A mushroom lectin from ascomycete Cordyceps militaris

A mushroom lectin has been purified from ascomycete Cordyceps militaris, which is one of the most popular mushrooms in eastern Asia used as a nutraceutical and in traditional Chinese medicine. This lectin, designated CML, exhibited hemagglutination activity in mouse and rat erythrocytes, but not in human ABO erythrocytes. SDS-PAGE of CML revealed a single band with a molecular mass of 31.0 kDa under both nonreducing and reducing conditions that was stained by silver nitrate, and a 31.4 kDa peak in a Superdex-200 HR gel-filtration column. The hemagglutination activity was inhibited by sialoglycoproteins, but not in by mono- or disaccharides, asialoglycoproteins, or de-O-acetylated glycoprotein. The activity was maximal at pH 6.0-9.1 and at temperatures below 50 degrees C. Circular dichroism spectrum analysis revealed that CML comprises 27% alpha-helix, 12% beta-sheets, 29% beta-turns, and 32% random coils. Its binding specificity and secondary structure are similar to those of a fungal lectin from Arthrobotrys oligospora. However, the N-terminal amino acid sequence of CML differs greatly from those of other lectins. CML exhibits mitogenic activity against mouse splenocytes.     

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.     

A novel fibrinolytic enzyme from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cordyceps militaris</Emphasis>, a Chinese traditional medicinal mushroom

A novel fibrinolytic enzyme from Cordyceps militaris was purified and partially characterized for the first time, which was designated C. militaris fibrinolytic enzyme (CMase). This extracellular enzyme from C. militaris was isolated by ammonium sulphate fraction, and purified to electrophoretic homogeneity using gel filtration chromatography. The apparent molecular mass of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 27.3 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The optimum pH and temperature for the enzyme activity were pH 6.0 and 25 °C, respectively. In the presence of metal ions such as Mg²⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions the activity of the enzyme increased, whereas EDTA and Cu²⁺ ion inhibited the enzyme activity. Interestingly the N-terminal amino acid sequences of the enzyme is extremely similar to those of the trypsin proteinases from insects, and has no significant homology with those of the fibrinolytic enzyme from other medicinal mushroom. In conclusion, C. militaris produces a strong fibrinolytic enzyme CMase and may be considered as a new source for thrombolytic agents.     

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,...     

Hyperproduction of cordycepin by two-stage dissolved oxygen control in submerged cultivation of medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris in bioreactors

Effect of oxygen supply on cordycepin production was investigated in submerged cultivation of Cordyceps militaris, a famous traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom, in a 5-L turbine-agitated bioreactor (TAB). Initial volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) within the range of 11.5-113.8 h(-1) had significant influence on cordycepin production. The highest cordycepin concentration of 167.5 mg/L was obtained at an initial kLa value of 54.5 h(-1), where a moderate dissolved oxygen (DO) pattern was observed throughout cultivation. The possible correlation between cordycepin production and DO level was explored by DO control experiments, and the results showed that DO within the range of 10-80% of air saturation greatly affected the cultivation process. To obtain a high specific cordycepin formation rate (rho) throughout cultivation, a two-stage DO control strategy was developed based on the analysis of the relationship of rho and DO. That is, DO was controlled at 60% from the beginning of cultivation and then shifted to a lower control level of 30% when rho started to decrease. As a result, a high cordycepin production of 201.1 mg/L and a high productivity of 15.5 mg/(L.d) were achieved, which was enhanced by about 15% and 30% compared to the highest titers obtained in conventional DO control experiments, respectively. The proposed DO control strategy was also applied to a recently developed 5-L centrifugal impeller bioreactor (CIB) with cordycepin production and productivity titers of 188.3 mg/L and 14.5 mg/(L.d). Furthermore, the scale-up of the two-stage DO control process from 5-L CIB to 30-L CIB was successfully demonstrated. The work is useful for the efficient large-scale production of bioactive metabolites by mushroom cultures.     

The medicinal fungus Cordyceps militaris: research and development

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn. Cordyceps sinensis) is a highly valued medicinal fungus. This entomopathogen has a limited distribution, has been overharvested in the wild, and its stromata have not been artificially cultivated. Another entomopathogenic fungus, Cordyceps militaris (commonly known as orange caterpillar fungus), has chemical capacities similar to those of O. sinensis, but unlike O. sinensis, its stromata can be easily cultivated. Consequently, C. militaris is being studied as an alternative to O. sinensis, and the large-scale production of stromata is receiving substantial attention. Significant research has been conducted on the genetic resources, nutritional and environmental requirements, mating behavior, and biochemical and pharmacological properties of C. militaris. The complete genome of C. militaris has recently been sequenced. This fungus has been the subject of many reviews, but few have focused on its biology. The current paper reviews the biological aspects of the fungus including host range, mating system, cytology and genetics, insect- and non-insect nutritional requirements, environmental influence on stroma development, and commercial development.     

Purification and partial characterization of a fibrinolytic enzyme from the fruiting body of the medicinal and edible mushroom Pleurotus ferulae

A fibrinolytic metalloprotease with in vitro fibrinolytic effects was purified from the edible mushroom Pleurotus ferulae using several chromatography steps including anion and ion exchange, gel filtration, and fast protein liquid chromatography columns. The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated to be 20.0?kDa, as determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fibrin zymography. The protease was active at 50°C, and pH 4.0, 5.0, and 8.0. The fibrinolytic activity of the enzyme was inhibited by ethyleneglycol-bis-(2-aminoethyl)-N,N,N′,N′ tetraacetic acid and strongly inhibited by two metal ions, Cu and Mg. In vitro assays evaluating fibrinolytic activity on a fibrin plate, fibrin turbidity, and thrombolytic activity on fibrin clots using human fibrinogen and human thrombin revealed that the enzyme could hydrolyze fibrin polymers directly and inhibit the formation of fibrin clots. In activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time assays, the enzyme strongly prolonged the APTT, which detects an activity of intrinsic and common pathways. The enzyme showed strong in vivo protective effect against mortality/paralysis from epinephrine plus collagen-induced acute thromboembolism in in vivo model. Our findings suggest that the enzyme may have a potential for treatment and prevention of thrombosis-relative diseases.     

蛹虫草无性型深层培养液中纤溶酶的分离纯化和酶学性质研究

【目的】确立蛹拟青霉深层培养液中高纯度、高纤溶活性纤溶酶的分离纯化方法并测定其酶学性质。【方法】采用硫酸铵盐析、Sephadex G-25凝胶色谱、Phenyl-Sepharose HP疏水相互作用色谱、CM-Sepharose FF弱阳离子交换色谱和Superdex 75凝胶色谱对蛹拟青霉纤溶酶进行分离。用Lowry法测定蛋白质浓度,纤维蛋白平板法测定其纤溶活性,SDS-PAGE鉴定其纯度并确定其分子量,IEF法测定其等电点。【结果】研究发现,以蔗糖和豆饼为培养基主要基质时,蛹拟青霉深层培养可以产生至少两种纤溶酶。提纯后的纤溶酶Ⅱ比活力达到800.46 U/mg,总纯化倍数为30.07倍。纤溶酶Ⅱ的相对分子量和等电点分别为32 kD和9.3±0.2。纤溶酶Ⅱ是一种糖蛋白,总含糖量为0.98%(W/V)。该酶可以顺次降解人血纤维蛋白(原)的α、β和γ链。其最适作用pH及温度分别为7.4和41°C。Aprotinine与PMSF对该纤溶酶的活性完全抑制,推测此纤溶酶可能是一种丝氨酸蛋白酶。【结论】单一的高纤溶活性纤溶酶的获得和酶学性质的确定,为该酶开发成为新型溶栓药物提供了理论依据。     

Sequence analysis and heterologous expression of lectin-like gene CMLec3 from the medicinal fungus Cordyceps militaris

Through data mining of the Cordyceps militaris genome, a lectin-like encoding gene, CMLec3, was identified. In this study, the CMLec3 sequence was analyzed using bioinformatics approaches, and the gene was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21?cells. The biological activity of the product was examined. In addition, CMLec3 gene expression levels were assessed. The results showed that the CMLec3 protein contained a lectin domain structure and was successfully expressed. The CMLec3 protein partly inhibited HeLa cell proliferation. CMLec3 exhibited the highest gene expression in the primordium at a level 5.19 times that of the mycelium and 1.35 times that of the fruiting body. This suggests that the gene may be related to fruiting body development.     

Development of twelve novel microsatellite markers in the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycota: Clavicipitaceae) for its strain identification and genetic analysis

Cordyceps militaris (a caterpillar fungus), which belongs to the class Ascomycetes, has extensively been used for medicinal purposes in East Asia. Here, we isolated and characterized 12 microsatellite loci from the medicinal mushroom, C. militaris. Twenty‐nine individual samples were taken from a single locality in southwestern Korea and used to characterize the developed markers. The number of alleles of these loci ranged from two to 13 (mean allelic richness = 6.44). Observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity in the population ranged from 0.035 to 0.880 and from 0.035 to 0.886, respectively. Five of 12 loci significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium, most likely due to heterozygote deficiency caused by inbreeding. Tests of genotypic linkage disequilibrium between the 12 loci showed no significant association of alleles. These microsatellite markers will provide valuable tools for genetic analyses for the strain identification of C. militaris as well as for its resource conservation.     

蛹虫草菌生物合成虫草素的研究进展

蛹虫草Cordyceps militaris是我国传统的药用真菌,虫草素是蛹虫草的主要活性成分,具有抗癌、抗肿瘤、抗病毒等多种生理功能。蛹虫草菌液体发酵是最有希望实现高效生产虫草素的途径,但现阶段生产强度低,亟需应用发酵工程及代谢工程手段提高虫草素产量。文中对液体发酵体系中培养基组分(碳/氮源、前体物质、金属离子等)和培养条件(pH、溶氧量、光照等)对虫草素产量的影响进行了总结,并对虫草素的分离纯化、生物合成基因簇及合成代谢途径进行了阐述,最后探讨了实现虫草素高效生产的关键环节。     

碳源对虫草菌产生几种胞外酶活性的影响

本实验研究分别以淀粉、果胶和纤维素为液体培养基中唯一碳源时,虫草菌所产相应诱导酶活性变化。通过分别以淀粉、果胶和CMC为唯一碳源的液体培养基培养虫草菌,检测培养过程中酶活性变化、残糖及总核苷量。结果表明:分别利用淀粉、果胶和CMC为唯一碳源,虫草菌均能生长并产生诱导酶。淀粉酶活力最高可达40 U/m L,CMC酶活力仅达到1.6 U/m L,果胶酶酶活力达到6.86 U/m L,淀粉酶活力比果胶酶酶活和纤维素酶中的CMC酶活力高很多,淀粉是较容易利用的碳源。淀粉、果胶和CMC培养虫草菌都会产生碱性物质。含淀粉较多的农业加工副产品、废弃物对虫草菌培养的贡献价值较高。     

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation as a tool for insertional mutagenesis in medicinal fungus Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps militaris is an insect-born fungus with various biological and pharmacological activities. The mutant library of C. militaris was constructed by improved Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT), for the ultimate identification of genes involved in isolate degeneration during fruiting body production. Successful transformation of C.?militaris JM4 by A. tumefaciens AGL-1 carrying vector pATMT1 was performed, with efficiency in the range of 30-600 transformants per 1×10(5) conidia. Acetosyringone (AS) supplement in C. militaris ATMT was not necessary during either precultivation or cocultivation. The transformation procedure was optimised based on the ratios between donor A. tumefaciens and recipient conidia, and pH value of cocultivation media. The integration of the hyg gene into C. militaris genome was determined by PCR and Southern blot analysis, suggesting that 67-88% resulting transformants in cultivation conditions with or without AS were inserted by T-DNA and 55-80% were single-copy. Special mutants with altered phenotypes and growth potentials were characterised. The efficient TAIL-PCR approach was established for identifying T-DNA flanking sequences from C. militaris mutants. The successful construction of the mutant library indicated the usefulness of this approach for functional genetic analysis in this important fungus.     

不同培养条件和前体对蛹虫草液体发酵产虫草素的影响

蛹虫草能产生虫草素等多种活性物质。为考察不同液体发酵方式及添加前体物质对虫草素积累的影响,选用蛹虫草08Y1菌株,通过光照振荡、光照静置、黑暗振荡、黑暗静置四种培养条件和添加前体物质（腺嘌呤1g/L+甘氨酸16g/L）,发酵16d后检测虫草素和腺嘌呤含量。结果表明：08Y1菌株在黑暗振荡培养条件下,虫草素积累达1,015.0mg/L,腺嘌呤利用率达98.5%,说明黑暗振荡培养并添加前体物质是提高虫草素产量的有效方法。     

Lanostane triterpenoids from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma tsugae

Two undescribed lanostane triterpenoids, tsugaric acids G (1) and H (2), and a known compound, N-(3′α,4′β-dihydroxy-2′β-(hydroxymethyl)-1′β-(cyclobutyl) palmitamide (3) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma tsugae and characterized on the basis of spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis, especially 2D NMR and HRMS. Compounds 1 and 2 were also characterized by an LC-ESI-MS analytical approach and were compared with the fragmentation patterns of reported compounds. Compound 3 significantly exhibited anti-HCV activity.     

不同北虫草菌株产类胡萝卜素分析

通过对不同来源北虫草菌株子实体中提取的色素进行定性分析并对其含量进行测定,获得类胡萝卜素含量高的北虫草菌株。结果表明,浓硫酸反应中溶液在两相交界处呈现特征性的蓝绿色,色素提取液在400～600 nm范围内有波长分别为415、440和460 nm的3个吸收峰与类胡萝卜素标准的吸收光谱一致,证明子实体中提取的色素为类胡萝卜素;6个菌株子实体类胡萝卜素的含量差异较大,且J菌株的类胡萝卜素的含量最高,达到5.021 mg/g。     

蛹虫草子实体活性成分的分离鉴定

蛹虫草具有悠久的食药用历史,但关于其活性成分的种类仍知甚少。本文采用大孔树脂、硅胶柱、HPLC等色谱技术对蛹虫草Cordyceps militaris子实体粗提物进行分离纯化,从中得到3个化合物。通过波谱数据分析,化合物1–3分别被鉴定为：虫草素（3’-脱氧腺苷）（1）,色氨酸（2）和5,5’-dibuthoxy-2,2’-bifuran（3）,杂环化合物3为首次从蛹虫草子实体中获得。对化合物进行抗菌活性测定发现,虫草素和5,5’-dibuthoxy-2,2’-bifuran对枯草芽孢杆菌和大肠杆菌都有显著的抑菌活性,但是它们对酿酒酵母均未表现出明显抑菌活性。     

Jiangxienone, a new compound with potent cytotoxicity against tumor cells from traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom Cordyceps jiangxiensis

A new compound, named jiangxienone, has been isolated from a culture of the traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom Cordyceps jiangxiensis, and its chemical structure was established on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical techniques. Jiangxienone showed potent cytotoxic effects against human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC-7901 cell and human lung carcinoma A549 cell with IC(50) values ranging from 1.38 to 2.93 μM, i.e., with at least approximately six-fold stronger cytotoxicity than cisplatin, a first-line chemotherapy drug for cancer patients.     

蛹虫草组学研究进展

作为虫草属的模式种,蛹虫草是目前虫草类真菌中研究和应用最为广泛的物种之一。随着基因组序列的公布,蛹虫草组学水平的研究近年来取得了明显的进展。本文从基因组、线粒体基因组、甲基化组、转录组、蛋白质组、代谢网络等角度对蛹虫草组学水平的研究现状进行综述,期望对进一步推动蛹虫草的深入研究提供帮助。