Austin-Type Meroterpenoids from Fungi Reported in the Last Five Decades: A Review

Austin was first isolated as a novel polyisoprenoid mycotoxin from Aspergillus ustus in 1976. Subsequently, some new austin-type meroterpenoids (ATMTs) have been continually found. This review attempts to give a comprehensive summary of progress on the isolation, chemical structural features, biological activities, and fungal biodiversity of 104 novel ATMTs from 5 genera of terrestrial- and marine-derived fungi reported from October 1976 to January 2023. The genera of Penicillium and Aspergillus are the two dominant producers, producing 63.5% and 30.8% of ATMTs, respectively. Moreover, about 26.9% of ATMTs display various pronounced bioactivities, including insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, antibacterial, and PTP1B inhibitory activities. The chemical diversity and potential activities of these novel fungal ATMTs are reviewed for a better understanding, and a relevant summary focusing on the source fungi and their taxonomy is provided to shed light on the future development and research of austin-type meroterpenoids.

Carneusones A-F, Benzophenone Derivatives from Sponge-Derived Fungus Aspergillus carneus GXIMD00543

Six benzophenone derivatives, carneusones A-F (1-6), along with seven known compounds (7-13) were isolated from a strain of sponge-derived marine fungus Aspergillus carneus GXIMD00543. Their chemical structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic data and quantum chemical calculations. Compounds 5, 6, and 8 exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity on NO secretion using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells with EC50 values of 34.6 ± 0.9, 20.2 ± 1.8, and 26.8 ± 1.7 μM, while 11 showed potent effect with an EC50 value of 2.9 ± 0.1 μM.

Assessing the drinking water quality in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2014 to 2018

The objective of this study was to understand the drinking water quality state in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2014 to 2018 and to derive information that will provide a basis for improving the drinking water quality in the region. Monitoring data for drinking water from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region for 2014 to 2018 were analyzed and the results were compared with GB 5749-2006, the Standard Test Method for Drinking Water, and GB 5749-2006, the Drinking Water Quality Standards. Data for a total of 30,613 water samples were assessed. Of the data for the microbiological index, sensory trait and general chemical index, and toxicological index, 89, 80, and 69% were qualified, respectively. For the toxicological index, the fluoride and nitrate nitrogen data were the least compliant. The water quality in all the cities was generally very suitable for drinking. However, there were marked differences in the qualified rates of drinking water in different areas and the qualified rates of the data for the three indexes were lower in rural areas than in urban areas. Given the varied issues with the drinking water quality, the relevant departments of League cities should implement appropriate and effective treatment measures to improve the drinking water quality and ensure it is safe for residents.

Sonneradon A Extends Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans by Modulating Mitochondrial and IIS Signaling Pathways

Aging is related to the lowered overall functioning and increased risk for various age-related diseases in humans. Sonneradon A (SDA), a new compound first extracted from the edible fruits of mangrove Sonneratia apetala, showed remarkable antiaging activity. However, the role of SDA in antiaging remains unclear. In this article, we studied the function of SDA in antiaging by using the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans. Results showed that SDA inhibited production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by 53%, and reduced the accumulation of aging markers such as lipids and lipofuscins. Moreover, SDA also enhanced the innate immune response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Genetic analysis of a series of mutants showed that SDA extended the lifespan of the mutants of eat-2 and glp-1. Together, this effect may be related to the enhanced resistance to oxidative stress via mitochondrial and insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling (IIS) pathways. The results of this study provided new evidence for an antiaging effect of SDA in C. elegans, as well as insights into the implication of antiaging activity of SDA in higher organisms.

Two new benzophenones isolated from a mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sp

One new benzophenone derivative, named penibenzophenone C (1), and a new benzophenone natural product, neamed penibenzophenone D (2), together with two known compounds (3, 4) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. isolated from the mangrove Acanthus ilicifolius L. collected in the South China Sea. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated by extensive NMR spectral interpretation and MS data. The new compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate antibacterial activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with the MIC values of 3.12 and 6.25 μg ml^-1, respectively.

Cytotoxic benzopyranone and xanthone derivatives from a coral symbiotic fungus Cladosporium halotolerans GXIMD 02502

Coral-derived microorganisms have been historically proven to be prolific sources of bioactive secondary metabolites. Twelve benzopyranone and/or xanthone derivatives, including a new benzopyranone with an uncommon carboxyl group at C-8, coniochaetone K (1), were obtained from the Beibu Gulf-derived coral symbiotic fungus Cladosporium halotolerans GXIMD 02502. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic data interpretation and comparison with literature values. The absolute configuration of 1 was accomplished by comparison of specific optical rotation as well as quantum chemical ECD calculations. The in vitro cytotoxicity of compounds 1-12 against two human prostatic cancer cell lines, C4-2B and 22RV1, were evaluated. And compounds 1, 3, 6-8, and 10-11 demonstrated significant cytotoxicity with inhibitions ranging from 55.8% to 82.1% at the concentration of 10 μM.

Sesquiterpenoids and meroterpenoids from a mangrove derived fungus Diaporthe sp. SCSIO 41011

One new sesquiterpenoid, 1-methoxypestabacillin B (1), along with one known sesquiterpenoid (2) and six known chrodrimanin-type meroterpenoids (3‒8) were obtained from the solid cultures of a mangrove endophytic fungus Diaporthe sp. SCSIO 41011. Their structures including the absolute configuration at C-6 of compound 1, were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses and ECD calculations. Meanwhile, the X-ray crystal structures and absolute configurations of two previously reported chrodrimanins E (3) and H (6), are described for the first time. All the compounds were examined for HIV latency-reversal and anti-influenza A virus activities.

Nocardioides sonneratiae sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete isolated from a branch of Sonneratia apetala

A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic non-spore-forming and short-rod-shaped endophytic actinomycete was isolated from a branch of Sonneratia apetala, designated strain BGMRC0092T and investigated in detail data to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the results of the phylogenetic analyses indicated that BGMRC0092T was most closely related to Nocardioides alpinus Cr7-14T (96.9 %), Nocardioides oleivorans DSM16090T (96.4 %) and Nocardiodes exalbidus RC825T (96.3 %). The predominant cellular fatty acids of BGMRC0092T were iso-C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω8c. The major menaquinone was MK-8(H4). The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant cell-wall sugars were composed of galactose, mannose, rhamnose and xylose. The polar lipid pattern contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, one unknown phospholipid and three unknown polar lipids. The DNA G+C content was 69.3 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics and the results of phylogenetic analysis, BGMRC0092T represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides sonneratiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Nocardioides sonneratiae BGMRC0092T (=KCTC 39565T=NBRC 110251 T=DSM 100390T).

Four New Cyclohexylideneacetonitrile Derivatives from the Hypocotyl of Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza)

Four new cyclohexylideneacetonitrile derivatives 1-4, named menisdaurins B-E, as well as three known cyclohexylideneacetonitrile derivatives--menisdaurin (5), coclauril (6), and menisdaurilide (7)--were isolated from the hypocotyl of a mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza). The structures of the isolates were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1-7 showed anti-Hepatitis B virus (HBV) activities, with EC50 values ranging from 5.1 ± 0.2 μg/mL to 87.7 ± 5.8 μg/mL.

Two new secondary metabolites from the fruits of mangrove Avicennia marina

Further chemical investigation of the fruit of the mangrove Avicennia marina led to the isolation of a new caffeic acid derivative, maricaffeolylide A (1), and a new megastigmane derivative, maricyclohexene A (2). The structures of the isolates were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. The antioxidant activity of 1 and 2 was also evaluated using a cellular antioxidant activity assay, and catechol 1 showed antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 24 ± 0.3 μm.

Two New Secondary Metabolites from Tephrosia purpurea

Further investigation of Tephrosia purpurea led to the isolation of a new prenylated flavone, isoglabratephrin B (1) and a new 1,2-ethanedione benzofuran derivative, purpdione B (2). The structures of the new isolates were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis.

National and Gender Measurement Invariance of the Utrecht-Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U-MICS)

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Utrecht-Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U-MICS), a self-report measure aimed at assessing identity processes of commitment, in-depth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment. We tested its factor structure in university students from a large array of cultural contexts, including 10 nations located in Europe (i.e., Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Switzerland), Middle East (i.e., Turkey), and Asia (i.e., China, Japan, and Taiwan). Furthermore, we tested national and gender measurement invariance. Participants were 6,118 (63.2% females) university students aged from 18 to 25 years ( Mage = 20.91 years). Results indicated that the three-factor structure of the U-MICS fitted well in the total sample, in each national group, and in gender groups. Furthermore, national and gender measurement invariance were established. Thus, the U-MICS can be fruitfully applied to study identity in university students from various Western and non-Western contexts.

Marine nucleosides: structure, bioactivity, synthesis and biosynthesis

Nucleosides are glycosylamines that structurally form part of nucleotide molecules, the building block of DNA and RNA. Both nucleosides and nucleotides are vital components of all living cells and involved in several key biological processes. Some of these nucleosides have been obtained from a variety of marine resources. Because of the biological importance of these compounds, this review covers 68 marine originated nucleosides and their synthetic analogs published up to June 2014. The review will focus on the structures, bioactivities, synthesis and biosynthetic processes of these compounds.

Two New Diterpenoids from the Beibu Gulf Gorgonian Anthogorgia caerulea

Two new diterpenoids, anthogonoid A and antsimplexin A (1-2), as well as a known diterpenoid, klysimplexin G (3), were isolated from a Beibu Gulf gorgonian coral, Anthogorgia caerulea. The structures of these compounds have been established by detailed spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with spectral data of related known compounds. Compounds 1-3 showed significant antifouling activity against the larval settlement of Balanus amphitrite.

Study of hole-injecting properties in efficient, stable, and simplified phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes by impedance spectroscopy

Simplified phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) using only two kinds of hosts and comprising either a neat MoO(x) hole-injecting layer (HIL) or a MoO(x)-doped 4,4'-bis(carbazol-9-yl)biphenyl (CBP) HIL were studied. The devices having the MoO(x)-doped CBP HIL are superior to the device having the neat MoO(x) HIL in terms of power efficiency and operational lifetime. Impedance spectroscopy studies revealed that both the reduced hole-injecting barrier height at the anode/doped HIL interface and the reduced bulk resistivity in the doped CBP HIL contribute to the improvement in electroluminescence characteristics. When increasing the MoO(x) volume percentage from 5 to 10% and then to 20%, the hole-injecting barrier height is decreased from 0.63 eV to 0.36 eV and then to 0.18 eV. The power efficiency of the device with a 20 vol % of MoO(x)-doped CBP HIL is more than two times that of the device with a neat MoO(x) HIL measured at a driven current of 5 mA/cm(2). Moreover, the lifetime of the device with a 20 vol % of MoO(x)-doped CBP HIL is more than three times that of the device with a neat MoO(x) HIL estimated at an initial luminance of 1000 cd/m(2). The MoO(x)-doped HIL further ensures the feasibility of the simplified phosphorescent OLEDs for potential applications.

Alkaloids and sesquiterpenes from the South China Sea gorgonian Echinogorgia pseudossapo

Five zoanthoxanthin alkaloids (1–5) and four sesquiterpenes (6–9) were isolated from the South China Sea gorgonian Echinogorgia pseudossapo. Their structures were determined on the bases of extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR data. Among them, pseudozoanthoxanthins III and IV (1–2), 8-hydroxy-6β-methoxy-14- oxooplop-6,12-olide (6) and 3β-methoxyguaian-10(14)-en-2β-ol (7) were new, 1 and 3 showed mild anti-HSV-1 activity, and 7 showed significant antilarval activity towards Balanus amphitrite larvae.

[Study on the chemical constituents of Antipathes dichotoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents of Antipathes dichotoma.

METHODS

The compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel and their structures were identified by spectral analyses and comparison with literatures.

RESULTS

Nine compounds were obtained from A. dichotam and characterized as cholesterol (I), ergosta-5-ene-3-ol (II), 4-methyl-ergostatrien-3-ol (III), p-hydroxybenzoate (IV), 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (V), vanillin (VI), caffeic acid (VII), batyl alcohol (VIII), and theymine (IX).

CONCLUSION

Compounds II - VII are obtained from Antipathes dichotoma for the first time.

Steroids from the South China Sea gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa

From the South China sea gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa, two new steroids, (22E)-14alpha-hydroxy-cholesta-1,4,22-trien-3-one (1) and 3-(1',2'-ethandiol)-cholest-3beta,5alpha,6alpha,11alpha-tetraol (2) were obtained, in addition to six known steroids. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxicity of the six known steroids against human cancer cell lines A549, HONE1, and HeLa was evaluated by MTT methods, and their anti-larval activity was evaluated in settlement inhibition assays with laboratory-reared Balanus amphitrite and Bugular neritina larvae.

Steroids from the South China Sea Gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa

From the South China sea gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa, two new steroids, (22E)-14α-hydroxy-cholesta-1,4,22-trien-3-one (1) and 3-(1′,2′-ethandiol)-cholest-3β,5α,6α, 11α-tetraol (2) were obtained, in addition to six known steroids. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxicity of the six known steroids against human cancer cell lines A549, HONE1, and HeLa was evaluated by MTT methods, and their anti-larval activity was evaluated in settlement inhibition assays with laboratory-reared Balanus amphitrite and Bugular neritina larvae.