Biotransformation of Biphenyl by Paecilomyces lilacinus and Characterization of Ring Cleavage Products

We examined the pathway by which the fungicide biphenyl is metabolized in the imperfect fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus. The initial oxidation yielded the three monohydroxylated biphenyls. Further hydroxylation occurred on the first and the second aromatic ring systems, resulting in the formation of five di- and trihydroxylated metabolites. The fungus could cleave the aromatic structures, resulting in the transformation of biphenyl via ortho-substituted dihydroxybiphenyl to six-ring fission products. All compounds were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These compounds include 2-hydroxy-4-phenylmuconic acid and 2-hydroxy-4-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-muconic acid, which were produced from 3,4-dihydroxybiphenyl and further transformed to the corresponding lactones 4-phenyl-2-pyrone-6-carboxylic acid and 4-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-2-pyrone-6-carboxylic acid, which accumulated in large amounts. Two additional ring cleavage products were identified as (5-oxo-3-phenyl-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-yl)-acetic acid and [5-oxo-3-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-yl]-acetic acid. We found that P. lilacinus has a high transformation capacity for biphenyl, which could explain this organism's tolerance to this fungicide.     

Purification and characterization of Paecilomyces lilacinus dextranase

Two dextranase isoenzymes [endo-(1,6)-α-d-glucan-6-glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.11] have been isolated from a crude enzyme powder prepared from the culture supernatant of Paecilomyces lilacinus. Purification was achieved by means of a two-stage ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Dextranase I was recovered with a 35.3-fold increase in specific activity and a yield of 16%; dextranase II was purified 19-fold with a yield of 4%. The characteristics of the isoenzymes were very similar; both exhibited maximum hydrolytic activity at pH 4.5 and 55°C. Activation energies for thermal inactivation were 402 and 330 kJ mol^?1 for dextranase I and II, respectively. The dextranases were not inhibited by EDTA or N-ethylmaleimide.     

Novel ring cleavage products in the biotransformation of biphenyl by the yeast Trichosporon mucoides

The yeast Trichosporon mucoides, grown on either glucose or phenol, was able to transform biphenyl into a variety of mono-, di-, and trihydroxylated derivatives hydroxylated on one or both aromatic rings. While some of these products accumulated in the supernatant as dead end products, the ortho-substituted dihydroxylated biphenyls were substrates for further oxidation and ring fission. These ring fission products were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses as phenyl derivatives of hydroxymuconic acids and the corresponding pyrones. Seven novel products out of eight resulted from the oxidation and ring fission of 3,4-dihydroxybiphenyl. Using this compound as a substrate, 2-hydroxy-4-phenylmuconic acid, (5-oxo-3-phenyl-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-yl)acetic acid, and 3-phenyl-2-pyrone-6-carboxylic acid were identified. Ring cleavage of 3,4,4'-trihydroxybiphenyl resulted in the formation of [5-oxo-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-yl]acetic acid, 4-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-pyrone-6-carboxylic acid, and 3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-pyrone-6-carboxylic acid. 2,3,4-trihydroxybiphenyl was oxidized to 2-hydroxy-5-phenylmuconic acid, and 4-phenyl-2-pyrone-6-carboxylic acid was the transformation product of 3,4,5-trihydroxybiphenyl. All these ring fission products were considerably less toxic than the hydroxylated derivatives.     

Corneal transplant infection by Paecilomyces lilacinus

Paecilomyces lilacinus was cultured from an ulcerated corneal transplant, sections of which, following surgical removal, revealed dense mycelial growth throughout the corneal remnant and penetrating Descemet's membrane. PAS-stained sections showed, in addition to the hyphae, numerous small, ovoid elements consistent with conidia of P. lilacinus. Infection apparently had spread to the transplant from the recipient's cornea. The fungal isolate proved resistant, in vitro, to amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, and pimaricin, but sensitive to ketoconazole and moderately sensitive to miconazole. Following a second transplant and intensive antifungal therapy, the infection appears to have been eliminated.     

Transformation of diphenyl ethers by Trametes versicolor and characterization of ring cleavage products

The white-rot fungi Trametes versicolor SBUG 1050, DSM 11269 and DSM 11309 are able to oxidize diphenyl ether and its halogenated derivatives 4-bromo- and 4-chlorodiphenyl ether. The products formed from diphenyl ether were 2- and 4-hydroxydiphenyl ether. Both 4-bromo- and 4-chlorodiphenyl ether were transformed to the corresponding products hydroxylated at the non-halogenated ring. Additionally, ring-cleavage products were detected by high perfomance liquid chromatography and characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Unhalogenated diphenyl ether was degraded to 2-hydroxy-4-phenoxymuconic acid and 6-carboxy-4-phenoxy-2-pyrone. Brominated derivatives of both these compounds were formed from 4-bromodiphenyl ether, and 4-chlorodiphenyl ether was transformed in the same way to the analogous chlorinated ring cleavage products. Additionally, 4-bromo- and 4-chlorophenol were detected as intermediates from 4-bromo- and 4-chlorodiphenyl ether, respectively. In the presence of the cytochrome-P450 inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole, no metabolites were formed by cells of Trametes versicolor from the diphenyl ethers investigated. Cell-free supernatants of whole cultures with high laccase and manganese peroxidase activities were not able to transform the unhydroxylated diphenyl ethers used.     

Production and characterization of a dextranase from an isolated Paecilomyces lilacinus strain

Summary Several environments were sampled in a screening procedure to obtain 23 different dextranase-producing fungal strains. The most productive strains were identified as Penicillium purpurogenum and Paecilomyces lilacinus. The culture medium for P. lilacinus strain 6R was optimized, increasing the initial productivity twofold. The enzyme showed optimal activities at pH 5.4 and 65° C, as well as excellent thermal stability at 60° C. An average K _m value of 0.26 g/l was found for dextran over a wide range of substrate molecular mass. The enzyme did not show substrate or product inhibition. From HPLC chromatograms, the 6R dextranase was found to readily reduce dextran to low molecular mass oligosaccharides and isomaltose. An integrated kinetic equation is used to describe batch reactions and application dose. Offprint requests to: A. Lopez-Munguia     

Ultrastructure and properties of Paecilomyces lilacinus spores

Strains of the filamentous soil fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus are currently being developed for use as biological control agents against root-knot, cyst, and other plant-parasitic nematodes. The inoculum applied in the field consists mainly of spores. This study was undertaken to examine the size, ultrastructure, and rodlet layers of P. lilacinus spores and the effect of the culture method on structural and functional spore properties. A rodlet layer was identified on aerial spores only. Other differences noted between aerial spores and those produced in submerged culture included the size and appearance of spores and thickness of spore coat layers when examined with transmission electron microscopy. The two spore types differed in UV tolerance, with aerial spores being less sensitive to environmentally relevant UV radiation. Also, viability after drying and storage was better with the aerial spores. Both spore types exhibited similar nematophagous ability.     

淡紫拟青霉(Paecilomyces lilacinus)培养条件的优化

以查氏培养基为基础,在碳源、氮源、pH值、温度等单因子条件研究的基础上,采用正交实验对淡紫拟青霉的培养条件进行了优化研究,得到了适合其生长的发酵培养基配方。实验结果表明,以蔗糖为碳源(60g/L),硝酸铵为氮源(1.5g/L),pH5～6,培养温度为30℃时最适合该菌的生长。     

淡紫拟青霉右旋糖酐酶的形成条件

比较了各种碳水化合物对淡紫拟青霉(Paecilomyces lilacinus)右旋糖酐酶形成的影响,右旋糖酐是最好的碳源,也是最佳诱导物。不同分子量(17．2—1000kD)的右旋糖酐对酶形成的诱导作用不同,酶的产生随右旋糖酐分子量的增大而增加。用分子量为1000kD的右旋糖酐作碳源时比用17.2kD的右旋糖酐作碳源时的产酶量高40％以上。用右旋糖酐和其它糖的混合物作碳源时,酶的形成受到不同程度的抑制。右旋糖酐酶形成的其它适宜条件：氮源为牛肉蛋白胨,培养基初始pH6．0—7.0.种龄为48小时,在250ml三角瓶中装50ml培养基,于28℃在200r／min摇床上培养6天。     

Infection of plant-parasitic nematodes by Paecilomyces lilacinus and Monacrosporium lysipagum

Studying the mode of infection of a biocontrol agent is important in order to assess its efficiency. The mode and severity of infection of nematodes by a soil saprophyte Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson and a knob-producing nematode trapping fungus Monacrosporium lysipagum (Drechsler) Subram were studied under laboratory conditions using microscopy. Infection of stationary stages of nematodes by P. lilacinus was studied with three plant-parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood, Heterodera avenae Wollenweber and Radopholus similis (Cobb) Thorne. Paecilomyces lilacinus infected eggs, juveniles and females of M. javanica by direct hyphal penetration. The early developed eggs were more susceptible than the eggs containing fully developed juveniles. As observed by transmission electron microscopy, fungal hypha penetrated the M. javanica female cuticle directly. Paecilomyces lilacinus also infected immature cysts of H. avenae including eggs in the cysts and the eggs of R. similis. Trapping and subsequent killing of mobile stages of nematodes by M. lysipagum were studied with the above three nematodes. In addition, plant-parasitic nematodes Pratylenchus neglectus (Rensch) Chitwood and Oteifa and Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kuhn) Filipjev were tested with M. lysipagum. This fungus was shown to infect mobile stages of all the plant-parasitic nematodes. In general, juveniles except those of P. neglectus, were more susceptible to the attack than adults.     

Biotransformation of p-coumaric acid by Paecilomyces variotii

AIMS: To investigate the biotransformation of p-coumaric acid into p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA) by Paecilomyces variotii Bainier MTCC 6581. METHODS AND RESULTS: As a result of p-coumaric acid degradation by P. variotii, three phenolic metabolites, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (p-HBAld), p-HBA and protocatechuic acid were formed. These phenolics were detected using TLC and HPLC. The identity of p-HBA and p-HBAld was further confirmed by mass spectrometry. Various analyses showed that 10.0 mmol l(-1) concentration of p-coumaric acid produced a maximum amount of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 200 mg l(-1), into the medium at 37 degrees C with high-density cultures. CONCLUSIONS: A catabolic pathway of p-coumaric acid by the fungus P. variotii is suggested for the first time. During the process of p-coumaric acid degradation, p-HBA accumulated in the medium as the major degradation product. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Microbial degradation of cinnamic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid has continued to be the focus of intensive study. The main goal was to identify the microbial species capable of converting these substances into commercially value-added products such as benzoic acid derivatives or aromatic aldehydes.     

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of Paecilomyces lilacinus strains with biocontrol activity against root-knot nematodes

Efficient selection of fungi for biological control of nematodes requires a series of screening assays. Assessment of genetic diversity in the candidate species maximizes the variety of the isolates tested and permits the assignment of a particular genotype with high nematophagous potential using a rapid novel assay. Molecular analyses also facilitate separation between isolates, allowing the identification of proprietary strains and trace biocontrol strains in the environment. The resistance of propagules to UV radiation is an important factor in the survival of a biocontrol agent. We have analyzed 15 strains of the nematophagous fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus using these principles. Arbitrarily primed DNA and allozyme assays were applied to place the isolates into genetic clusters, and demonstrated that some genetically related P. lilacinus strains exhibit widespread geographic distributions. When exposed to UV radiation, some weakly nematophagous strains were generally more susceptible than effective isolates. A microtitre tray-based assay used to screen the pathogenic activity of each isolate to Meloidogyne javanica egg masses revealed that the nematophagous ability varied between 37%-100%. However, there was no clear relationship between nematophagous ability and genetic clusters. Molecular characterizations revealed sufficient diversity to allow tracking of strains released into the environment.     

Biological Control of Meloidogyne incognita by Paecilomyces lilacinus and Pasteuria penetrans

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita was controlled more effectively and yields of host plants were greater when Paecilomyces lilacinus and Pasteuria penetrans were applied together in field microplots than when either was applied alone. Yields of winter vetch from microplots inoculated with the nematode and with both organisms were not statistically different from yields from uninoculated control plots.     

Molecular characterization of a Rhodotorula-lytic enzyme from Paecilomyces lilacinus having beta-1,3-mannanase activity

We cloned the gene and corresponding cDNA for an extracellular Rhodotorula-lytic enzyme which has beta-1,3-mannase activity, tentatively named MAN5C, from Paecilomyces lilacinus. MAN5C showed a high homology score with the members of glycoside hydrolase family 5 in a domain search with the Pfam database, indicating that MAN5C is a novel and unique member of glycoside hydrolase family 5.     

Biodegradation of feather wastes and the purification and characterization of a concomitant keratinase from Paecilomyces lilacinus

Paecilomyces lilacinus strain PL-HN-16 was found to have the ability to degrade feathers. During the degradation process, the broth initially turned as sticky as gelatin and then turned into fluid that means the feathers can be hydrolyzed completely. Keratinolytic protein (Ker) of aforementioned strain was purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation, HiTrap? Butyl FF chromatography and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration. The Ker of P. lilacinus PL-HN-16 had molecular mass of 33 kDa, the optimum pH 8.0 and temperature optimum at 40°C. It used the soluble keratin as substrate. The enzyme showed high activity and stability over a wide range of pH (6.0 to 10.0) and temperature (30°C to 60°C) values but was completely inhibited by PMSF. Ker of P. lilacinus PL-HN-16 exhibited stability toward SDS. These promising properties make the enzyme a potential candidate for future applications in biotechnological processes as keratin hydrolysis and dehairing during leather processing.     

Control of plant-parasitic nematodes by Paecilomyces lilacinus and Monacrosporium lysipagum in pot trials

The common soil inhabiting nematophagous fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson and the nematode trapping fungus Monacrosporium lysipagum (Drechsler) Subram were assayed for their ability to reduce the populations of three economically important plant-parasitic nematodes in pot trials. The fungi were tested individually and in combination against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood, cereal cyst nematode Heterodera avenae Wollenweber, or burrowing nematode Radopholus similis (Cobb) Thorne on tomato, barley and tissue cultured banana plants, respectively. In all cases, nematode populations were controlled substantially by both individual and combined applications of the fungi. Combined application of P. lilacinus and M. lysipagum reduced 62% of galls and 94% of M.␣javanica juveniles on tomato when compared to the experiment with no fungi added. Sixty five percent of H. avenae cysts were reduced on barley by combined application of fungi. Control of R. similis on banana, both in the roots and in the soil, was greatest when M. lysipagum was applied alone (86%) or in combination with P. lilacinus (96%), using a strategy where the fungi were inoculated twice in 18 weeks growth period. Overall, combined application of P. lilacinus and M. lysipagum was the most effective treatment in controlling nematode populations, although in some cases M. lysipagum alone was as effective as the combined application of fungi, particularly against M. javanica.     

淡紫拟青霉所致皮肤及皮下感染:临床和实验研究

目的 报道国内首见淡紫拟青霉所致皮肤及皮下感染患者1例。方法 取患者皮损标本多次直接镜检,真菌培养,根据真菌培养的菌落特点和镜下形态、扫描电镜及DNA序列测定鉴定致病菌种,并对分离的致病菌进行体外药敏试验。结果 患者为6个月患儿,出生12d时面部出现粟粒大暗红丘疹,脓疱,并缓慢扩大。刮取脓疱直接镜检见无色细长分支菌丝。多次培养见灰紫色羊毛状菌落生长,光镜及电镜下可见无色细长分支、分隔菌丝、直立的分生孢子梗、顶端单轮生帚状支及大量柱状或分散柱状排列椭圆形、近球形小分生孢子。根据其菌落颜色及瓶梗形态等形态学特征鉴定为淡紫拟青霉,其rRNA基因DNA测序分析证实其表型分类。动物实验证实该菌的致病性,组织相中胶质性损害为其主要病理特征。体外药敏试验提示其对特比萘芬、酮康唑较敏感,对伊曲康唑、氟康唑敏感陛较差。结论 该病例被确定为淡紫拟青霉所致的皮肤及皮下感染,为国内首例。     

Hydrolytic enzymes secreted by Paecilomyces lilacinus cultured on sclerotia of Aspergillus flavus

Sclerotia, the survival stage of Aspergillus flavus, are compact masses of mycelia capable of with-standing harsh climatic conditions. Six strains of Paecilomyces lilacinus, originally isolated from sclerotia of A. flavus var. flavus or A. flavus var. parasiticus, were also able to colonize the sclerotia from four different strains of A. flavus under laboratory conditions. P. lilacinus strains did not differ significantly in their colonization ability, but host susceptibility appeared to be an important factor. P. lilacinus strains were cultured in vitro for 96 h on a basal salt medium containing either ground sclerotia of A. flavus or glucose plus asparagine. Activities of hydrolytic enzymes such as polysaccharidases, proteases, and chitinases were determined in the culture supernatants. Supernatants from fungal cultures grown in the basal medium containing glucose plus aspargine medium showed very little or no enzyme activity, whereas fungi grown on ground sclerotia produced a variety of enzymes. Specifically, all strains produced chitinases (endochitinase and N-acetyl glucosaminidase), -1,3-glucanase, chymoelastase and chymotrypsin, suggesting that these enzymes may be required for colonization of sclerotia. Production of -1,4-glucanase, dextranase, cellulase, and trypsin was strain variable, suggesting that these enzymes may not be required.The mention of firm names or trade products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over other firms or similar products not mentioned Correspondence to: S. C. Gupta     

摇床转速对淡紫拟青霉菌生长的影响

设置不同摇床转速来调节通气量,以淡紫拟青霉菌株NHPL03培养过程的OD值、pH值、菌丝重量、孢子量、毒力为指标,研究通气量对淡紫拟青霉菌NHPL03生长的影响。结果表明:淡紫拟青霉菌可在多种摇床转速(通气量)条件下生长。通气量不仅影响菌丝生长与孢子生成而且影响毒力产物分泌,菌丝生长与孢子生成的最佳摇床转速为100r/min,培养8d菌丝干重达到最高值1.10g/50mL,产孢量达28.5×106个/mL。从毒力强度看,低转速条件60r/min总体毒力水平最高,培养8d菌液对茎线虫校正致死率达到47.1%。     

Ovicidal activity of Paecilomyces lilacinus on Moniezia sp. eggs

The ovicidal activity of Paecilomyces lilacinus was evaluated on Moniezia sp. eggs. Eggs of Moniezia sp. were incubated on plates with 2% agar-water inoculated with grown fungal isolates and a control treatment without fungus. After 5, 10 and 15 days post-inoculation, the eggs were removed and classified according to the following parameters: effect type 1, lytic effect without morphological damage to eggshells; effect type 2, lytic effect with morphological change in embryos and eggshells; and effect type 3, lytic effect with morphological change in embryos and eggshells, with hyphal penetration and internal colonization of eggs. Paecilomyces lilacinus showed percentages for ovicidal activity (P < 0.01), mainly type 3 effect, of 19, 20 and 23% on eggs of Moniezia sp., after 5, 10 and 15 days post-inoculation, respectively. Therefore P. lilacinus can be considered as a potential biological control agent for this cestode.