A review of recently introduced Aspergillus, Penicillium, Talaromyces and other Eurotiales species

The order Eurotiales is diverse and includes species that impact our daily lives in many ways. In the past, its taxonomy was difficult due to morphological similarities, which made accurate identification of species difficult. This situation improved and stabilised with recent taxonomic and nomenclatural revisions that modernised Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces. This was mainly due to the availability of curated accepted species lists and the publication of comprehensive DNA sequence reference datasets. This has also led to a sharp increase in the number of new species described each year with the accepted species lists in turn also needing regular updates. The focus of this study was to review the 160 species described between the last list of accepted species published in 2020 until 31 December 2022. To review these species, single-gene phylogenies were constructed and GCPSR (Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition) was applied. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses were performed to further determine the relationships of the newly introduced species. As a result, we accepted 133 species (37 Aspergillus, two Paecilomyces, 59 Penicillium, two Rasamsonia, 32 Talaromyces and one Xerochrysium), synonymised 22, classified four as doubtful and created a new combination for Paraxerochrysium coryli, which is classified in Xerochrysium. This brings the number of accepted species to 453 for Aspergillus, 12 for Paecilomyces, 535 for Penicillium, 14 for Rasamsonia, 203 for Talaromyces and four for Xerochrysium. We accept the newly introduced section Tenues (in Talaromyces), and series Hainanici (in Aspergillus sect. Cavernicolarum) and Vascosobrinhoana (in Penicillium sect. Citrina). In addition, we validate the invalidly described species Aspergillus annui and A. saccharicola, and series Annuorum (in Aspergillus sect. Flavi), introduce a new combination for Dichlaena lentisci (type of the genus) and place it in a new section in Aspergillus subgenus Circumdati, provide an updated description for Rasamsonia oblata, and list excluded and recently synonymised species that were previously accepted. This study represents an important update of the accepted species lists in Eurotiales. Taxonomic novelties: New sections: Aspergillus section Dichlaena Visagie, Kocsubé & Houbraken. New series: Aspergillus series Annuorum J.J. Silva, B.T. Iamanaka, Frisvad. New species: Aspergillus annui J.J. Silva, M.H.P. Fungaro, Frisvad, M.H. Taniwaki & B.T. Iamanaka; Aspergillus saccharicola J.J. Silva, Frisvad, M.H.P. Fungaro, M.H. Taniwaki & B.T. Iamanaka. New combinations: Aspergillus lentisci (Durieu & Mont.) Visagie, Malloch, L. Kriegsteiner, Samson & Houbraken; Xerochrysium coryli (Crous & Decock) Visagie & Houbraken. Citation: Visagie CM, Yilmaz N, Kocsubé S, Frisvad JC, Hubka V, Samson RA, Houbraken J (2024). A review of recently introduced Aspergillus, Penicillium, Talaromyces and other Eurotiales species. Studies in Mycology 107: 1-66. doi: 10.3114/sim.2024.107.01.

Enantiomeric α-pyrone derivatives with immunosuppressive activity from Talaromyces adpressus

Five pairs of undescribed enantiomeric α-pyrone derivatives (±)-adprepyrones A-E (±1-±5), together with an unreported congener adprepyrone F (6), and 6-[(E)-3-Hydroxyprop-1-enyl]-4-methoxy-5-methyl-2-pyrone (7), recently reported as synthetic compound, were isolated from the fungus Talaromyces adpressus. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, electronic circular dichroism calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. (±)-Adprepyrone A (±1) possesses an unreported carbon skeleton formed by the fusion of an α-pyrone derivative with nicotinamide. Compounds (+)-2, (±)-4, (±)-5, and 7 showed moderate inhibitory activity against concanavalin A (ConA)-induced T lymphocyte proliferation with IC50 values ranging from 8.9 to 19.8 μM.

A new diketopiperazine-type alkaloid from the endophytic fungus Penicillium expansum

A chemical investigation on an endophytic fungus Penicillium expansum isolated from the medicinal plant Plantago depressa Willd. (Plantaginaceae) afforded one new diketopiperazine-type alkaloid, namely penicimine A (1), as well as two known congeners (2 and 3). Their structures were elucidated by widespread spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compound 1 represented the first example of benzyl-containing diketopiperazine-type alkaloid bearing a methyl group attached at C-15 position. Compound 1 showed anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages with an IC50 value of 25.65 μM.

Quadristerols A-G: Seven undescribed ergosterols from Aspergillus quadrilineata

Quadristerols A-G, seven undescribed ergosterols, were obtained from Aspergillus quadrilineata. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined based on HRESIMS, NMR, quantum-chemical calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Quadristerols A-G featured ergosterol skeletons with different attachments; quadristerols A-C were three diastereoisomers possessing a 2-hydroxy-propionyloxy group at C-6, and quadristerols D-G were two pairs of epimers with a 2,3-butanediol group at C-6. All of these compounds were evaluated for their immunosuppressive activities in vitro. Quadristerols B and C showed excellent inhibitory effects against concanavalin A-induced T lymphocyte proliferation with IC₅₀ values of 7.43 and 3.95 μM, respectively, and quadristerols D and E strongly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced B lymphocyte proliferation with IC₅₀ values of 10.96 and 7.47 μM, respectively.

New Hybrid Phenalenone Dimer, Highly Conjugated Dihydroxylated C28 Steroid and Azaphilone from the Culture Extract of a Marine Sponge-Associated Fungus, Talaromyces pinophilus KUFA 1767

An undescribed hybrid phenalenone dimer, talaropinophilone (3), an unreported azaphilone, 7-epi-pinazaphilone B (4), an unreported phthalide dimer, talaropinophilide (6), and an undescribed 9R,15S-dihydroxy-ergosta-4,6,8 (14)-tetraen-3-one (7) were isolated together with the previously reported bacillisporins A (1) and B (2), an azaphilone derivative, Sch 1385568 (5), 1-deoxyrubralactone (8), acetylquestinol (9), piniterpenoid D (10) and 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methylphthalaldehydic acid (11) from the ethyl acetate extract of the culture of a marine sponge-derived fungus, Talaromyces pinophilus KUFA 1767. The structures of the undescribed compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR as well as high-resolution mass spectral analyses. The absolute configuration of C-9' of 1 and 2 was revised to be 9'S using the coupling constant value between C-8' and C-9' and was confirmed by ROESY correlations in the case of 2. The absolute configurations of the stereogenic carbons in 7 and 8 were established by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 1,2, 4-8, 10 and 11 were tested for antibacterial activity against four reference strains, viz. two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853), as well as three multidrug-resistant strains, viz. an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, a methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and a vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis (VRE). However, only 1 and 2 exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both S. aureus ATCC 29213 and MRSA. Moreover, 1 and 2 also significantly inhibited biofilm formation in S. aureus ATCC 29213 at both MIC and 2xMIC concentrations.

Polyketides with antimicrobial activities from Penicillium canescens DJJ-1

Two undescribed polyketides canecines A-B, one unreported cyclopentenone canecine C, together with 12 known compounds were isolated from an extract of the fungus Penicillium canescens DJJ-1. Their structures were elucidated by detailed analysis of spectroscopic data, NMR calculations with dJ-DP4 or DP4+, and their absolute configurations were further determined by quantum chemical calculations of ECD spectra or X-crystallography. Canecine A was a grisan polyketide featuring a dimethyltetrahydro-4H-furo[2,3-b]pyran. Canecine A exhibited significant inhibitory activity against Candida albicans with an MIC value of 1 μg/mL and showed inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages. These results enrich the structural diversities of polyketides from endophytic fungi.

The anti-TMV potency of the tobacco-derived fungus Aspergillus versicolor and its active alkaloids, as anti-TMV activity inhibitors

Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) has attracted interest as one of the most economically important industrial crops widely cultivated in China, whose dried leaves are popularly consumed medicinally and recreationally by human societies. In this study, five undescribed alkaloids derivatives, isoaspergillines A-E, together with eight known alkaloids, notoamide D, (1R,4S)-4-benzyl-1-isopropyl-2,4-dihydro-1H-pyrazino-[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-dione, protuboxepin K, notoamide C, notoamide M, deoxybrevianamide E, cyclo (D-Pro-L-Trp), and versicolamide B, were obtained from the culture of the Nicotiana tabacum-derived fungus Aspergillus versicolor. Their structures were mainly elucidated through comprehensive analyses of spectroscopic data. Bioactivity evaluation of all isolated compounds revealed that isoaspergilline A and notoamide M exhibited anti-TMV activities with IC₅₀ values of 20.0 and 22.8 μM, respectively. Molecular docking suggested that isoaspergilline A and notoamide M were well located into the active site of anti-TMV by interacting with SER138, SER143, and ASN73 residues. This study enlightens the therapeutic potential of the endophytic fungus A. versicolor and it is helpful to find undescribed anti-TMV activity inhibitors, as well as searching for new anti-TMV candidates from natural sources.

Cytotoxic shornephines and asterresins from the hydrothermal vent associated fungus Aspergillus terreus CXX-158-20

A previously unreported alkaloid, bearing an undescribed 5/7/8 tricyclic heterocyclic skeleton, shornephine D, an undescribed diketomorpholine (DKM) shornephine B, two undescribed diketomorpholine derivatives shornephine C and seco-shornephine B methyl ester, an undescribed indole-isoquinoline alkaloid asterresin C, three undescribed indole alkaloids asterresins A-B and D, together with five known compounds, were isolated from the culture of hydrothermal vent associated fungus Aspergillus terreus CXX-158-20. Their structures were unambiguously determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry, Mosher's method, 13C NMR calculation in combination with DP4+, and ECD calculations. Shornephine D and asterresin C represent two undescribed heterocyclic skeletons. Asterresin D and giluterrin exhibited cytotoxicity activities with IC50 values of 3.96 μM and 7.97 μM against A549 cell line. Asterresin D exhibited cytotoxicity activities with IC50 values of 12.36 μM and 12.48 μM against Namalwa and U266 cell lines. Asterresin A and giluterrin exhibited synergistic effect with adriamycin against MCF-7 cell line.

Punicesterones A-G, polyhydroxylated mycoecdysteroids from the deep-sea-derived fungus Aspergillus puniceus SCSIO z021

Seven undescribed polyhydroxylated mycoecdysteroids, punicesterones A-G, along with two known analogues, were isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungal strain Aspergillus puniceus SCSIO z021 (Trichocomaceae). Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by a combination of extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis, HRESIMS data, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. Punicesterone An unexpectedly possessed a nicotinoyl unit substituted at C-22 of a typical ecdysteroid skeleton. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and antibacterial activities. Punicesterones B and C showed the activity of reducing triglyceride in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dosage-dependent manner, and also exhibited antibacterial activity against five pathogens.

Fungal polyketides from a rhizospheric soil-derived Penicillium sp. YUD17004 associated with Gastrodia elata

Five unprecedented polyketide metabolites were isolated and characterized from a rhizospheric soil-derived Penicillium sp. YUD17004. Their diverse structures included two indanone-type polyketides penicillyketides A and B, a phthalide-like polyketides penicillyketide C, a symmetrical chromone dimer penicillyketide D, along with a pyrone derivative pyranlyketide, which were elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation and quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism calculation. Notably, the structures of penicillyketides A and B feature a highly functionalized indanone ring nucleus, but differ from other indanone-containing polyketides by the alkyl substitution pattern. The structure of penicillyketide C comprises a furanone ring instead of the hydroxycyclopentenone ring characteristic for penicillyketides A and B, and represents an undescribed arrangement within C₁₇ polyketides. Penicillyketide D represented the first example of a chromone homodimer with the bridge at C-2/2'. Penicillyketide B exhibited weak anti-inflammatory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 32 ± 1.0 μM. Penicillyketide D displayed weak cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cell line with an IC₅₀ value of 25 ± 0.9 μM.

Undescribed meleagrin alkaloids from the endophytic fungus Penicillium commune

Six undescribed meleagrin analogues, isomeleagrin, meleagrin F, meleagrin G, methylmeleagrin G, isomethylmeleagrin G and meleagrin H, were isolated from the endophytic fungus Penicillium commune, which was obtained from the fresh leaves of a toxic medicinal plant, Tylophora ovata. The structures of these analogues were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic data analysis, and their absolute configurations were characterized by calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Structurally, meleagrin F features an undescribed skeleton with an aniline moiety, which is linked to meleagrin through a C-C bond at C8-C26. Connecting N19-C3' through the C-N bond in meleagrin G, methylmeleagrin G, isomethylmeleagrin G and meleagrin H was rare for amino acid condensation. The cytotoxicity activity of these undescribed compounds was evaluated, and isomeleagrin exhibited a selective cytotoxicity activity against HGC27 cells with an IC50 value of 2.01 μM.

The induced cryptic metabolites and antifungal activities from culture of Penicillium chrysogenum by supplementing with host Ziziphus jujuba extract

The productions of cryptic metabolites including three undescribed drimane sesquiterpenoids, penicichrins A-C, and three known compounds from Penicillium chrysogenum were activated by the host Ziziphus jujuba medium. The structures were established by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data. The spiro β-lactone, and gem-dimethyl dihydroxylation in induced penicichrins A-C were rare in natural products. Cryptic metabolites, monaspurpurone was first found in Penicillium. 4-Methoxy-3-methylgoniothalamin, and 2-hydroxy-l-phenyl-l,4-pentanedione were second example of isolation. Penicichrin A, monaspurpurone, 4-methoxy-3-methylgoniothalamin, physcion, ergosterol, and ergosta-7,22-dien-3β-ol had antifungal activities against phytopathogens, P. chrysogenum, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus with MICs ≤2 μg/mL, and 2-hydroxy-l-phenyl-l,4-pentanedione had flowering activity. So the chemical constituents from Z. jujuba could induce the productions of cryptic metabolites with plant growth-promoting activity from endophyte P. chrysogenum.

New Alkylpyridinium Anthraquinone, Isocoumarin, C-Glucosyl Resorcinol Derivative and Prenylated Pyranoxanthones from the Culture of a Marine Sponge-Associated Fungus, Aspergillus stellatus KUFA 2017

An unreported isocoumarin, (3S,4R)-4-hydroxy-6-methoxymellein (2), an undescribed propylpyridinium anthraquinone (4), and an unreported C-glucosyl resorcinol derivative, acetyl carnemycin E (5c), were isolated, together with eight previously reported metabolites including p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1), 1,3-dimethoxy-8-hydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone (3a), 1,3-dimethoxy-2,8-dihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone (3b), emodin (3c), 5[(3E,5E)-nona-3,5-dien-1-yl]benzene (5a), carnemycin E (5b), tajixanthone hydrate (6a) and 15-acetyl tajixanthone hydrate (6b), from the ethyl acetate extract of the culture of a marine sponge-derived fungus, Aspergillus stellatus KUFA 2017. The structures of the undescribed compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR and high resolution mass spectral analyses. In the case of 2, the absolute configurations of the stereogenic carbons were determined by comparison of their calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. The absolute configurations of the stereogenic carbons in 6a and 6b were also determined, for the first time, by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, and 6b were assayed for antibacterial activity against four reference strains, viz. two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853), as well as three multidrug-resistant strains. However, only 5a exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both reference and multidrug-resistant strains. Compound 5a also showed antibiofilm activity against both reference strains of Gram-positive bacteria.

Meroterpenoids from the fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum GZU-XW03-2 and their anti-inflammatory activity

Seven undescribed meroterpenoids, peniscmeroterpenoids A - G, were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum GZU-XW03-2. Their structures were established by the spectroscopic methods and the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Peniscmeroterpenoid A possessed an unprecedented and highly oxidized 6/7/6/5/5 pentacyclic system, featuring a unique tetrahydrofuro [2,3-b]furan-2(3H)-one motif. Peniscmeroterpenoids B - E owned rare 6(D)/5(E) fused rings were not common in natural products, and peniscmeroterpenoid E is the first example of a berkeleyone analogue stripped of the methyl ester fragment. In bioassays, peniscmeroterpenoids A and D inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) in RAW264.7 cells with IC₅₀ values of 26.60 ± 1.15 and 8.79 ± 1.22 μM. Moreover, peniscmeroterpenoid D significantly suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (COX-2, IL-1β and IL-6) and the protein expression of the enzyme iNOS.

Undescribed specialised metabolites from the endophytic fungus Emericella sp. XL029 and their antimicrobial activities

The fungus Emericella sp. XL029 isolated from leaves of Panax notoginseng was investigated for agents with potential antibacterial and antifungal activities using a one strain-many compounds (OSMAC) strategy. Fifteen compounds, including seven undescribed structures, were obtained from this species. Their structures were confirmed by extensive spectroscopic data, single-crystal X-ray crystallography and quantum chemistry calculations. Emerlactam A exhibited better antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium and antifungal activity against Helminthosporium maydis, with an MIC value of 12.5 μg/mL. Quiannulatic acid displayed significant antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium and multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis with MIC values of 1.56 μg/mL and 3.13 μg/mL, respectively. 5-alkenylresorcinol exhibited significant antifungal activity against all tested phytopathogenic fungi with MIC values ranging from 6.25 to 12.5 μg/mL.

Two Novel Species of Talaromyces Discovered in a Karst Cave in the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark of Southern Thailand

Karst caves are oligotrophic environments that appear to support a high diversity of fungi. Studies of fungi in Thailand’s caves are limited. During a 2019 exploration of the mycobiota associated with soil samples from a karst cave, namely, Phu Pha Phet in the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark in Satun Province, southern Thailand, two previously undescribed fungi belonging to Talaromyces (Trichocomaceae, Eurotiales, Eurotiomycetes) were studied using a polyphasic approach combining phenotypic and molecular data. Based on datasets of four loci (ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2), phylogenetic trees of the section Trachyspermi were constructed, and two new species—Talaromyces phuphaphetensis sp. nov. and T. satunensis sp. nov.—phylogenetically related to T. subericola, T. resinae, and T. brasiliensis, are described. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the new species are provided. This study increases the number of cave-dwelling soil fungi discovered in Thailand’s Satun UNESCO Global Geopark, which appears to be a unique environment with a high potential for discovering fungal species previously undescribed.

Penipentenone A and brefeldin A derivatives potently inhibit KRAS mutant cancer cells from an endophytic fungus Penicillium brefeldianum F4a

Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation is one of the most important carcinogenic factors in many solid tumors, which leads to the poor prognosis and therapy resistance of cancer. In order to develop direct or indirect KRAS inhibitors, one unique asymmetric dicyclopentenone penipentenone A, three undescribed brefeldin A (BFA) derivatives, and five known BFA derivatives were discovered from the endophytic fungus Penicillium brefeldianum guided by LC-MS/MS and cytotoxic activities. Their structures were elucidated by optical rotation, mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of four undescribed compounds were elucidated by comparison of the experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The antiproliferative activities of obtained compounds against three KRAS mutant tumor cell lines and two BFA derivative-sensitive cell lines were evaluated. Besides 4-epi-15-epi-brefeldin A, the other compounds showed significant inhibitory activities against those tumor cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.82 to 18.87 μM. Intriguingly, penipentenone A selectively inhibited KRAS mutant cancer cells SW620 (KRAS^G12V) and ASPC-1 (KRAS^G12D). BFA and four derivatives showed potent cytotoxic activities against all selected tumor cell lines H358 (KRAS^G12C), SW620 (KRAS^G12V), ASPC-1 (KRAS^G12D), PC-3, and HepG-2. These findings will provide undescribed lead compounds for developing drugs that target KRAS mutations.

Bioactive pulvinones from a marine algicolous fungus Aspergillus terreus NTU243

Marine fungi are regarded as an under-explored source of structurally interesting and bioactive natural products with the potential to provide attractive lead compounds for drug discovery. In this study, several fungal strains were isolated from marine algae collected from the northeastern coast of Taiwan. In the preliminary antimicrobial screening against bacteria and fungi, the ethyl acetate extract of the fermented products of Aspergillus terreus NTU243 derived from a green alga Ulva lactuca was found to exhibit significant antimicrobial activities. Therefore, bioassay-guided separations of the active principle from liquid and solid fermented products of A. terreus NTU243 were undertaken, which resulted in the isolation and purification of 16 compounds. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis to be four previously undescribed aspulvinones S-V as well as twelve known compounds. All the isolates were assessed for anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the amount of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 cells, and aspulvinone V, butyrolactone I, and (+)-terrein inhibited 45.0%, 34.5%, and 49.2% of NO production, respectively, at 10 μM concentration. Additionally, zymography showed that the conditioned medium of THP-1 cells post-LPS challenged significantly enhanced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9-mediated gelatinolysis, and pretreatment with aspulvinones U and V significantly attenuated MMP-9-mediated gelatinolysis by 56.0% and 67.8%, separately.

Two pairs of undescribed enantiomers isolated from the fungus Penicillium griseofulvum

Two pairs of undescribed enantiomers including a 2,5-diketopiperazine namely (±)-janthinolide G and a related analogue (±)-janthinolide H, were isolated from the crude extract of the fungus Penicillium griseofulvum together with five known compounds. Both two structures were determined by spectroscopic method and HRESIMS, whereas absolute stereochemistry was elucidated by using theoretical NMR calculation and ECD calculation. Janthinolide G is the first example of 2,5-diketopiperazine enantiomers with a cleavage diketopiperazine ring and comprises a terminal oxime group rarely seen in natural products. Biological screening of selected compounds found that 4 and 7 both exhibited weak α-glucosidase inhibitory effects, and a potential correlation was afforded by docking studies of α-glucosidase protein (PDB: 3TOP) and bioactive molecules. The plausible biosynthetic pathways of two unreported isolates are proposed here.

Bioactive Compounds from Terrestrial and Marine-Derived Fungi of the Genus Neosartorya †

Fungi comprise the second most species-rich organism group after that of insects. Recent estimates hypothesized that the currently reported fungal species range from 3.5 to 5.1 million types worldwide. Fungi can grow in a wide range of habitats, from the desert to the depths of the sea. Most develop in terrestrial environments, but several species live only in aquatic habitats, and some live in symbiotic relationships with plants, animals, or other fungi. Fungi have been proved to be a rich source of biologically active natural products, some of which are clinically important drugs such as the β-lactam antibiotics, penicillin and cephalosporin, the immunosuppressant, cyclosporine, and the cholesterol-lowering drugs, compactin and lovastatin. Given the estimates of fungal biodiversity, it is easy to perceive that only a small fraction of fungi worldwide have ever been investigated regarding the production of biologically valuable compounds. Traditionally, fungi are classified primarily based on the structures associated with sexual reproduction. Thus, the genus Neosartorya (Family Trichocomaceae) is the telemorphic (sexual state) of the Aspergillus section known as Fumigati, which produces both a sexual state with ascospores and an asexual state with conidiospores, while the Aspergillus species produces only conidiospores. However, according to the Melbourne Code of nomenclature, only the genus name Aspergillus is to be used for both sexual and asexual states. Consequently, the genus name Neosartorya was no longer to be used after 1 January 2013. Nevertheless, the genus name Neosartorya is still used for the fungi that had already been taxonomically classified before the new rule was in force. Another aspect is that despite the small number of species (23 species) in the genus Neosartorya, and although less than half of them have been investigated chemically, the chemical diversity of this genus is impressive. Many chemical classes of compounds, some of which have unique scaffolds, such as indole alkaloids, peptides, meroterpenes, and polyketides, have been reported from its terrestrial, marine-derived, and endophytic species. Though the biological and pharmacological activities of a small fraction of the isolated metabolites have been investigated due to the available assay systems, they exhibited relevant biological and pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, antibacterial, antiplasmodial, lipid-lowering, and enzyme-inhibitory activities.

Recent studies on terpenoids in Aspergillus fungi: Chemical diversity, biosynthesis, and bioactivity

Metabolites from fungi are a major source of natural small molecule drugs in addition to plants, while fungal derived terpenoids have been confirmed to have great potentials in many diseases. Aspergillus fungi are distributed in every corner of the earth, and their terpenoid metabolites exhibit promising diversity in term of both their chemistry and bioactivity. This review attempted to provide timely and comprehensive coverage of chemical, biosynthesis, and biological studies on terpenoids discovered from the genus Aspergillus, including mono-, sesqui-, di-, sester-, tri-, and meroterpenoids, in the last decade. The structural characteristics, biosynthesis, and pharmacological activities of 288 terpenoids were introduced.

Metabolites isolated from the human intestinal fungus Penicillium oxalicum SL2 and their agonistic effects on PXR and FXR

Intestinal commensal fungi are vital to human health, and their metabolites play a key role in the reciprocal relationship. In the present work, eighteen alkaloids and seven monoterpenoids were isolated from the fermentation of the human intestinal fungus Penicillium oxalicum SL2, including seven undescribed alkaloids (penicilloxalines A-G), three undescribed monoterpenoids (penicilloxalines H-J), and fifteen reported compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified by HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, electronic circular dichroism spectra and quantum chemical calculations. Some metabolites displayed moderate agonistic effects against the pregnane X receptor (PXR), whereas (6R)3,7-dimethyl-6,7-dihydroxy-2(Z)-octenoic acid displayed a significant agonistic effect against the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) with an EC₅₀ value of 0.43 μM, which was verified by investigating FXR downstream target genes and proteins, such as small heterodimer partner 1 (SHP1), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and bile salt export pump (BSEP).

Multioxidized aromatic polyketides produced by a soil-derived fungus Penicillium canescens

Under OSMAC strategy, seven unreported multioxidized aromatic polyketides, penicanesins A‒G, were discovered from a soil-derived fungus Penicillium canescens along with seven known compounds. Their structures were assigned by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectra in combination with HRESIMS and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Absolute stereochemistry of penicanesins A and D were elucidated by theoretical ECD calculation. (±)-Penicanesins A and B are two pairs of racemic aromatic polyketides with an unusual 6/6/6/6 heterotetracyclic ring core. In bioassay, (-)-penicanesin A shows potential cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines HL-60 and SW480 with IC₅₀ values at 13.8 ± 0.6 and 12.5 ± 0.9 μM, respectively, whereas the enantiomer (+)-penicanesin A is less active.

Asporychalasin, a bioactive cytochalasan with an unprecedented 6/6/11 skeleton from the Red Sea sediment Aspergillus oryzae

The cytochalasan asporychalasin (1) was obtained from the marine fungus Aspergillus oryzae, isolated from the Red Sea sediments collected off Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The chemical structure of 1 was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and quantum-mechanical calculations of ¹³C NMR resonances and ECD to possess an unprecedented 6/6/11-fused tricyclic skeleton, including an isoquinolindione ring in place of the typical isoindolone. Asporychalasin exhibited moderate antiproliferative activity against three human cancer cell lines, lung carcinoma (A549), liver carcinoma (HepG2), and breast carcinoma (MCF7), and no toxicity on zebrafish embryos.

Antifungal peptides from the marine gorgonian-associated fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO41501

Three undescribed cyclic lipopeptides maribasins C-E and four undescribed linear peptides aspergillipeptides H-K together with three known analogous maribasins A-B and marihysin A were isolated from the marine gorgonian-associated fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41501 (Trichocomaceae). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, and their absolute configurations were further confirmed by Marfey's methods. Maribasins C-E and maribasins A-B showed significant antifungal activity against five phytopathogenic fungal strains with MIC values of 3.12-50 μg/disc. Structure-bioactivity relationship exhibited that the β-amino fatty acid chain could significantly affect the antifungal activity of this type of cyclic lipopeptides.

Asperanstinoids A-E: Undescribed 3,5-dimethylorsellinic acid-based meroterpenoids from Aspergillus calidoustus

Large-scale culture is a complementary and practical method for genome mining and OSMAC approaches to discover novel natural products through accumulation and reprocessing effects. By employing a large-scale culture approach, twelve 3,5-dimethylorsellinic acid (DMOA)-based meroterpenoids, including five undescribed compounds, namely asperanstinoids A-E, were obtained from fungus Aspergillus calidoustus, which was isolated from the wetland soil collected at Dianchi Lake, Yunnan Province. The structures and absolute configurations of asperanstinoids A-E were determined by various spectroscopic analyses, including NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and the absolute configurations of three known compounds, dehydroaustinol, austinol, and austin, were confirmed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction for the first time. Notably, asperanstinoid A represents the second example of a DMOA-based meroterpenoid featuring a unique 6/5/6/6/6/5-fused hexacyclic skeleton with a rare "1,13-epoxy" moiety. The cytotoxicity assay of all these isolates revealed that asperanstinoid D, dehydroaustinol, and austin displayed considerable cytotoxicity against the HL-60 and SU-DHL-4 tumor cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 15.7 to 27.8 μM.

Discovery and Extrolite Production of Three New Species of Talaromyces Belonging to Sections Helici and Purpurei from Freshwater in Korea

Three novel fungal species, Talaromyces gwangjuensis, T. koreana, and T. teleomorpha were found in Korea during an investigation of fungi in freshwater. The new species are described here using morphological characters, a multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, BenA, CaM, RPB2 regions, and extrolite data. Talaromyces gwangjuensis is characterized by restricted growth on CYA, YES, monoverticillate and biverticillate conidiophores, and globose smooth-walled conidia. Talaromyces koreana is characterized by fast growth on MEA, biverticillate conidiophores, or sometimes with additional branches and the production of acid on CREA. Talaromyces teleomorpha is characterized by producing creamish-white or yellow ascomata on OA and MEA, restricted growth on CREA, and no asexual morph observed in the culture. A phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2 sequences showed that the three new taxa form distinct monophyletic clades. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic trees are provided.

Five undescribed steroids from Talaromyces stipitatus and their cytotoxic activities against hepatoma cell lines

Five undescribed sterol derivatives, (22E,24R)-7α-methoxy-5α,6α-epoxyergosta-8(14),22-diene-3β,15β-diol, (22E,24R)-5α,6α-epoxyergosta-8(14),22-diene-3β,7β,15α-triol, (22E,24R)-3β,5α-dihydroxy-14β,15β-epoxyergosta-7,22-diene-6-one, (22E,24R)-6α-methoxy-7α,15β-dihydroxyergosta-4,8(14),22-triene-3-one, and (25S)-ergosta-7,24(28)-diene-3β,4α,6α,26-tetraol were isolated from the extract of Talaromyces stipitatus, along with eight known congeners. This is the first example of a class of ergosterols isolated from T. stipitatus. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic data, ECD calculations, and X-ray crystallographic analyses. All these compounds were tested for their effects on three hepatoma cell lines including Hep3B, HepG2, and Huh-7. Moreover, (22E,24R)-5α,6α-epoxyergosta-8(14),22-diene-3β,7β,15α-triol and (22E,24R)-9α,15α-dihydroxyergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one were further evaluated for their impacts on cell cycle progression and apoptosis due to their pronounced cytotoxicity, to uncover their underlying mechanisms. Our results suggested that their antiproliferative activities were mainly mediated by inducing cell apoptosis.

Anthraquinones, Diphenyl Ethers, and Their Derivatives from the Culture of the Marine Sponge-Associated Fungus Neosartorya spinosa KUFA 1047

Previously unreported anthraquinone, acetylpenipurdin A (4), biphenyl ether, neospinosic acid (6), dibenzodioxepinone, and spinolactone (7) were isolated, together with (R)-6-hydroxymellein (1), penipurdin A (2), acetylquestinol (3), tenellic acid C (5), and vermixocin A (8) from the culture of a marine sponge-associated fungus Neosartorya spinosa KUFA1047. The structures of the previously unreported compounds were established based on an extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra as well as HRMS data. The absolute configurations of the stereogenic centers of 5 and 7 were established unambiguously by comparing their calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 2 and 5–8 were tested for their in vitro acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory activities as well as their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative reference, and multidrug-resistant strains isolated from the environment. The tested compounds were also evaluated for their capacity to inhibit biofilm formation in the reference strains.

New Species of Talaromyces (Fungi) Isolated from Soil in Southwestern China

Southwestern China belongs among the global biodiversity hotspots and the Daba Mountains are recognized as one of the priority conservation areas. During the exploration of fungal biodiversity from soil samples collected from Mount Daba, two species of Talaromyces were discovered as new to science based on phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons. Talaromyces chongqingensis sp. nov. is a sister taxon of T. minioluteus and T. minnesotensis in the section Trachyspermi; and T. wushanicus sp. nov., affiliated to the section Talaromyces, is closely related to T. cnidii and T. siamensis. The new species differ from their sisters in DNA sequences, growth rates, and morphological characteristics. Descriptions and illustrations of them are provided in detail.

Pyrazinopyrimidine alkaloids from a mangrove-derived fungus Aspergillus versicolor HDN11-84

Pyrazinopyrimidine-type alkaloids bearing a pyrazino[1,2-a] pyrimidine moiety, often have different functional groups substituted at C-8' or C-2'/C-8', generally further forming unique spiro-/conjugated ring systems. Four undescribed pyrazinopyrimidine-type alkaloids, including three natural products pyrasplorines A-C and an artifact deg-pyrasplorine B, as well as a biogenetically related versicoloid A were discovered from the extract of a mangrove-derived fungus Apergillus verisicolor HDN11-84. Pyrasplorine A contains unique spiral-type skeleton (composed of cyclopentenone ring with the pyrazino[1,2-a] pyrimidine core) which is unprecedented in pyrazinopyrimidine-type alkaloids. The deg-pyrasplorine B could be spontaneously converted from pyrasplorine B in mild conditions. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic analysis, computational calculations and Marfey's method. The absolute configuration of versicoloid A was re-assigned in this study. All the isolated compounds are non-cytotoxic and deg-pyrasplorine B showed anti-influenza A virus H1N1 activity with the IC₅₀ of 50 μM.

Pyrrolyl 4-quinolone alkaloids from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium steckii SCSIO 41025: Chiral resolution, configurational assignment, and enzyme inhibitory activities

Six undescribed 4-quinolone alkaloids, including four racemic mixtures, (±)-oxypenicinolines A-D, and two related ones, penicinolines F and G, together with seven known analogues, were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium steckii SCSIO 41025 (Trichocomaceae). The racemates were separated by HPLC using chiral columns. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiments, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Structurally, (±)-oxypenicinolines A-D shared with an unusual 6/6/5/5 tetracyclic system incorporating a rare tetrahydro-pyrrolyl moiety. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for pyrrolyl 4-quinolone alkaloids is proposed. (±)-oxypenicinoline A and quinolactacide displayed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with the IC₅₀ values of 317.8 and 365.9 μΜ, respectively, which were more potent than that of acarbose (461.0 μM). Additionally, penicinoline and penicinoline E showed weak inhibitions toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Piperazine-2,5-dione derivatives and an α-pyrone polyketide from Penicillium griseofulvum and their immunosuppression activity

Four undescribed piperazine-2,5-dione derivatives designated janthinolides C-F, and an α-pyrone-containing polyketide namely trichopyrone C, were isolated from the extract of the fungus Penicillium griseofulvum along with four known products. Among them, janthinolide C represents the first naturally occured piperazine-2,5-dione analogue featuring a cleavaged piperazinedione ring with an oxime group, while the structure of janthinolide D possesses a rare N-methoxy group in natural products. Their structures and absolute stereochemistry were elucidated based on spectroscopic data, theoretical NMR and ECD calculations, Snatzke's method, and modified Mosher's method. All compounds were evaluated for in vitro immunosuppression activity in murine splenocytes stimulated by anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAbs, of which janthinolides B and C showed potential inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values at 9.3 and 1.3 μM, respectively.

Biotransformation of artemisinic acid to bioactive derivatives by endophytic Penicillium oxalicum B4 from Artemisia annua L

As a biosynthetic precursor of the antimalarial drug artemisinin, artemisinic acid (AA) is abundant in Artemisia annua L. with a content of 8-10-fold higher than artemisinin, but less effective. In this study, the biotransformation of AA was carried out with an endophytic fungus Penicillium oxalicum B4 to extend its utility. After 10-day-culture of the endophyte with AA at 2 mg/mL, eight biotransformation metabolites were isolated from the culture broth, including five undescribed metabolites, namely 3α,14-dihydroxyartemisinic acid, 14-hydroxy-3-oxo-artemisinic acid, 15-hydroxy-3-oxo-artemisinic acid, 12, 15-artemisindioic acid and 1,2,3,6-tetradehydro-12, 15-artemisindioic acid. The fungal enzymes possess the selective capacity to hydroxylate, carbonylate and ketonize the allyl group of AA. The major biotransformation metabolite was the hydroxylated product 3-α-hydroxyartemisinic acid (33.3%) in the cultures of early stage (day 1-6), whereas most of the other biotransformation products were synthesized in the later stage (day 8-10). Compared with AA, some metabolites (3α,14-dihydroxyartemisinic acid, 15-hydroxy-3-oxo-artemisinic acid and 1,2,3,6-tetradehydro-12, 15-artemisindioic acid) possessed stronger cytotoxic activity to the human colon carcinoma cell line (LS174T) and promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60). The metabolites 12, 15-artemisindioic acid and 3-α-hydroxyartemisinic acid exhibited significant inhibitory activity to the lipopolysaccharide-induced nitrite production of RAW 264.7 cells at 10.00 μM and 2.50 μM, respectively. The results demonstrated the potential of fungal endophytes on biotransforming AA to its bioactive derivatives.

Prenylated phenylbutyrolactones from cultures of a marine sponge-associated fungus Aspergillus flavipes KUFA1152

Four undescribed prenylated phenylbutyrolactones, aspulvinones R, S, T and U, were isolated together with the previously reported aspulvinones A, B', H and 4-hydroxy-3,5-bis(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)benzaldehyde, from cultures of the marine sponge-derived fungus Aspergillus flavipes KUFA1152. The structures of the undescribed compounds were established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS spectra. In the case of aspulvinone T, the absolute configuration of its stereogenic carbon was established by comparison of the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. The structure of the previously reported compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR analysis as well as comparison of their ¹H or/and ¹³C NMR data with those reported in the literature. Aspulvinones B', H, R, S, T and a mixture of aspulvinones A and U exhibited antibacterial activity against reference strains and multidrug-resistant isolates from the environment as well as capacity to inhibit biofilm formation in the reference strains. However, none of the tested compounds showed potential synergy with clinically relevant antibiotics on multidrug-resistant isolates.

Two new nucleoside derivatives isolated from the marine-derived Aspergillus versicolor and their intramolecular transesterification

Two new nucleoside derivatives, kipukasins M (1a) and N (1b), along with one known analogue, kipukasin J (2), were obtained from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus versicolor, which was isolated from the mud collected in the South China Sea. The structures of compounds 1a and 1b were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, mainly including 1D & 2D NMR and HRESIMS data, and the absolute configuration of 1a was further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Interestingly, intramolecular transesterification occurs in compounds 1a and 1b, which exist as a pair of inseparable regioisomers. All isolated compounds were tested for the cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities.

Structurally diverse and bioactive alkaloids from an insect-derived fungus Neosartorya fischeri

Seven undescribed alkaloids, namely fischeramides A and B, 5,6-dimethoxycircumdatin C, 6-hydroxyacetylaszonalenin, 3-methoxyglyantrypine, 9-methoxyfumitremorgin C, and spirotryprostatin M, one undescribed natural product, namely 11-deacetyl pyripyropene A, together with nine known congeners, were isolated from the solid cultures of fungus Neosartorya fischeri, which was separated from a medicinal insect Cryptotympana atrata. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Structurally, fischeramides A and B represented a pair of rare geometric isomers of the benzodiazepinedione derivatives with a highly conjugated feature. Fischeramide A showed potential immunosuppressive activity in LPS and anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAbs activated murine splenocytes proliferation with IC₅₀ values of 7.08 and 6.31 μM, respectively, and also showed anti-inflammatory activity against the lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production with an IC₅₀ value of 25 ± 1 μM. In addition, 5,6-dimethoxycircumdatin C showed remarkable antibacterial activity against ESBL-producing E. coli with an MIC value of 2.0 μg/mL.

Highly Oxygenated Constituents from a Marine Alga-Derived Fungus Aspergillus giganteus NTU967

Agar-based disc diffusion antimicrobial assay has shown that the ethyl acetate extract of the fermented broth of Aspergillusgiganteus NTU967 isolated from Ulva lactuca exhibited significant antimicrobial activity in our preliminary screening of bioactive fungal strains. Therefore, column chromatography of the active principles from liquid- and solid–state fermented products of the fungal strain was carried out, and which had led to isolation of eleven compounds. Their structures were determined by spectral analysis to be seven new highly oxygenated polyketides, namely aspergilsmins A–G (1–7), along with previously reported patulin, deoxytryptoquivaline, tryptoquivaline and quinadoline B. Among these, aspergilsmin C (3) and patulin displayed promising anticancer activities against human hepatocellular carcinoma SK-Hep-1 cells and prostate cancer PC-3 cells with IC₅₀ values between 2.7–7.3 μM. Furthermore, aspergilsmin C (3) and patulin exhibited significant anti-angiogenic functions by impeding cell growth and tube formation of human endothelial progenitor cells without any cytotoxicity.

Pesimquinolones produced by Penicillium simplicissimum and their inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production

Eight undescribed quinolone alkaloids, pesimquinolones A-H, as well as six known compounds, were isolated from the solid culture broth of the fungus Penicillium simplicissimum. Their chemical structures were characterized by combined analyses of NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Pesimquinolones A-G are the first examples of naturally occurring quinolone alkaloids possessing a limonene moiety. Their anti-inflammatory activities on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in adherent cells were evaluated. Pesimquinolones A, E, G, and H showed promising suppressive effect on the production of NO with IC₅₀ values of 1.94, 1.29, 1.20, and 1.23 μM, respectively.

New fossils of ascomycetous anamorphic fungi from Baltic amber

Three new fossils of saprotrophic fungi are presented and described from Baltic amber, dated to Eocene epoch (Paleogene, upper to mid-Eocene). All belong to Ascomycota and are represented by hyphae as well as asexual reproduction structures allowing to assign them to present genera, respectively Periconia, Penicillium and Scopulariopsis. These material provide both the first and the oldest known fossil record of the mentioned taxa, making these data valuable for the knowledge about the evolutionary history of the Ascomycota.

Species diversity in Penicillium and Talaromyces from herbivore dung, and the proposal of two new genera of penicillium-like fungi in Aspergillaceae

Coprophilous fungi are saprotrophic organisms that show great diversity, mainly on herbivore dung. The physico-chemical characteristics of this peculiar substrate combined with the high level of fungal adaptation to different environmental conditions offer the perfect setting for discovering new taxa. This study focused on the species diversity of penicillium-like fungi isolated mainly from herbivore dung collected at different Spanish locations. From 130 samples, a total of 104 isolates were obtained, and 48 species were identified. Preliminary identifications were based on morphology and partial β-tubulin (tub2) gene sequences. Putative new taxa were characterized by a multi-gene sequencing analysis testing the tub2, the internal transcribed spacer rDNA (ITS), calmodulin (cmdA), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) genes, and a detailed phenotypic study. Using this polyphasic approach and following the genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition (GCPSR) method, we propose the new genera Penicillago (for Penicillium nodositatum) and Pseudopenicillium (for Penicillium megasporum and P. giganteum) in the family Aspergillaceae, and 11 new species, including seven Penicillium, three Talaromyces and one Pseudopenicillium. A lectotype and epitype are designed for Penicillium nodositatum. Our results show that the species diversity of penicillium-like fungi on herbivore dung has not been widely studied and that this substrate seems to be a good reservoir of interesting Eurotialean fungi.

Morphology and multigene phylogeny of Talaromycesamyrossmaniae, a new synnematous species belonging to the section Trachyspermi from India

A new Talaromyces species, T.amyrossmaniae, isolated from decaying fruit and litter of Terminalia bellerica, is described and illustrated. On the natural substrate, the new species produces determinate synnemata, with a well-defined, vivid orange red to orange red cylindrical stipe, and a greyish green capitulum. Conidiophores are typically biverticillate, or sometimes have subterminal branches, with acerose phialides that produce globose to subglobose, smooth to slightly roughened conidia. Multigene phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), and partial sequences of β-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM), and DNA directed RNA polymerase second large subunit (RPB2) genes, along with morphological characterization, revealed that these isolates are distinct and form a unique lineage of Talaromyces in section Trachyspermi, closely allied to T.aerius, T.albobiverticillius, T.heiheensis, T.erythromellis, and T.solicola. The new species T.amyrossmaniae is the first species in section Trachyspermi with determinate synnemata.

Brasilane sesquiterpenoids and dihydrobenzofuran derivatives from Aspergillus terreus [CFCC 81836]

Brasilanones A-F and asperterreusines A-C, undescribed brasilane sesquiterpenoids and dihydrobenzofuran derivatives, were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus terreus [CFCC 81836]. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, X-ray crystallographic analyses, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Brasilanones A-F are unusual brasilane sesquiterpenoids with an α,β-unsaturated ketone unit, interestingly, brasilanones B-D are stereo isomers. All of the isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against NO production and cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SW-480, A-549, MCF-7, and SMMC-7721). Brasilanones A and E showed moderate inhibitory effect with NO inhibition rates of 47.7% (p < 0.001) and 37.3% (p < 0.001) at the concentration of 40 μM. Asperterreusines A showed cytotoxicity against HL-60 and SW-480 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 15.3 and 25.7 μM, respectively.

New Penicillium and Talaromyces species from honey, pollen and nests of stingless bees

Penicillium and Talaromyces species have a worldwide distribution and are isolated from various materials and hosts, including insects and their substrates. The aim of this study was to characterize the Penicillium and Talaromyces species obtained during a survey of honey, pollen and the inside of nests of Melipona scutellaris. A total of 100 isolates were obtained during the survey and 82% of those strains belonged to Penicillium and 18% to Talaromyces. Identification of these isolates was performed based on phenotypic characters and β-tubulin and ITS sequencing. Twenty-one species were identified in Penicillium and six in Talaromyces, including seven new species. These new species were studied in detail using a polyphasic approach combining phenotypic, molecular and extrolite data. The four new Penicillium species belong to sections Sclerotiora (Penicillium fernandesiae sp. nov., Penicillium mellis sp. nov., Penicillium meliponae sp. nov.) and Gracilenta (Penicillium apimei sp. nov.) and the three new Talaromyces species to sections Helici (Talaromyces pigmentosus sp. nov.), Talaromyces (Talaromyces mycothecae sp. nov.) and Trachyspermi (Talaromyces brasiliensis sp. nov.). The invalidly described species Penicillium echinulonalgiovense sp. nov. was also isolated during the survey and this species is validated here.

Anti-inflammatory meroterpenoids from the mangrove endophytic fungus Talaromyces amestolkiae YX1

Four previously undescribed meroterpenoids, amestolkolides A-D, along with three known compounds were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Talaromyces amestolkiae YX1 cultured on wheat solid-substrate medium culture. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configurations of amestolkolides B and C, and purpurogenolide E were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using Cu Kα radiation, and those of amestolkolides A and D were elucidated on the basis of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. The absolute configuration of amestolkolides A-D, and purpurogenolide E (9R) at C-9 was different from that of analogues (9S) in references, so that their plausible and distinct biosynthetic pathways were proposed. Amestolkolide B showed strong anti-inflammatory activity in vitro by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide activated in RAW264.7 cells with IC₅₀ value of 1.6 ± 0.1 μM.

Lovastatin analogues and other metabolites from soil-derived Aspergillus terreus YIM PH30711

Eight previously undescribed metabolites including of lovastatin analogues, a pair of diastereoisomers, a cyclopentenone dimer, and three polyketides were isolated from the culture of Aspergillus terreus YIM PH30711. Two types of unprecedented skeletons, benzene-cyclopentanone complex and linear polyketide, and an unusual dimer structure were determined by spectral analysis. Compound, 3α-hydroxy-3,5-dihydromonacolin L showed moderate activity against HMG-CoA reductase, with an inhibition ratio of 34% at the concentration of 50 μM, while lovastatin and dihydromonacolin K ethyl ester presented much stronger activity against HMGR with inhibition rates of 85% and 90% at the concentration of 50 μM, respectively. Aspereusin A was active against AChE with a ratio of 62% at the concentration of 50 μM, while its stereomers did not showed obvious inhibition (<10%). The configuration at C-4 of these three diastereoisomers was crucial in the inhibition against AChE, and the β-orientation of substituted methoxyl acrylic acid should be beneficial to the combining with AChE.

A New Dihydrochromone Dimer and Other Secondary Metabolites from Cultures of the Marine Sponge-Associated Fungi Neosartorya fennelliae KUFA 0811 and Neosartorya tsunodae KUFC 9213

A previously unreported dihydrochromone dimer, paecilin E (1), was isolated, together with eleven known compounds: β-sitostenone, ergosta-4,6,8 (14), 22-tetraen-3-one, cyathisterone, byssochlamic acid, dehydromevalonic acid lactone, chevalone B, aszonalenin, dankasterone A (2), helvolic acid, secalonic acid A and fellutanine A, from the culture filtrate extract of the marine sponge-associated fungus Neosartorya fennelliae KUFA 0811. Nine previously reported metabolites, including a chromanol derivative (3), (3β, 5α, 22E), 3,5-dihydroxyergosta-7,22-dien-6-one (4), byssochlamic acid, hopan-3β,22-diol, chevalone C, sartorypyrone B, helvolic acid, lumichrome and the alkaloid harmane were isolated from the culture of the marine-sponge associated fungus Neosartorya tsunodae KUFC 9213. Paecilin E (1), dankasterone A (2), a chromanol derivative (3), (3β, 5α, 22E)-3,5-dihydroxyergosta-7,22-dien-6-one (4), hopan-3β,22-diol (5), lumichrome (6), and harmane (7) were tested for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative reference and multidrug-resistant strains isolated from the environment. While paecilin E (1) was active against S. aureus ATCC 29213 and E. faecalis ATCC 29212, dankastetrone A (2) was only effective against E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and the multidrug-resistant VRE E. faecalis A5/102. Both compounds neither inhibit biofilm mass production in any of the strains at the concentrations tested nor exhibit synergistic association with antibiotics.

New species of Talaromyces isolated from maize, indoor air, and other substrates

Talaromyces strains isolated from maize seeds and the built environment were examined taxonomically because they could not be identified as previously described species. Using phenotypic analysis, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic and concordance analyses, the authors discovered and described 10 new species in sect. Islandici and 1 new species in sect. Subinflati. Taxonomic novelties in sect. Islandici are Talaromyces delawarensis, T. herodensis, T. juglandicola, T. kilbournensis, T. novojersensis, T. ricevillensis, T. rogersiae, T. siglerae, T. subtropicalis, and T. tiftonensis, and the species from sect. Subinflata is T. tzapotlensis. The isolate of T. siglerae is unusual in Talaromyces because it produced a Sagenomella-like anamorph, but phylogenetic analysis placed it in Talaromyces. Talaromyces rotundus is known from a few isolates, but searches with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences in GenBank revealed that it is commonly endolichenous with Lasallia hispanica. Talaromyces wortmannii also has a role as an endophyte of the aquatic plant Persicaria amphibia, based on ITS sequence records from GenBank.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the metabolites isolated from the culture of the mangrove-derived endophytic fungus Eurotium chevalieri KUFA 0006

Five previously undescribed metabolites, including acetylquestinol, two prenylated indole 3-carbaldehyde derivatives, an anthranilic acid derivative and an isochromone derivative, were isolated, in addition to eleven known compounds: palmitic acid, ergosterol 5,8-endoperoxide, emodin, physcion, questin, questinol, (11S, 14R)-cyclo(tryptophylvalyl), preechinulin, neoechinulin E, echinulin and eurocristatine, from the culture of the endophytic fungus Eurotium chevalieri KUFA 0006. The structures of the previously undescribed compounds were established based on an extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectral analysis as well as HRMS and IR data. In case of 2-(2, 2-dimethylcyclopropyl)-1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde and 6, 8-dihydroxy-3-(2S-hydroxypropyl)-7-methylisochromone, the absolute configurations of their stereogenic carbons were established based on comparison of their experimental and calculated ECD spectra. All the compounds, except for palmitic acid and ergosterol 5, 8-endoperoxide, were evaluated for their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria, as well as multidrug-resistant isolates from the environment. Emodin not only exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria but also showed strong synergistic association with oxacillin against MRSA Staphylococcus aureus.

A New Ergosterol Analog, a New Bis-Anthraquinone and Anti-Obesity Activity of Anthraquinones from the Marine Sponge-Associated Fungus Talaromyces stipitatus KUFA 0207

A new ergosterol analog, talarosterone (1) and a new bis-anthraquinone derivative (3) were isolated, together with ten known compounds including palmitic acid, ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one, ergosterol-5,8-endoperoxide, cyathisterone (2), emodin (4a), questinol (4b), citreorosein (4c), fallacinol (4d), rheoemodin (4e) and secalonic acid A (5), from the ethyl acetate extract of the culture of the marine sponge-associated fungus Talaromyces stipitatus KUFA 0207. The structures of the new compounds were established based on extensive 1D and 2D spectral analysis, and in the case of talarosterone (1), the absolute configurations of its stereogenic carbons were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The structure and stereochemistry of cyathisterone (2) was also confirmed by X-ray analysis. The anthraquinones 4a-e and secalonic acid A (5) were tested for their anti-obesity activity using the zebrafish Nile red assay. Only citreorosein (4c) and questinol (4b) exhibited significant anti-obesity activity, while emodin (4a) and secalonic acid A (5) caused toxicity (death) for all exposed zebrafish larvae after 24 h.