Physiological Role of Chlorinated Aryl Alcohols Biosynthesized De Novo by the White Rot Fungus Bjerkandera sp. Strain BOS55

The white rot fungus Bjerkandera sp. strain BOS55 produces veratryl, anisyl, 3-chloroanisyl, and 3,5-dichloroanisyl alcohol and the corresponding aldehydes de novo from glucose. All metabolites are produced simultaneously with the extracellular ligninolytic enzymes and have an important physiological function in the fungal ligninolytic system. Both mono- and dichlorinated anisyl alcohols are distinctly better substrates for the extracellular aryl alcohol oxidases than veratryl alcohol. The aldehydes formed are readily recycled by reduction by washed fungal mycelium, thus creating an extracellular H₂O₂ production system regulated by intracellular enzymes. Lignin peroxidase does not oxidize the chlorinated anisyl alcohols either in the absence or in the presence of veratryl alcohol. It was therefore concluded that the chlorinated anisyl alcohols are well protected against the fungus's own aggressive ligninolytic enzymes. The relative amounts of veratryl alcohol and the chlorinated anisyl alcohols differ significantly according to the growth conditions, indicating that production of veratryl alcohol and the production of the (chlorinated) anisyl metabolites are independently regulated. We conclude that the chlorinated anisyl metabolites biosynthesized by the white rot fungus Bjerkandera sp. strain BOS55 can be purposefully produced for ecologically significant processes such as lignin degradation.     

De-novo biosynthesis of chlorinated aromatics by the white-rot fungus Bjerkandera sp. BOS55. Formation of 3-chloro-anisaldehyde from glucose.

The white-rot fungus Bjerkandera sp. BOS55 produced de-novo several aromatic metabolites. Besides veratryl alcohol and veratraldehyde, compounds which are known to be involved in the ligninolytic system of several other white-rot fungi, other metabolites were formed. These included anisaldehyde, 3-chloro-anisaldehyde and a yet unknown compound containing two chlorine atoms. Additionally GC/MS analysis revealed the production of small amounts of anisyl alcohol and 3-chloro-anisyl alcohol. After 14 days, the extracellular fluid of Bjerkandera BOS55 contained 100 microM veratraldehyde and 50 microM 3-chloro-anisaldehyde. This is the first report of de-novo biosynthesis of simple chlorinated aromatic compounds by a white-rot fungus. Anisaldehyde and 3-chloro-anisaldehyde were also produced by Bjerkandera adusta but not by Phanerochaete chrysosporium.     

Stimulation of aryl metabolite production in the basidiomycete Bjerkandera sp. strain BOS55 with biosynthetic precursors and lignin degradation products.

Aryl metabolites are known to have an important role in the ligninolytic system of white rot fungi. The addition of known precursors and aromatic acids representing lignin degradation products stimulated the production of aryl metabolites (veratryl alcohol, veratraldehyde, p-anisaldehyde, and 3-chloro-p-anisaldehyde) in the white rot fungus Bjerkandera sp. strain BOS55. The presence of manganese (Mn) is known to inhibit the biosynthesis of veratryl alcohol (T. Mester, E. de Jong, and J.A. Field, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 61:1881-1887, 1995). A new finding of this study was that the production of the other aryl metabolites, p-anisaldehyde and 3-chloro-p-anisaldehyde, was also inhibited by Mn. We attempted to bypass the Mn-inhibited step in the biosynthesis of aryl metabolites by the addition of known and suspected precursors. Most of these compounds were not able to bypass the inhibiting effect of Mn. Only the fully methylated precursors (veratrate, p-anisate, and 3-chloro-p-anisate) provided similar concentrations of aryl metabolites in the presence and absence of Mn, indicating that Mn does not influence the reduction of the benzylic acid group. The addition of deuterated benzoate and 4-hydroxybenzoate resulted in the formation of deuterated aryl metabolites, indicating that these aromatic acids entered into the biosynthetic pathway and were common intermediates to all aryl metabolites. Only deuterated chlorinated anisyl metabolites were produced when the cultures were supplemented with deuterated 3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoate. This observation combined with the fact that 3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoate is a natural product of Bjerkandera spp. (H. J. Swarts, F. J. M. Verhagen, J. A. Field, and J. B. P. A. Wijnberg, Phytochemistry 42:1699-1701, 1996) suggest that it is a possible intermediate in chlorinated anisyl metabolite biosynthesis.     

Aryl alcohols in the physiology of ligninolytic fungi

Abstract: White-rot fungi have a versatile machinery of enzymes which work in harmony with secondary aryl alcohol metabolites to degrade the recalcitrant, aromatic biopolymer lignin. This review will focus on the important physiological roles of aryl (veratryl, anisyl and chlorinated anisyl) alcohols in the ligninolytic enzyme system. Their functions include stabilization of lignin peroxidase, charge-transfer reactions and as substrate for oxidases generating extracellular H₂0₂. The aryl alcohol/aldehyde couple is well protected against degradation by the fungi's extracellular ligninolytic enzymes and their concentrations in the extracellular fluid are highly regulated by intracellular enzymes.     

Lapachol biotransformation by filamentous fungi yields bioactive quinone derivatives and lapachol-stimulated secondary metabolites

Abstract

Lapachol is a natural naphthoquinone with a range of biological effects, including anticancer activity. Microbial transformations of lapachol can lead to the formation of new biologically active compounds. In addition, fungi can produce secondary metabolites that are also important for drug discovery. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ability of filamentous fungi to biotransform lapachol into biologically active compounds and identify secondary metabolites produced in the presence of lapachol. Seven out of nine strains of filamentous fungi tested exhibited the ability to biotransform or biodegrade lapachol. The bioactive derivatives norlapachol and isolapachol were identified among biotransformation products. Moreover, lapachol stimulated the production of pyrrolo-[1,2-a] pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl) and phenol-2,4-bis-(1,1-dimethylethyl), secondary metabolites already known to have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. These results open the perspective of using these strains of filamentous fungi for lapachol biotransformation and efficient production of several biologically active compounds.     

Aromatic origin of cyclopentenoid metabolites

Oxidative cleavage of aromatic compounds is often part of a degradative process and is widely observed in nature. The immediate catabolic products can sometimes cyclize or rearrange to new secondary metabolites. The enzymatic contraction of a dehydroisocoumarin to yield cyclopentenoid metabolites in Cryptosporiopsis sp. is reported. The label distribution of (+) cryptosporiopsin, a chlorinated cyclopentenone, was determined by analysis of the [¹³C]nmr of [1-¹³C] and [2-¹³C]acetate enriched-cryptosporiopsin. The putative aromatic precursor of cyclopentenoid metabolites, 2,3-dihydro-6,8-dihydroxy-2-methylisocoumarin (6), was isolated from Aspergillus terreus. This metabolite (6) was prepared doubly labeled ($\text{T}{}^{14}\text{C}$). The aromatic origin of the Cryptosporiopsis chlorinated cyclopentenoid metabolites was rigorously proven from feeding experiments with doubly labeled compound 6. A related but nonchlorinated metabolite, terrein, was isolated from A. terreus and was also shown to be derived from [$\text{T}{}^{14}\text{C}\text{]-2,3-dihydro-6,8-dihydroxy-2-methylisocoumarin}$.     

Catabolism of 2,7-dichloro- and 2,4,8-trichlorodibenzofuran by Sphingomonas sp strain RW1

Due to their physicochemical and toxicological properties, polychlorinated dibenzofurans are regarded as a class of compounds providing reason for serious environmental concern. While the nonhalogenated basic structure dibenzofuran is effectively mineralized by appropriate bacterial strains, its polychlorinated derivatives are not. To elucidate the ability of the strain Sphingomonas sp RW1 to metabolize some of these chlorinated derivatives, we performed turnover experiments using 2,7-dichloro- and 2,4,8-trichlorodibenzofuran. As indicated by the oxygen-uptake rates determined for these two chlorinated dibenzofurans, Sphingomonassp RW1 can catabolize these chlorinated dibenzofurans yielding small quantities of oxidation products, which we isolated and subsequently characterized employing GC/MS and ¹H- as well as ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. In the case of 2,7-dichlorodibenzofuran, two metabolites accumulated, which we identified as 6-chloro- and 7-chloro-2-methyl-4H-chromen-4-one. The single metabolite isolated from the turnover experiments performed with 2,4,8-trichlorodibenzofuran was unequivocally identified as 6,8-dichloro-2-methyl-4H-chromen-4-one. Received 26 April 1999/ Accepted in revised form 23 July 1999     

NAD+/NADH homeostasis affects metabolic adaptation to hypoxia and secondary metabolite production in filamentous fungi*

Filamentous fungi are used to produce fermented foods, organic acids, beneficial secondary metabolites and various enzymes. During such processes, these fungi balance cellular NAD⁺:NADH ratios to adapt to environmental redox stimuli. Cellular NAD(H) status in fungal cells is a trigger of changes in metabolic pathways including those of glycolysis, fermentation, and the production of organic acids, amino acids and secondary metabolites. Under hypoxic conditions, high NADH:NAD⁺ ratios lead to the inactivation of various dehydrogenases, and the metabolic flow involving NAD⁺ is down-regulated compared with normoxic conditions. This review provides an overview of the metabolic mechanisms of filamentous fungi under hypoxic conditions that alter the cellular NADH:NAD⁺ balance. We also discuss the relationship between the intracellular redox balance (NAD/NADH ratio) and the production of beneficial secondary metabolites that arise from repressing the HDAC activity of sirtuin A via Nudix hydrolase A (NdxA)-dependent NAD⁺ degradation.     

地衣型真菌次级代谢产物抗菌活性初步研究

地衣是一种传统的民族药物,能产生多种具有活性的物质。该研究对地衣型真菌(Xanthoria elegans,Myelochroa indica,Ramalina peruviana,Cladonia macilenta,Nephromopsis pallescens,Cladonia coccifera)进行液体培养,2个月后,培养液用乙酸乙酯萃取后获得初提物。该研究采用抑菌圈法评价地衣型真菌初提物对7种致病细菌(Bacillus subtilis,Bacillus cereus,Vibrio parahaemolyticus,Straphylococcus haemolyticus,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus aureus,Micrococcus luteus)的抗菌活性,并测定最低抑菌浓度(MIC)。结果表明:6种地衣型真菌的初提物均具有一定的抗菌活性,且不同培养基对地衣型真菌产生抗菌物质有显著影响。其中,R.peruviana在MY液体培养基中所产生的次级代谢产物对金黄色葡萄球菌、藤黄微球菌、溶血性葡萄球菌、铜尿假单胞菌具有抑制效果,但在YMG培养基中所得初提物对供试7种致病细菌不具有抑菌效果。X.elegans在YMG培养基中所得初提物对枯草芽孢杆菌具有明显抗菌活性,其抑菌圈直径可达17.77 mm。该研究证实不同地衣型真菌液体培养初提物具有抗菌活性,不同的培养基也直接影响地衣型真菌抗菌效果。该研究结果为地衣型真菌的进一步研究及民族药的开发利用奠定了基础。     

Differential Synthesis of Peritoxins and Precursors by Pathogenic Strains of the Fungus Periconia circinata

Pathogenic strains of the soilborne fungus Periconia circinata produce peritoxins with host-selective toxicity against susceptible genotypes of sorghum. The peritoxins are low-molecular-weight, hybrid molecules consisting of a peptide and a chlorinated polyketide. Culture fluids from pathogenic, toxin-producing (Tox⁺) and nonpathogenic, non-toxin-producing (Tox⁻) strains were analyzed directly by gradient high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array detection and HPLC-mass spectrometry to detect intermediates and final products of the biosynthetic pathway. This approach allowed us to compare the metabolite profiles of Tox⁺ and Tox⁻ strains. Peritoxins A and B and the biologically inactive intermediates, N-3-(E-pentenyl)-glutaroyl-aspartate, circinatin, and 7-chlorocircinatin, were detected only in culture fluids of the Tox⁺ strains. The latter two compounds were produced consistently by Tox⁺ strains regardless of the amount of peritoxins produced under various culture conditions. In summary, none of the known peritoxin-related metabolites were detected in Tox⁻ strains, which suggests that these strains may lack one or more functional genes required for peritoxin biosynthesis.     

Degradation of the γ-Carboxyl-Containing Diarylpropane Lignin Model Compound 3-(4′-Ethoxy-3′-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(4″-Methoxyphenyl)Propionic Acid by the Basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The white-rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium metabolized 3-(4′-ethoxy-3′-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4″-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid (V) in low-nitrogen, stationary cultures, conditions under which ligninolytic activity is expressed. The ability of several fungal mutant strains to degrade V reflected their ability to degrade [¹⁴C]lignin to ¹⁴CO₂. 1-(4′-Ethoxy-3′-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4″-methoxyphenyl)-2- hydroxyethane (VII), anisyl alcohol, and 4-ethoxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol were isolated as metabolic products, indicating an initial oxidative decarboxylation of V, followed by α, β cleavage of the intermediate (VII). Exogenously added VII was rapidly converted to anisyl alcohol and 4-ethoxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol. When the degradation of V was carried out under ¹⁸O₂, ¹⁸O was incorporated into the β position of the diarylethane product (VII), indicating that the reaction is oxygenative.     

Fungal Metabolism of Toluene: Monitoring of Fluorinated Analogs by 19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

We used isomeric fluorotoluenes as model substrates to study the catabolism of toluene by five deuteromycete fungi and one ascomycete fungus capable of growth on toluene as the sole carbon and energy source, as well as by two fungi (Cunninghamella echinulata and Aspergillus niger) that cometabolize toluene. Whole cells were incubated with 2-, 3-, and 4-fluorotoluene, and metabolites were characterized by ¹⁹F nuclear magnetic resonance. Oxidation of fluorotoluene by C. echinulata was initiated either at the aromatic ring, resulting in fluorinated o-cresol, or at the methyl group to form fluorobenzoate. The initial conversion of the fluorotoluenes by toluene-grown fungi occurred only at the side chain and resulted in fluorinated benzoates. The latter compounds were the substrate for the ring hydroxylation and, depending on the fluorine position, were further metabolized up to catecholic intermediates. From the ¹⁹F nuclear magnetic resonance metabolic profiles, we propose that diverse fungi that grow on toluene assimilate toluene by an initial oxidation of the methyl group.     

Initial oxidative and subsequent conjugative metabolites produced during the metabolism of phenanthrene by fungi

Three filamentous fungi were examined for the ability to biotransform phenanthrene to oxidative (phase I) and conjugative (phase II) metabolites. Phenanthrene metabolites were purified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified by UV/visible absorption, mass, and¹H NMR spectra.Aspergillus niger ATCC 6275,Syncephalastrum racemosum UT-70, andCunninghamella elegans ATCC 9245 initially transformed [9-¹⁴C]phenanthrene to produce metabolites at the 9,10-, 1,2-, and 3,4- positions. Subsequently, sulfate conjugates of phase I metabolites were formed byA. niger, S. racemosum, andC. elegans. Minor glucuronide conjugates of 9-phenanthrol and phenanthrenetrans-9,10-dihydrodiol were formed byS. racemosum andA. niger, respectively. In addition,C. elegans produced the glucose conjugates 1-phenanthryl -d-glucopyranoside and 2-hydroxy-1-phenanthryl -d-glucopyranoside, a novel metabolite. [9-¹⁴C]Phenanthrene metabolites were not detected in organic extracts from biotransformation experiments with the yeasts,Candida lipolytica 37-1,Candida tropicalis ATCC 32113, andCandida maltosa R-42.     

Lignocellulosic polysaccharides and lignin degradation by wood decay fungi: the relevance of nonenzymatic Fenton-based reactions

The brown rot fungus Wolfiporia cocos and the selective white rot fungus Perenniporia medulla-panis produce peptides and phenolate-derivative compounds as low molecular weight Fe³⁺-reductants. Phenolates were the major compounds with Fe³⁺-reducing activity in both fungi and displayed Fe³⁺-reducing activity at pH 2.0 and 4.5 in the absence and presence of oxalic acid. The chemical structures of these compounds were identified. Together with Fe³⁺ and H₂O₂ (mediated Fenton reaction) they produced oxygen radicals that oxidized lignocellulosic polysaccharides and lignin extensively in vitro under conditions similar to those found in vivo. These results indicate that, in addition to the extensively studied Gloeophyllum trabeum—a model brown rot fungus—other brown rot fungi as well as selective white rot fungi, possess the means to promote Fenton chemistry to degrade cellulose and hemicellulose, and to modify lignin. Moreover, new information is provided, particularly regarding how lignin is attacked, and either repolymerized or solubilized depending on the type of fungal attack, and suggests a new pathway for selective white rot degradation of wood. The importance of Fenton reactions mediated by phenolates operating separately or synergistically with carbohydrate-degrading enzymes in brown rot fungi, and lignin-modifying enzymes in white rot fungi is discussed. This research improves our understanding of natural processes in carbon cycling in the environment, which may enable the exploration of novel methods for bioconversion of lignocellulose in the production of biofuels or polymers, in addition to the development of new and better ways to protect wood from degradation by microorganisms.     

Molecular profiling of marine endophytic fungi from green algae: Assessment of antibacterial and anticancer activities

Bioactive natural metabolites, especially from the marine endophytic fungi, are largely unexplored. Endophytic fungi are being increasingly recognized as a group of organisms that produce novel metabolites of industrial importance. This study investigated the anticancer and antibacterial potential of the marine algal endophyte, Penicillium chrysogenum. The different organic solvent extracts of the endophytic fungi grown on different growth medium were analyzed for anticancer and antibacterial activities. The highest inhibitory activity was observed for the ethyl acetate (EA) extract of the culture filtrate grown in potato dextrose broth (PDB) for 21 days, against the tested human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) line. Similarly, the PDB-EA extract showed an appreciable activity against the human pathogens. The biochemical analysis of the Cha EA metabolites revealed terpenoids, steroids, phenolics and flavones. Gas Chromatography (GCMS) data revealed several bioactive compounds such as anthraquinone and cinnamic acid. The Cha EA extract induced membrane damage and thus, apoptosis in MCF-7cells. The secondary metabolites produced by these marine endophytic fungi have contributed to considerable anticancer and antimicrobial activities and hence, this study is an evidence of potential sources of antimicrobial and anticancer compounds from Penicillium chrysogenum.     

Chaetoglobosins and azaphilones produced by Canadian strains of Chaetomium globosum isolated from the indoor environment

Chaetomium globosum is one of the most common species of fungi found growing on damp building materials in North America and Europe. At doses that could be experienced in a building with some mould damage, exposure to metabolites from other fungi results in inflammatory changes in vivo and in vitro. This research requires knowledge of the dominant toxins produced by fungal strains from the built environment and characterization of pure compounds for toxicity testing. We examined 25 strains of C. globosum isolated from the built environment in Canada. In varying amounts, these strains primarily produced chaetoglobosin A, C and F, chaetomugilin D, and chaetoviridin A. Spectroscopic data of the major isolated compounds are provided. Previous studies reported a number of metabolites from this species that we did not find. However, this appears to be due to misidentifications of the fungi they examined as well as problems with the analytical methods used. In addition, our data support the use of metabolite profiles for resolving the taxonomy of some economically important Chaetomium species.     

Isolation and characterization of a 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid-degrading soil bacterium

Summary A 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)-degrading bacterial strain, Xanthobacter sp. CP, was isolated after enrichment in aerated soil columns. A limited number of chlorinated phenols and chlorinated phenoxyalkanoic acids with an even number of carbon atoms in the side chain served as substrates for growth, although whole cells exhibited oxygen uptake with a wide range of those compounds. The maximal growth rate with 2,4-D was 0.13·h^-1 at a growth yield of 0.1 g biomass/g 2,4-D. Chloride ions were released quantitatively from 2,4-D and related chlorinated aromatic compounds which served as growth substrates. No by-products of 2,4-D metabolism were detected in oxygen-sufficient cultures of Xanthobacter sp. CP and catechols were cleaved exclusively by catechol 1,2-dioxygenase.     

Absorption,Translocation and Metabolism of 2-tert-Butyl-4-(2,4-dichloro-5-isopropoxyphenyl)-Δ2-1,3,4-oxadiazolin-5-one (Oxadiazon) in Rice Plants

Absorption, translocation and metabolism of 2-tret-butyl-4-(2,4-dichloro-5-isopro-poxyphenyl)-Δ²-1,3,4-oxadiazolin-5-one (oxadiazon) in rice plants were investigated. Three types of ¹⁴C-labeled oxadiazon were used in this study. ¹⁴C-Labeled oxadiazon was applied to soil under submerged conditions and plants were taken for the preparations at various stages of growth and development. Oxadiazon was translocated remarkably to shoots and accumulated in the lower leaves and stems. A small portion of oxadiazon intaken in plants was translocated to head parts. Oxadiazon was chemically transformed in plants to produce dealkylated compounds, oxidized alcohol and carboxylic acid as metabolites. In addition, two unidentified metabolites were detected, one of which was translocated to head parts from leaves and stems. Translocation and accumulation of oxadiazon and its metabolites were discussed in relation to physiological conditions of rice plants.     

Further evaluation of the tropane analogs of haloperidol

Previous work from our labs has indicated that a tropane analog of haloperidol with potent D₂ binding but designed to avoid the formation of MPP⁺-like metabolites, such as 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-oxobutyl)pyridin-1-ium (BCPP⁺) still produced catalepsy, suggesting a strong role for the D₂ receptor in the production of catalepsy in rats, and hence EPS in humans. This study tested the hypothesis that further modifications of the tropane analog to produce compounds with less potent binding to the D₂ receptor than haloperidol, would produce less catalepsy. These tests have now revealed that while haloperidol produced maximum catalepsy, these compounds produced moderate to low levels of catalepsy. Compound 9, with the least binding affinity to the D₂R, produced the least catalepsy and highest Minimum Adverse Effective Dose (MAED) of the analogs tested regardless of their affinities at other receptors including the 5-HT_1AR. These observations support the hypothesis that moderation of the D₂ binding of the tropane analogs could reduce catalepsy potential in rats and consequently EPS in man.     

Microbial transformation of chlorinated benzoates

Chlorinated benzoates enter the environment through their use as herbicides or as metabolites of other halogenated compounds. Ample evidence is available indicating biodegradation of chlorinated benzoates to CO₂ and chloride in the environment under aerobic as well as anaerobic conditions. Under aerobic conditions, lower chlorinated benzoates can serve as sole electron and carbon sources supporting growth of a large list of taxonomically diverse bacterial strains. These bacteria utilize a variety of pathways ranging from those involving an initial degradative attack by dioxygenases to those initiated by hydrolytic dehalogenases. In addition to monochlorinated benzoates, several bacterial strains have been isolated that can grow on dichloro-, and trichloro- isomers of chlorobenzoates. Some aerobic bacteria are capable of cometabolizing chlorinated benzoates with simple primary substrates such as benzoate. Under anaerobic conditions, chlorinated benzoates are subject to reductive dechlorination when suitable electron-donating substrates are available. Several halorespiring bacteria are known which can use chlorobenzoates as electron acceptors to support growth. For example, Desulfomonile tiedjei catalyzes the reductive dechlorination of 3-chlorobenzoate to benzoate. The benzoate skeleton is mineralized by other microorganisms in the anaerobic environment. Various dichloro- and trichlorobenzoates are also known to be dechlorinated in anaerobic sediments.