Enhancement of cordycepin production from Cordyceps militaris culture by epigenetic modification

Biotechnology Letters - Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) is a nucleoside analogue and biosynthesised by Cordyceps militaris, an entomopathogenic fungus. In this study, an epigenetic modifier...     

Purification and characterization of a novel fibrinolytic enzyme from fruiting bodies of Korean Cordyceps militaris

A fibrinolytic enzyme has been purified from the fruiting bodies of Korean Cordyceps militaris. The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated to be 34 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), fibrin-zymography, and gel filtration chromatography. The 15 amino acid residues of the N-terminal sequence of the enzyme were APVEQCDAPVGLARL, which is dissimilar to those of fibrinolytic enzymes from other mushrooms. Optimal pH and temperature values of the enzyme were 7.0 and 40°C, respectively. The enzyme activity was completely inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), TPCK, 1,10-phenanthroline, Cu(2+), and Ba(2+). It was also significantly inhibited by aprotinin, EDTA, and EGTA. The enzyme showed a higher specificity for a synthetic substrate, N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide, exhibiting that it is a chymotrypsin-like serine metalloprotease. The enzyme preferentially hydrolyzed the fibrinogen Aα-, followed by the Bβ-chains and the γ-chain. The α, β, and γ-γ chains of fibrin were also degraded by the enzyme.     

Heat and light stresses affect metabolite production in the fruit body of the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - Cordyceps militaris is a highly valued edible and medicinal fungus due to its production of various metabolites, including adenosine, cordycepin,...     

蛹虫草原生质体紫外诱变选育胞外多糖高产菌株

蛹虫草是重要的药食兼用两用真菌,具有较高的医用及经济价值。本文通过单因素和正交试验的方法研究了不同酶系统、酶解温度、酶解时间、渗透压稳定剂、菌龄对蛹虫草原生质体形成的影响,并对蛹虫草原生质体进行紫外诱变,以生物量和胞外多糖产量为指标选育胞外多糖高产菌株。结果表明：在30℃、1％溶壁酶＋0．5％蜗牛酶＋0．5％纤维素酶条件下,以甘露醇为渗透压稳定剂对4日龄蛹虫草菌丝酶解2h,原生质体产量可达到9．2×10^6个/mL。从150株诱变株中筛选出1株最佳正诱变株,编号为44#,经深层培养其生物量比出发菌株提高10％,胞外多糖产量提高84．3％,继代培养10代后,遗传稳定性良好。     

The anti-hyperglycemic activity of the fruiting body of Cordyceps in diabetic rats induced by nicotinamide and streptozotocin

Little scientific evidence exists to support the numerous herbs used to improve diabetes-related metabolic disorders. Cordyceps, a Chinese herbal medicine with fruiting body and carcass, has been proposed to have multiple medicinal activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of fruiting body and carcass of Cordyceps on hyperglycemia. Male Wistar rats administered with placebo (STZ group), 1 g of fruiting body (FB group), 1 g of carcass (CC group), or 1g of fruiting body plus carcass (CF group) of Cordyceps for four weeks (d1 to d28) were injected with nicotinamide (200 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) on d15. Animals fed with placebo and injected with saline acted as the controls (CON group). The results showed that water intake (d15 to d29), changes in fasting blood glucose concentration (d15 to d26), and serum concentrations of fructosamine (d29) were significantly greater in the STZ, CC and CF groups than in the CON and FB groups (one-way ANOVA, P < 0.05). The diabetic rats had significantly lower weight gain and higher blood glucose response in oral glucose tolerance test than the control rats; and these changes were significantly reduced by administrating the fruiting body of Cordyceps. Our results revealed that fruiting body, not carcass, of Cordyceps attenuated the diabetes-induced weight loss, polydipsia and hyperglycemia, and these improvements suggest that fruiting body of Cordyceps has a potential to be the functional food for diabetes.     

Optimization of submerged culture conditions for the mycelial growth and exo-biopolymer production by Cordyceps militaris

AIMS: The objective of the present study was to determine the optimal culture conditions for exo-biopolymer production by Cordyceps militaris in shake flask culture. METHODS AND RESULTS: The optimal temperature and initial pH for both mycelial growth and exo-biopolymer production by Cordyceps militaris in shake flask culture were found to be 20 degrees C and 6.0, respectively. Sucrose (40 g x l(-1)) and corn steep powder (10 g x l(-1)) were the most suitable carbon and nitrogen source for both mycelial growth and exo-biopolymer production. CONCLUSION: Under optimal culture conditions, the maximum exo-biopolymer concentration in a 5-l jar fermenter indicated 10.3 g x l(-1), which was approximately three times higher than that in shake flask culture. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This process can have a significant impact on the industrial scale when sucrose and corn steep powder were used as carbon and nitrogen source.     

Chiral inversion of 2-phenylpropionic acid by Cordyceps militaris

Y.-F. HUNG, M.J. THOMASON, W. RHYS-WILLIAMS, A.W. LLOYD AND G.W. HANLON. 1996. Fifty-nine microbial cultures were screened for their ability to carry out the chiral inversion of (R,S) and (R)-2-phenylpropionic acid under both growing and non-growing conditions. While a number of these micro-organisms metabolized the substrate, only Verticillium lecanii IMI 68689 and Cordyceps militaris CBS 128.25 were able to invert the (R)-enantiomer to its (S)-antipode with no other biotransformation occurring. The rate of inversion was faster for C. militaris but in both cases the reaction was independent of growth and reached an equilibrium after 5 d incubation. Evidence suggests that the (R) to (S) inversion is inhibited in the presence of excess (S)-enantiomer which may account for the equilibrium enantiomeric ratios (S:R) of 90:10 and 70:30 for C. militaris and V. lecanii , respectively. Optimization studies revealed that the fastest rates of reaction for C. militaris were found at lower substrate concentrations (100 μg ml^-1) whilst the greatest yield of (S)-2-PPA was obtained at 250 μg ml^-1. Optimum inversion was found to occur using Sørensen's phosphate buffer at pH 5.5. These results may have implications for the use of micro-organisms in the production of pure enantiomers from racemic mixtures and, in addition, provide an in vitro model system for the study of a unique and interesting biotransformation.     

蛹虫草研究进展

蛹虫草（Cordyceps militaris）作为一种药（食）用菌已经被广泛接受,在药理作用、有效成分、人工栽培等方面得到了广泛而深入的研究,具有重要开发价值。依据近年来的有关研究成果,就以上3个方面的研究进展状况展开论述,为蛹虫草进一步的研究与开发提供参考。     

Effect of agitation intensity on the exo-biopolymer production and mycelial morphology in Cordyceps militaris

AIMS: The influence of agitation intensity on Cordyceps militaris morphology and exo-biopolymer production was investigated in a 5 litre stirred vessel using a six-blade Rushton turbine impeller. METHODS AND RESULTS: The mycelial morphology of C. militaris was characterized by means of image analysis, which included mean diameter, circularity, roughness and compactness of the pellets. The morphological parameters of the pellets grown under different stirring conditions were significantly different, which correspondingly altered exo-biopolymer production yields. CONCLUSIONS: The compactness of the pellets was found to be the most critical parameter affecting exo-biopolymer biosynthesis; more compact pellets were formed at 150 rev min(-1) with maximum exo-biopolymer production (15 g l(-1)). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results of this study suggest that morphological change of pellets is a good indicator for identifying the cell activity for exo-biopolymer production.     

台湾虫草子实体人工培养条件的初步研究

目的研究人工培养条件对台湾虫草子实体形成的影响。方法通过黄山被毛孢的液体摇瓶培养,确定摇瓶种子的最佳培养时间,并研究了在人工诱导下台湾虫草子实体的形成条件,即子实体形成与营养液pH、营养液量、培养温度及光照时间之间的关系。结果黄山被毛孢液体摇瓶最佳培养时间为12 d,人工固体培养子实体所需营养液最佳pH为6.0,营养液量为40 mL,培养温度为25℃,菌丝培养阶段为完全黑暗培养,原基出现后给予光照,可获得较多的子实体。结论人工培养条件对台湾虫草菌丝体生长、原基形成、子实体产量具有显著影响。     

蛹虫草子实体中甘露醇含量的测定

建立了HPLC法测定蛹虫草子实体中甘露醇含量的方法。通过比较提取溶剂、提取方式及提取时间等条件对甘露醇提取效果的影响,确定甘露醇分析的前处理方法为:1g子实体粉中加入150 mL 90%乙醇热回流提取1h。采用SUGAR SP0810柱(300 mm×8 mm)为分析柱,超纯水为流动相,流速1.0 mL/min,柱温70℃,示差折光检测器检测,进样量10μL。甘露醇在0.04-9.9 mg/mL范围内线性关系良好,回归方程为y=103860x+2183.9(r=0.9999),平均回收率为104.27%,RSD=2.19%(n=9)。本方法准确度高,稳定性、精密度、重现性好,适用于蛹虫草子实体中甘露醇含量的分析。     

A comparative study on the production of exopolysaccharides between two entomopathogenic fungi Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps sinensis in submerged mycelial cultures

AIMS: The present study comparatively investigates the optimal culture conditions for the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and cordycepin during submerged mycelial culture of two entomopathogenic fungi Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps sinensis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fermentations were performed in flasks and in 5-l stirred-tank fermenters. In the case of C. militaris, the highest mycelial biomass (22.9 g l(-1)) and EPS production (5 g l(-1)) were achieved in a medium of 40 g l(-1) sucrose, 5 g l(-1) corn steep powder at 30 degrees C, and an initial pH 8.0. The optimum culture conditions for C. sinensis was shown to be (in g l(-1)) 20 sucrose, 25 corn steep powder, 0.78 CaCl2, 1.73 MgSO4.7H2O at 20 degrees C, and an initial pH 4.0, where the maximum mycelial biomass and EPS were 20.9 and 4.1 g l(-1) respectively. Cordycepin, another bioactive metabolite, was excreted at low levels during the early fermentation period (maximum 38.8 mg l(-1) in C. militaris; 18.2 mg l(-1) in C. sinensis). CONCLUSIONS: The two fungi showed different nutritional and environmental requirements in their submerged cultures. Overall, the concentrations of mycelial biomass, EPS and cordycepin achieved in submerged culture of C. militaris were higher than those of C. sinensis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: C. militaris and C. sinensis are representative insect-born fungi which have been longstanding and widely used as traditional medicines in eastern Asia. Comparative studies between two fungi are currently not available and this is the first report on the optimum medium composition for submerged culture of C. sinensis.     

Optimization of submerged culture process for the production of mycelial biomass and exo-polysaccharides by Cordyceps militaris C738

AIMS: The objective of the present study was to determine the optimal culture conditions for mycelial biomass and exo-polysaccharide (EPS) by Cordyceps militaris C738 in submerged culture. METHODS AND RESULTS: The optimal temperatures for mycelial biomass and EPS production were 20 degrees C and 25 degrees C, respectively, and corresponding optimal initial pHs were found to be 9 and 6, respectively. The suggested medium composition for EPS production was as follows: 6% (w/v) sucrose, 1% (w/v) polypeptone, and 0.05% (w/v) K2HPO4. The influence of pH on the fermentation broth rheology, morphology and EPS production of C. militaris C738 was carried out in a 5-l stirred-tank fermenter. The morphological properties were comparatively characterized by pellet roughness and compactness by use of image analyser between the culture conditions with and without pH control. The roughness and compactness of the pellets indicated higher values at pH-stat culture (pH 6.0), suggesting that larger and more compact pellets were desirable for polysaccharide production (0.91 g g(-1) cell d(-1). CONCLUSIONS: Under the optimized culture conditions (with pH control at 6), the maximum concentration of biomass and EPS were 12.7 g l(-1) and 7.3 g l(-1), respectively, in a 5-l stirred-tank fermenter. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The critical effect of pH on fungal morphology and rheology presented in this study can be widely applied to other mushroom fermentation processes.     

Short communication: fruiting body production in two species of wood-decaying Basidiomycetes induced by pre-inoculation

This study evaluated pre-inoculation to induce fruiting body production in wood-decaying fungi, using two species that readily create basidiomata in the laboratory: Antrodia sinuosa and Junghuhnia luteoalba. A new method was implemented in which the substrate was modified by species-specific pre-inoculation. We found that the use of the pre-inoculated substrate reduced the length of time necessary for the production of fruiting bodies. Under these conditions, both species produced basidiomata in 1–2 weeks, whereas over 2 months was required on a non-modified substrate. Thus we conclude that the induction of fruiting body production by pre-inoculation is possible, and we discuss the effect of the substrate modification.     

蛹虫草TTC-脱氢酶测定方法的优化

TTC-脱氢酶还原法可用于检测和鉴别优良及退化蛹虫草菌株.这一方法的应用依赖测定参数的优化.本文优化了蛹虫草TTC-脱氢酶的测定方法,结果显示:测定蛹虫草TTC-脱氢酶活性时,培养6d的蛹虫草菌液先以生理盐水洗涤4次后配成0.15 g/mL的待用菌液;反应缓冲液为Tris - HCI,最适pH值为8.4;最适反应温度为...     

蛹虫草国内外研究的新进展

蛹虫草Cordyceps militaris具有多种药用功效,以及重要的经济价值,其人工培养已产业化.蛹虫草作为一种药食通用的虫生真菌被深入研究,在人工培养、菌种选育、分子生物学、活性成分等方面取得了良好的进展.本文根据最近的研究结果概述蛹虫草研究的进展.     

Hypouricemic Actions of Exopolysaccharide Produced by Cordyceps militaris in Potassium Oxonate-Induced Hyperuricemic Mice

The hypouricemic actions of exopolysaccharide produced by Cordyceps militaris (EPCM) in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia in mice were examined. Hyperuricemic mice were administered intragastrically with EPCM (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight) or allopurinol (5 mg/kg body weight) once daily. Serum uric acid, blood urea nitrogen and liver xanthine oxidase (XOD) activities of each treatment were measured after administration for 7 days. EPCM showed dose-dependent uric acid-lowering actions. EPCM at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight and allopurinol showed the same effect in serum uric acid, blood urea nitrogen and liver XOD activities in hyperuricemic mice. An increase in liver XOD activities was observed in hyperuricemic mice due to administration of EPCM at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. EPCM at a dose of 800 mg/kg body weight did not show significant effects on serum uric acid and XOD activities. We conclude that EPCM has a hypouricemic effect caused by decreases in urate production and the inhibition of XOD activities in hyperuricemic mice, and this natural product exhibited more potential efficacy than allopurinol in renal protection.     

Biosynthesis of 3'-deoxyadenosine by Cordyceps militaris. Mechanism of reduction.

The biosynthesis of 3'-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin) by Cordyceps militaris has been investigated using [U-14C]adenosine and [3-3H]ribose. Crystallization of the resulting radioactive 3'-deoxyadenosine to a constant specific activity showed incorporation of both labeled compounds. A control showed that the 3H:14C ratio of the AMP isolated from the RNA was the same as the 3H:14C ratio in the 3'-deoxyadenosine. The 14C ratio in the adenine: ribose of the [U-14C]adenosine added to the 3'-deoxyadenosine producing cultures of C. militaris and of the isolated 3'-deoxyadenosine was the same, e.g. 50:50. These data provide strong evidence that adenosine in converted to 3'-deoxyadenosine without hydrolysis of the N-riboside bond. Degradation of the 3-deoxyribose from 3'-deoxyadenosine showed that the 3H was retained on carbon-3. These results suggest that the formation of 3'-deoxyadenosine may proceed by a reductive mechanism similar to that for the formation of 2'-deoxynucleotides.     

Comparison of culture methods on exopolysaccharide production in the submerged culture of Cordyceps militaris and process optimization

Aims: To improve exopolysaccharides (EPS) production of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris), effects of different culture method on mycelial biomass and EPS production in the submerged culture of C. militaris were investigated. Methods and Results: A new two‐stage fermentation process for EPS production of C. militaris was designed in this work. Central composite design (CCD) was utilized to optimize the two‐stage fermentation process. The results showed that the two‐stage fermentation process for EPS production was superior to other culture method (conventional static culture and shake culture). CCD revealed that the optimum values of the test variables for EPS production were shaken for 140 h followed by 130‐h static culture. The maximum EPS production reached 3·2 g l^?1 under optimized two‐stage culture and was about 2·3‐fold and 1·6‐fold in comparison with those of original static culture and shake culture. Conclusions: It was indicated that a new two‐stage culture method obtained in this work possessed a high potential for the industrial production for EPS of C. militaris. Significance and Impact of the Study: The fundamental information obtained in this work is complementary to those of previous investigations on the submerged culture of C. militaris for the production of bioactive metabolites.