Type A Trichothecene Metabolic Profile Differentiation, Mechanisms, Biosynthetic Pathways, and Evolution in Fusarium Species-A Mini Review

Marine-Derived Leads as Anticancer Candidates by Disrupting Hypoxic Signaling through Hypoxia-Inducible Factors Inhibition

The inadequate vascularization seen in fast-growing solid tumors gives rise to hypoxic areas, fostering specific changes in gene expression that bolster tumor cell survival and metastasis, ultimately leading to unfavorable clinical prognoses across different cancer types. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1 and HIF-2) emerge as druggable pivotal players orchestrating tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, thus positioning them as prime targets for cancer treatment. A range of HIF inhibitors, notably natural compounds originating from marine organisms, exhibit encouraging anticancer properties, underscoring their significance as promising therapeutic options. Bioprospection of the marine environment is now a well-settled approach to the discovery and development of anticancer agents that might have their medicinal chemistry developed into clinical candidates. However, despite the massive increase in the number of marine natural products classified as 'anticancer leads,' most of which correspond to general cytotoxic agents, and only a few have been characterized regarding their molecular targets and mechanisms of action. The current review presents a critical analysis of inhibitors of HIF-1 and HIF-2 and hypoxia-selective compounds that have been sourced from marine organisms and that might act as new chemotherapeutic candidates or serve as templates for the development of structurally similar derivatives with improved anticancer efficacy.

Antagonistic properties against Fusarium sporotrichioides and glycosylation of HT-2 and T-2 toxins by selected Trichoderma strains

The present study assessed the ability of Trichoderma to combat F. sporotrichioides, focusing on their antagonistic properties. Tests showed that Trichoderma effectively inhibited F. sporotrichioides mycelial growth, particularly with T. atroviride strains. In co-cultures on rice grains, Trichoderma almost completely reduced the biosynthesis of T-2 and HT-2 toxins by Fusarium. T-2 toxin-α-glucoside (T-2-3α-G), HT-2 toxin-α-glucoside (HT-2-3α-G), and HT-2 toxin-β-glucoside (HT-2-3β-G) were observed in the common culture medium, while these substances were not present in the control medium. The study also revealed unique metabolites and varying metabolomic profiles in joint cultures of Trichoderma and Fusarium, suggesting complex interactions. This research offers insights into the processes of biocontrol by Trichoderma, highlighting its potential as a sustainable solution for managing cereal plant pathogens and ensuring food safety.

Phylogenetic Variation of Tri1 Gene and Development of PCR-RFLP Analysis for the Identification of NX Genotypes in Fusarium graminearum Species Complex

NX toxins have been described as a novel group of type A trichothecenes produced by members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC). Differences in structure between NX toxins and the common type B trichothecenes arise from functional variation in the trichothecene biosynthetic enzyme Tri1 in the FGSC. The identified highly conserved changes in the Tri1 gene can be used to develop specific PCR-based assays to identify the NX-producing strains. In this study, the sequences of the Tri1 gene from type B trichothecene- and NX-producing strains were analyzed to identify DNA polymorphisms between the two different kinds of trichothecene producers. Four sets of Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods were successfully developed to distinguish the common type B trichothecene producers and NX producers within FGSC. These promising diagnostic methods can be used for high-throughput genotype detection of Fusarium strains as a step forward for crop disease management and mycotoxin control in agriculture. Additionally, it was found that the Tri1 gene phylogeny differs from the species phylogeny, which is consistent with the previous studies.