Studies of New Sesquiterpene-aryl Ester Derivatives of (-) Drimenol. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093959. [PMID: 37175368 PMCID: PMC10179937 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093959] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to evaluate two sets of sesquiterpene-aryl derivatives linked by an ester bond, their cytotoxic activities, and their capacity to activate caspases 3/7 and inhibit human topoisomerase I (TOP1). A total of 13 compounds were synthesized from the natural sesquiterpene (-)-drimenol and their cytotoxic activity was evaluated in vitro against three cancer cell lines: PC-3 (prostate cancer), HT-29 (colon cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and an immortalized non-tumoral cell line (MCF-10). From the results, it was observed that 6a was the most promising compound due to its cytotoxic effect on three cancer cell lines and its selectivity, 6a was 100-fold more selective than 5-FU in MCF-7 and 20-fold in PC-3. It was observed that 6a also induced apoptosis by caspases 3/7 activity using a Capsase-Glo-3/7 assay kit and inhibited TOP1. A possible binding mode of 6a in a complex with TOP1-DNA was proposed by docking and molecular dynamics studies. In addition, 6a was predicted to have a good pharmacokinetic profile for oral administration. Therefore, through this study, it was demonstrated that the drimane scaffold should be considered in the search of new antitumoral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Araque
- Facultad de Farmacia, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1093, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Javiera Ramírez
- Facultad de Farmacia, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1093, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Rut Vergara
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar 2520000, Chile
| | - Jaime Mella
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Farmacopea Chilena (CIFAR), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Pablo Aránguiz
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar 2520000, Chile
| | - Luis Espinoza
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Avenida España 1680, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Waleska Vera
- Facultad de Farmacia, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1093, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Farmacopea Chilena (CIFAR), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Iván Montenegro
- Centro de Investigación Farmacopea Chilena (CIFAR), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina, Escuela de Obstetricia y Puericultura, Universidad de Valparaíso, Angamos 655, Reñaca, Viña del Mar 2520000, Chile
| | - Cristian O Salas
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago de Chile 7820436, Chile
| | - Joan Villena
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar 2520000, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Cuellar
- Facultad de Farmacia, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1093, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Farmacopea Chilena (CIFAR), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
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Kreuzenbeck NB, Dhiman S, Roman D, Burkhardt I, Conlon BH, Fricke J, Guo H, Blume J, Görls H, Poulsen M, Dickschat JS, Köllner TG, Arndt HD, Beemelmanns C. Isolation, (bio)synthetic studies and evaluation of antimicrobial properties of drimenol-type sesquiterpenes of Termitomyces fungi. Commun Chem 2023; 6:79. [PMID: 37095327 PMCID: PMC10126200 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-023-00871-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrotermitinae termites have farmed fungi in the genus Termitomyces as a food source for millions of years. However, the biochemical mechanisms orchestrating this mutualistic relationship are largely unknown. To deduce fungal signals and ecological patterns that relate to the stability of this symbiosis, we explored the volatile organic compound (VOC) repertoire of Termitomyces from Macrotermes natalensis colonies. Results show that mushrooms emit a VOC pattern that differs from mycelium grown in fungal gardens and laboratory cultures. The abundance of sesquiterpenoids from mushrooms allowed targeted isolation of five drimane sesquiterpenes from plate cultivations. The total synthesis of one of these, drimenol, and related drimanes assisted in structural and comparative analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and antimicrobial activity testing. Enzyme candidates putatively involved in terpene biosynthesis were heterologously expressed and while these were not involved in the biosynthesis of the complete drimane skeleton, they catalyzed the formation of two structurally related monocyclic sesquiterpenes named nectrianolins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina B Kreuzenbeck
- Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Seema Dhiman
- Institute for Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Humboldtstr. 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Dávid Roman
- Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Immo Burkhardt
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin H Conlon
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Janis Fricke
- Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Huijuan Guo
- Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Janis Blume
- Institute for Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Humboldtstr. 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Helmar Görls
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller University, Humboldtstrasse 8, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias G Köllner
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Arndt
- Institute for Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Humboldtstr. 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Beemelmanns
- Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany.
- Helmholtz-Institut für Pharmazeutische Forschung Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Universität des Saarlandes, Campus E8, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
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Anyamele T, Onwuegbuchu PN, Ugbogu EA, Ibe C. Phytochemical composition, bioactive properties, and toxicological profile of Tetrapleura tetraptera. Bioorg Chem 2023; 131:106288. [PMID: 36470194 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The use of medicinal plants has gained renewed wide popularity in Africa, Asia, and most parts of the world because of the decreasing efficacy of synthetic drugs. Thus, natural products serve as a potent source of alternative remedy. Tetrapleura tetraptera is a medicinal plant with cultural and traditional significance in West Africa. In addition to the plant being commonly used as a spice in the preparation of traditional spicy food for postpartum care it is also widely used to constitute herbal concoctions and decoctions for treatment of diseases. This review aimed to provide an up-to-date information on the ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activities and phytoconstituents of T. tetraptera. Preclinical studies regarding the plant's toxicity profile were also reviewed. For this updated review, literature search was done on PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, and Google Scholar databases using the relevant keywords. The review used a total of 106 papers that met the inclusion criteria from January 1989 - February 2022 and summarised the bioactivities that have been reported for the rich phytoconstituents of T. tetraptera studied using various chemical methods. Considering the huge report, the review focused on the antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activities of the plant extracts and isolated compounds. Aridan, aridanin and several bioactive compounds of T. tetraptera have shown pharmacological activities though their mechanisms of action are yet to be fully understood. This study also highlighted the influence of plant parts and extraction solvents on its biological activities. It also presented data on the toxicological profile of the plant extracts using different models. From cultural uses to modern pharmacological research the bioactive compounds of T. tetraptera have proved effective in infectious disease management. We hope that this paper provided a robust summary of the biological activities and toxicological profile of T. tetraptera, thus calling for more research into the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic activities of natural products to help combat the growing threat of drug resistance and provide guidelines for their ethnomedicinal uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- ThankGod Anyamele
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
| | | | - Eziuche Amadike Ugbogu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
| | - Chibuike Ibe
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.
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9
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Pestalotiopsis Diversity: Species, Dispositions, Secondary Metabolites, and Bioactivities. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27228088. [PMID: 36432188 PMCID: PMC9695833 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27228088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pestalotiopsis species have gained attention thanks to their structurally complex and biologically active secondary metabolites. In past decades, several new secondary metabolites were isolated and identified. Their bioactivities were tested, including anticancer, antifungal, antibacterial, and nematicidal activity. Since the previous review published in 2014, new secondary metabolites were isolated and identified from Pestalotiopsis species and unidentified strains. This review gathered published articles from 2014 to 2021 and focused on 239 new secondary metabolites and their bioactivities. To date, 384 Pestalotiopsis species have been discovered in diverse ecological habitats, with the majority of them unstudied. Some may contain secondary metabolites with unique bioactivities that might benefit pharmacology.
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Vo NNQ, Nomura Y, Kinugasa K, Takagi H, Takahashi S. Identification and Characterization of Bifunctional Drimenol Synthases of Marine Bacterial Origin. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1226-1238. [PMID: 35446557 PMCID: PMC9128629 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Natural drimane-type sesquiterpenes, including drimenol, display diverse biological activities. These active compounds are distributed in plants and fungi; however, their accumulation in bacteria remains unknown. Consequently, bacterial drimane-type sesquiterpene synthases remain to be characterized. Here, we report five drimenol synthases (DMSs) of marine bacterial origin, all belonging to the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD)-like hydrolase superfamily with the conserved DDxxE motif typical of class I terpene synthases and the DxDTT motif found in class II diterpene synthases. They catalyze two continuous reactions: the cyclization of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) into drimenyl pyrophosphate and dephosphorylation of drimenyl pyrophosphate into drimenol. Protein structure modeling of the characterized Aquimarina spongiae DMS (AsDMS) suggests that the FPP substrate is located within the interdomain created by the DDxxE motif of N-domain and DxDTT motif of C-domain. Biochemical analysis revealed two aspartate residues of the DDxxE motif that might contribute to the capture of the pyrophosphate moiety of FPP inside the catalytic site of AsDMS, which is essential for efficient cyclization and subsequent dephosphorylation reactions. The middle aspartate residue of the DxDTT motif is also critical for cyclization. Thus, AsDMS utilizes both motifs in the reactions. Remarkably, the unique protein architecture of AsDMS, which is characterized by the fusion of a HAD-like domain (N-domain) and a terpene synthase β domain (C-domain), significantly differentiates this new enzyme. Our findings of the first examples of bacterial DMSs suggest the biosynthesis of drimane sesquiterpenes in bacteria and shed light on the divergence of the structures and functions of terpene synthases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhu Ngoc Quynh Vo
- Natural Product Biosynthesis Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yuhta Nomura
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Kinugasa
- Natural Product Biosynthesis Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takagi
- Natural Product Biosynthesis Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Shunji Takahashi
- Natural Product Biosynthesis Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
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11
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Anticancer Activity of Natural and Semi-Synthetic Drimane and Coloratane Sesquiterpenoids. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082501. [PMID: 35458699 PMCID: PMC9031474 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drimane and coloratane sesquiterpenoids are present in several plants, microorganisms, and marine life. Because of their cytotoxic activity, these sesquiterpenoids have received increasing attention as a source for new anticancer drugs and pharmacophores. Natural drimanes and coloratanes, as well as their semi-synthetic derivatives, showed promising results against cancer cell lines with in vitro activities in the low micro- and nanomolar range. Despite their high potential as novel anticancer agents, the mode of action and structure–activity relationships of drimanes and coloratanes have not been completely enlightened nor systematically reviewed. Our review aims to give an overview of known structures and derivatizations of this class of sesquiterpenoids, as well as their activity against cancer cells and potential modes-of-action. The cytotoxic activities of about 40 natural and 25 semi-synthetic drimanes and coloratanes are discussed. In addition to that, we give a summary about the clinical significance of drimane and coloratane sesquiterpenoids.
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12
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Abstract
Terpenoids represent the largest group of secondary metabolites with variable structures and functions. Terpenoids are well known for their beneficial application in human life, such as pharmaceutical products, vitamins, hormones, anticancer drugs, cosmetics, flavors and fragrances, foods, agriculture, and biofuels. Recently, engineering microbial cells have been provided with a sustainable approach to produce terpenoids with high yields. Noticeably, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (Cas) system has emerged as one of the most efficient genome-editing technologies to engineer microorganisms for improving terpenoid production. In this review, we summarize the application of the CRISPR-Cas system for the production of terpenoids in microbial hosts such as Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Corynebacterium glutamicum, and Pseudomonas putida. CRISPR-Cas9 deactivated Cas9 (dCas9)-based CRISPR (CRISPRi), and the dCas9-based activator (CRISPRa) have been used in either individual or combinatorial systems to control the metabolic flux for enhancing the production of terpenoids. Finally, the prospects of using the CRISPR-Cas system in terpenoid production are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan Luong Chu
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, Viet Nam.,Bioresource Research Center, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
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13
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OUP accepted manuscript. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6526320. [PMID: 35142862 PMCID: PMC8929677 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging, multi drug resistant fungal pathogen that has caused infectious outbreaks in over 45 countries since its first isolation over a decade ago, leading to in-hospital crude mortality rates as high as 72%. The fungus is also acclimated to disinfection procedures and persists for weeks in nosocomial ecosystems. Alarmingly, the outbreaks of C. auris infections in Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients have also been reported. The pathogenicity, drug resistance and global spread of C. auris have led to an urgent exploration of novel, candidate antifungal agents for C. auris therapeutics. This narrative review codifies the emerging data on the following new/emerging antifungal compounds and strategies: antimicrobial peptides, combinational therapy, immunotherapy, metals and nano particles, natural compounds, and repurposed drugs. Encouragingly, a vast majority of these exhibit excellent anti- C. auris properties, with promising drugs now in the pipeline in various stages of development. Nevertheless, further research on the modes of action, toxicity, and the dosage of the new formulations are warranted. Studies are needed with representation from all five C. auris clades, so as to produce data of grater relevance, and broader significance and validity.
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14
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Billamboz M, Fatima Z, Hameed S, Jawhara S. Promising Drug Candidates and New Strategies for Fighting against the Emerging Superbug Candida auris. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030634. [PMID: 33803604 PMCID: PMC8003017 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections represent an expanding threat to public health. During the past decade, a paradigm shift of candidiasis from Candida albicans to non-albicans Candida species has fundamentally increased with the advent of Candida auris. C. auris was identified in 2009 and is now recognized as an emerging species of concern and underscores the urgent need for novel drug development strategies. In this review, we discuss the genomic epidemiology and the main virulence factors of C. auris. We also focus on the different new strategies and results obtained during the past decade in the field of antifungal design against this emerging C. auris pathogen yeast, based on a medicinal chemist point of view. Critical analyses of chemical features and physicochemical descriptors will be carried out along with the description of reported strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Billamboz
- Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, Université Lille, U1167—RID-AGE—Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies liées au Vieillissement, F-59000 Lille, France
- Junia, Health and Environment, Laboratory of Sustainable Chemistry and Health, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (S.J.)
| | - Zeeshan Fatima
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram 122413, India; (Z.F.); (S.H.)
| | - Saif Hameed
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram 122413, India; (Z.F.); (S.H.)
| | - Samir Jawhara
- UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, INSERM U1285, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (S.J.)
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15
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Horn C, Vediyappan G. Anticapsular and Antifungal Activity of α-Cyperone. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10010051. [PMID: 33419126 PMCID: PMC7825567 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections affect 300 million people and cause 1.5 million deaths globally per year. With the number of immunosuppressed patients increasing steadily, there is an increasing number of patients infected with opportunistic fungal infections such as infections caused by the species of Candida and Cryptococcus. In fact, the drug-resistant Can. krusei and the emerging pan-antifungal resistant Can. auris pose a serious threat to human health as the existing limited antifungals are futile. To further complicate therapy, fungi produce capsules and spores that are resistant to most antifungal drugs/host defenses. Novel antifungal drugs are urgently needed to fill unmet medical needs. From screening a collection of medicinal plant sources for antifungal activity, we have identified an active fraction from the rhizome of Cyperus rotundus, the nut grass plant. The fraction contained α-Cyperone, an essential oil that showed fungicidal activity against different species of Candida. Interestingly, the minimal inhibitory concentration of α-Cyperone was reduced 8-fold when combined with a clinical antifungal drug, fluconazole, indicating its antifungal synergistic potential and could be useful for combination therapy. Furthermore, α-Cyperone affected the synthesis of the capsule in Cryp. neoformans, a causative agent of fungal meningitis in humans. Further work on mechanistic understanding of α-Cyperone against fungal virulence could help develop a novel antifungal agent for drug-resistant fungal pathogens.
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