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Hericium erinaceus (Yamabushitake in Japan) is a well-known edible and medicinal mushroom. We discovered antidementia compounds, hericenones C to H, from the fruiting bodies and erinacine A to I from the cultured mycelia of the fungus. Based on the data of the compounds, several clinical experiments were performed using the fungus. "Fairy rings" is a phenomenon that turfgrass grows more prolific or inhibited than the surrounding area as a ring and then occasionally mushrooms develop on the ring. We found fairy-ring causing principles "fairy chemicals" and the biosynthetic routes of the compounds on the purine metabolic pathway in plants and mushrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-Azahypoxanthine (AHX, 1) and imidazole-4-carboxamide (ICA, 2) were isolated from a fairy-ring forming fungus Lepista sordida. AHX was converted into a metabolite, 2-aza-8-oxohypoxanthine (AOH, 3), in plants. Afterward, it turned out that these three compounds, fairy chemicals (FSc), endogenously exist in plants and are biosynthesized via a new purine metabolic pathway. Furthermore, FCs increased the yields of rice, wheat and other crops in the filled experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carnitine-esters (1-8) including, a compound (R)-3-hydroxybutanoyl-(R)-carnitine (5), were isolated from the mushroom Suillus laricinus. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses and by total synthesis. One of these, (R)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoyl-(R)-carnitine (4), promoted hyaluronan-degradation by human skin fibroblasts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two novel compounds, erinacines J (1) and K (3), were isolated from the cultured mycelia of Hericium erinaceum. Their structures were determined by spectral analyses. Erinacine K showed anti-MRSA activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nerve growth factor (NGF) is an essential protein for supporting growth and maintenance of peripheral sympathetic neurons. A novel diterpenoid erinacine, isolated from the cultured mycelia of Hericium erinacium, is known to have a potent stimulating effect on NGF synthesis. The effects of erinacine and related compounds in the brain in vivo are not known. In this study, we examined the effects of erinacine A on the production of NGF and catecholamines which stimulate NGF synthesis in the brain of rats. Rats were treated with erinacine A by intubation for the first 3 weeks from birth to weaning and intragastrically from weeks 4 to 5. Rats treated with this compound had increased levels of both noradrenaline and homovanillic acid in the locus coeruleus (LC) at 4 weeks of age and increased levels of NGF in both LC and hippocampus at 5 weeks of age. The effects of erinacine A were confirmed in the central nervous system in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three new compounds, orirubenone A (), B () and C () were isolated from the mushroom Tricholoma orirubens. Their structures were determined by spectral analyses. These compounds inhibited hyaluronan-degradation by human skin fibroblasts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which examines the isolation of two bioactive compound from the Sparassis crispa mushroom which includes the β-glucan and antifungal benzoate derivatives. It analyzes the biological activity of the derivatives extracted from the mushroom. It is stated that both compounds inhibited melanin synthesis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) growth.

The article describes the osteoclast-forming suppressive compounds from Makomatake, Zizania latifolia infected with Ustilago esculenta. According to the authors, osteoclasts play a role in bone resorption, and abnormal acceleration of osteoclast formation is one of the causes of osteoporosis. During the screening for the osteoclast-formation suppressive effects of extracts of various foodstuffs, strong activity in an extract of Makomotake was demonstrated.

Focuses on the growth promotion of mycelia of the matsutake mushroom Tricoloma matsutake by D-isoleucine. Suggestion that Mycelial growth of the Matsutake mushroom was much slower than that of the other mushroom species; Findings that the addition of D-isoleucine to the culture medium strikingly promoted mycelia growth; Indication that the other amino acids tested had no effect on this growth promotion.

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Crocus sativus Linn has been used for a long time in China. However, the studies on secondary metabolites of its endophytic fungi were not fully sufficient. Thus, the endophytic fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, collected from the lateral buds of C. sativus, was here investigated. An approach combining UHPLC-HRMS/MS (ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry) with molecular network was carried out to construct a molecular network of crude EtOAc extract (CEE) of A. fumigatus, in which 32 chemical compounds were annotated. On the basis of analysis results, a total of 15 known natural compounds were isolated from CEE. Among them, compounds 11 and 12 were isolated for the first time from the genus Aspergillus. Moreover, CEE and compound 7 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against Erwinia sp. with a MIC value of 100 μg/mL. This study provided a more convenient and rapid approach to investigating the crude extract with complex components of A. fumigatus, which is of great benefit to the further study and utilization of secondary metabolites of the genus Aspergillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of vision loss. The aggressive form of AMD is associated with ocular neovascularization and subretinal fibrosis, representing a responsive outcome against neovascularization mediated by epithelial–mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. A failure of the current treatment (anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapy) has also been attributed to the progression of subretinal fibrosis. Hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) increase gene expressions to promote fibrosis and neovascularization. HIFs act as a central pathway in the pathogenesis of AMD. HIF inhibitors may suppress ocular neovascularization. Nonetheless, further investigation is required to unravel the aspects of subretinal fibrosis. In this study, we used RPE‐specific HIFs or von Hippel–Lindau (VHL, a regulator of HIFs) conditional knockout (cKO) mice, along with pharmacological HIF inhibitors, to demonstrate the suppression of subretinal fibrosis. Fibrosis was suppressed by treatments of HIF inhibitors, and similar suppressive effects were detected in RPE‐specific Hif1a/Hif2a‐ and Hif1a‐cKO mice. Promotive effects were observed in RPE‐specific Vhl‐cKO mice, where fibrosis‐mediated pathologic processes were evident. Marine products' extracts and their component taurine suppressed fibrosis as HIF inhibitors. Our study shows critical roles of HIFs in the progression of fibrosis, linking them to the potential development of therapeutics for AMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, major factors involved in regulating ethanol production from wood by the saprotrophic white-rot fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 were investigated. P. sordida YK-624 produced ethanol from wood meal culture without the addition of any nutrients, and ethanol was produced from wood culture only when the oxygen concentration in headspace was reduced to ≤5%; thereafter, ethanol production ceased within a few days. Analyses of gene expression during aerobic incubation indicated that P. sordida simultaneously upregulates the glycolytic pathway from sugar uptake to pyruvate conversion during ethanol fermentation and suppresses pyruvate influx into the TCA cycle. Upon termination of ethanol fermentation, the expression of all tested genes was repressed, and the fungus ceased to grow. In contrast, the fungus could utilize ethanol for aerobic growth. These results suggest that ethanol fermentation by P. sordida functions as a short-term stress response system under anaerobic conditions during wood decay, enabling the fungus to rapidly resume growing when oxygen is supplied (e.g., following breakdown of plant cell walls or removal of the fungus from water immersion). This is the first report to describe the physiologic significance of ethanol fermentation in saprotrophic white-rot fungi. [Display omitted] • The biological significance of ethanol fermentation by saprotrophic white-rot fungus P. sordida YK-624 was speculated. • P. sordida YK-624 produced ethanol from wood meal without addition of any nutrients under hypoxic condition. • P. sordida YK-624 could survive and ferment for only a few days under hypoxia conditions during wood decay. • Ethanol fermentation in P. sordida YK-624 appears to be a short-term hypoxia tolerance system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White-rot fungi are thought to hold promise for development of a delignification pretreatment process for wood biorefinery that is less energy-consuming than current processes. However, the reaction must take place over weeks and consumes non-neglectable amounts of saccharides. To establish a biological process for wood biorefinery would first require establishment of an enzymatic approach to delignification. Such an approach has the potential to lower costs and reduce saccharide loss. Here, we attempted enzymatic delignification reactions using manganese peroxidases (MnP), a lignin-degrading enzyme, under several reaction conditions. The delignification rate from beech wood meal (particle size <45 μm) of up to 11.0% in 48 h was reached in a MnP reaction supplemented with multiple co-oxidants, glucose, glucose oxidase (GOD) and commercial cellulase. An additional 48-h reaction using fresh MnP/co-oxidants increased the delignification rate to 14.2%. Simultaneous enzymatic delignification and saccharification, which occurs without a need for glucose supplementation, successfully improved the glucose yield to 160% of the reaction without MnP. Development of a more accurate imitation of the mechanisms of delignification that occurs in white-rot fungi has the potential to improve the monosaccharide yield resulting from simultaneous delignification and saccharification. • Simultaneous enzymatic delignification and saccharification (SDS) for wood was attempted. • Conditions of delignification using manganese peroxidase were investigated for SDS treatment. • Both delignification and saccharification activities seemed complemented each other. • The SDS improved glucose yield to 160% from wood biomass compared the treatment with cellulase alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imidazole-4-carboxamide (ICA) and 2-azahypoxanthine (AHX) obtained from Lepista sordida inhibit and promote the growth of herbaceous plants, respectively. In this study, we examined the effects of these compounds on the growth and ectomycorrhizal (EM) colonization of Pinus densiflora seedlings inoculated with Tricholoma matsutake that forms EM associations with pines. The EM colonization by T. matsutake was observed on the root systems of P. densiflora seedlings treated with and without ICA and AHX. The growth of both non-EM and EM P. densiflora seedlings was inhibited by ICA, regardless of the EM colonization. In contrast, AHX promoted the growth of non-EM P. densiflora seedlings, but not of EM seedlings, suggesting that EM colonization interferes with the effect of AHX on P. densiflora growth. • Imidazole-4-carboxamide (ICA) and 2-azahypoxanthine (AHX) are bioactive compounds. • Tricholoma matsutake – Pinus densiflora ectomycorrhizal (EM) seedlings were tested. • Growth of both non-EM and EM P. densiflora seedlings was inhibited by ICA. • Growth of non-EM P. densiflora was promoted by AHX; EM seedlings were unaffected. • EM colonization interfered with the growth promotion of AHX on P. densiflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White-rot fungi are microorganisms capable of ethanol fermentation; however, the specific conditions activating ethanol fermentation are unclear in contrast to fermentation by yeasts. In this study, we investigated the conditions favoring ethanol fermentation by the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624, which is able to produce ethanol from woody material. In aerobic stationary cultivation with various concentrations of glucose (0.8-33 g/l), the fungus produced ethanol in media containing an initial glucose concentration of 2.8 g/l or higher. The amount of glucose consumption, mycelial weight, and ethanol production on the second day of culture increased in a concentration-dependent manner at low glucose concentrations; however, these were saturated at high concentrations. Biomass yields (growth/glucose consumption) were decreased until the initial glucose concentration increased to 6.0 g/l, after which the biomass yields showed constant values at higher concentrations (12-33 g/l). On the other hand, ethanol yields increased with decreasing biomass yields. In short shaking cultivation using mycelial suspension, trace amounts of instantaneous aerobic ethanol production were observed with 1.1 and 2.1 g/l glucose, but the relative gene expression levels of key enzymes at the pyruvate branch point showed no significant differences between ethanol production and non-production conditions. From these experimental results, it appears that the white-rot fungus P. sordida YK-624 produces ethanol due to overflow in sugar metabolism under aerobic conditions, although P. sordida YK-624 prioritizes glucose utilization for respiratory growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushroom terpenoids are biologically and chemically diverse fungal metabolites. Among them, melleolides are representative sesquiterpenoids with a characteristic protoilludane skeleton. In this study, we applied a recently established hot spot knock‐in method to elucidate the biosynthetic pathway leading to 1α‐hydroxymelleolide. The biosynthesis of the sesquiterpene core involves the cytochrome P450 catalyzing stepwise hydroxylation of the Δ6‐protoilludene framework and a stereochemical inversion process at the C5 position catalyzed by short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase family proteins. The highlight of the biosynthesis is that the flavoprotein Mld7 catalyzes an oxidation‐triggered double‐bond shift accompanying dehydration and acyl‐group‐assisted substitution with two different nucleophiles at the C6 position to afford the Δ7‐protoilludene derivatives, such as melleolide and armillarivin. The complex reaction mechanism was proposed by DFT calculations. Of particular importance is that product distribution is regulated by interaction with the cell membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushroom terpenoids are biologically and chemically diverse fungal metabolites. Among them, melleolides are representative sesquiterpenoids with a characteristic protoilludane skeleton. In this study, we applied a recently established hot spot knock‐in method to elucidate the biosynthetic pathway leading to 1α‐hydroxymelleolide. The biosynthesis of the sesquiterpene core involves the cytochrome P450 catalyzing stepwise hydroxylation of the Δ6‐protoilludene framework and a stereochemical inversion process at the C5 position catalyzed by short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase family proteins. The highlight of the biosynthesis is that the flavoprotein Mld7 catalyzes an oxidation‐triggered double‐bond shift accompanying dehydration and acyl‐group‐assisted substitution with two different nucleophiles at the C6 position to afford the Δ7‐protoilludene derivatives, such as melleolide and armillarivin. The complex reaction mechanism was proposed by DFT calculations. Of particular importance is that product distribution is regulated by interaction with the cell membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White-rot fungi are the most important group of lignin biodegraders. Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 has higher ligninolytic activity than that of model white-rot fungi. However, the underlying mechanism responsible for lignin degradation by white-rot fungi remains unknown, and the induced compounds isolated from white-rot fungi for lignin degradation have never been studied. In the present study, we tried to screen ligninolytic-inducing compounds produced by P. sordida YK-624. After large-scale incubation of P. sordida YK-624, the culture and mycelium were separated by filtration. After the separation and purification, purified compounds were analyzed by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The sterilized unbleached hardwood kraft pulp was used for the initial evaluation of ligninolytic activity. Ergosterol was isolated and identified and it induced the lignin-degrading activity of this fungus. Moreover, we investigated ergosterol metabolites from P. sordida YK-624, and the ergosterol metabolites ergosta-4,7,22-triene-3,6-dione and ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one were identified and then chemically synthesized. These compounds significantly improved the lignin-degrading activity of the fungus. This is the first report on the ligninolytic-inducing compounds produced by white-rot fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imidazole-4-carboxamide (ICA), which is one of the groups of "fairy chemicals" (FCs) that cause the fairy ring phenomena, has plant growth inhibitory activity. FCs have the potential as candidates for a new family of plant hormones as they have been found endogenously in all plant species tested and show growth-regulating activities against the plants. While basic research on FCs is progressing, they are also expected to be applied not only to agrochemicals but also as pharmaceuticals. Derivatization of one of the FCs, 2-azahypoxanthine, and the structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies have clarified its activity as a plant growth promoter. Yet, ICA has not been derivatized at all and SAR regarding its activity remains unknown. In this study, we synthesized the derivatives of ICA by direct C–H arylation of ICA precursors and evaluated its activity in rice. The 12 total compounds including the arylated ICAs and their precursors were evaluated for root and shoot elongation in rice, resulting in the discovery that a number of compounds unexpectedly have an elongation activity in the root and shoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

structure, synthesis and effects on rat glioma cells [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two compounds 1 and 2 were isolated from the culture broth of Lepista luscina. This is the first time that compound 1 was isolated from a natural source. The structure of compound 1 was identified via 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. Compounds 1 and 2 along with 8-nitrotryptanthrin (4) were evaluated for their biological activities using the A549 lung cancer cell line. As a result, 1 and 2 inhibited the expression of Axl and immune checkpoint molecules. In addition, compounds 1, 2 and 4 were tested for HIF inhibitory activity. Compound 2 demonstrated statistically significant HIF inhibitory effects on NIH3T3 cells and 1 and 2 against ARPE19 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are various potential practical uses of fairy chemicals (FCs) in the fields of agriculture, cosmetics, and medicine; however, the production costs of FCs are very high. To enable the practical use of FCs, more efficient and inexpensive methods of culturing the mycelia of FCs-producing fungi and producing FCs need to be developed. The purpose of the present study was to determine methods of reducing the production costs of FCs and mycelia of the FCs-producing fungus Lepista sordida. We investigated the effects of four food industrial by-products, i.e., corn steep liquor (CSL), rice bran, wheat bran, and Japanese liquor lees, as nutritional additives in the liquid culture medium of the fungus. We found that CSL was more effective than the other tested additives in increasing the production of FCs and mycelia. Medium containing 1% CSL was optimal for increasing the mycelial yield while medium containing 6% CSL was optimal for increasing the production of FCs. The reason for this difference in the optimal CSL concentration was considered to be related to the stress on the mycelia caused by the amount of nutrients in the liquid medium. These results are expected to facilitate the practical use of FCs and the mycelia of FCs-producing fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the function of 1,4-benzoquinone reductase (BQR)- and homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD)-like genes in wood degradation by Phanerochaete sordida YK-624, which exhibits high ligninolytic activity and selectivity. We determined homologous expression in the genomic and cDNA sequences of BQR- and HGD-like genes in P. sordida YK-624 ( PsBQR and PsHGD). Both genes shared high homology (≥90 % amino acid sequence similarity) with the corresponding genes in Phanerochaete chrysosporium. These genes were co-transformed with a reporter gene into an uracil auxotrophic mutant of P. sordida YK-624. The PsBQR and PsHGD co-transformants exhibited lower holocellulolytic activity and higher ligninolytic selectivity than the control transformants. In liquid culture with vanillin, both co-transformants significantly accelerated vanillin degradation. Thus, we suggest that the rapid metabolism of low-molecular weight lignin fragments, due to the homologous expression of BQR- and HGD-like genes, affects quinone redox cycling to produce hydroxyl radicals, thereby decreasing holocellulose degradation and increasing ligninolytic selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel compounds 1 to 3 , named trichoglutamides A to C, respectively, were isolated from the fruiting bodies of yellow Tricholoma species, T. flavovirens , T. auratum , a nd T. sulphureum. Their structures were determined by the interpretation of spectroscopic data and by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The structure of trichoglutamide consists of a glutamic acid residue and a C-10 polyketide unit. [Display omitted] • Three novel compounds named trichoglutamides A, B, and C were isolated from three yellow Tricholoma species. • The structure of trichoglutamides consists of a glutamic acid residue and a C-10 polyketide unit. • The amine parts (C-10 polyketide unit) of the amides have been also unreported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loxoprofen has been widely used as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug globally and it can also persist in the environment. Although it is known to be a non-toxic drug, its presence may still pose a potential risk to organisms in the environment. Here, the hyper lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 was used to study the degradation of loxoprofen. This fungus showed excellent loxoprofen biodegradation ability with 90.4% and 93.4% after one day of incubation at lower concentrations of 0.01 and 0.005 mM, respectively. And at a higher concentration of 0.1 mM, a significant removal of 94.2% was also observed after 10 days of incubation. In this study, four metabolites were isolated and determined by HR-ESI-MS and NMR. Furthermore, LC/MS analysis suggested the presence of intermediate hydroxy loxoprofen. In addition, loxoprofen-OH was also identified as a metabolite of loxoprofen through comparison with the synthesized compounds. In this metabolism of loxoprofen, cytochrome P450 may play a significant role. Interestingly, P. sordida YK-624 showed enantioselectivity in the degradation process of loxoprofen. By these results, three degradation pathways of loxoprofen by P. sordida YK-624 were hypothesized. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the potential degradation mechanisms of loxoprofen by a white-rot fungus. [Display omitted] • P. sordida YK-624 degrades loxoprofen. • Four loxoprofen metabolites were isolated and determined. • A new metabolic pathway of loxoprofen degradation was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi belonging to the Ascomycete genus Cordyceps are endoparasitoids and parasites, mainly of insects and other arthropods. Cordyceps militaris has been used as a therapeutic drug for cancer patients. However, the infection, parasitism, and fruiting body formation mechanisms of this fungus are still unknown. Based on our hypothesis that lectin(s) is involved in the interaction between the C. militaris fungi and insects, we partially purified and characterized a new lectin from C. militaris , designated CmLec4. In addition, we searched for substance(s) in the infected silkworm extracts that could bind to CmLec4, and succeeded in purifying the sex-specific storage protein 2 as a specific binding target. To examine function of the binding protein during the process of parasitism, we investigated the effect of recombinant CmLec4 on silkworms by inoculating the protein into silkworm pupae, and found that it significantly delayed emergence compared to the control. Furthermore, cmlec4 gene knockout strains constructed in this study produced markedly lower amounts of fruiting body than the wild-type strain. All the results revealed that the lectin CmLec4 produced by C. militaris would be involved in the infection into silkworm and fruiting body formation from the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetamiprid (ACE) belongs to the neonicotinoid class of systemic broad-spectrum insecticides, which are the most highly effective and largest-selling insecticides worldwide for crop protection. As neonicotinoid insecticides persist in crops, biotransformation of these insecticides represents a promising approach for improving the safety of foods. Here, the elimination of ACE from a liquid medium by the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 was examined. Under ligninolytic and non-ligninolytic conditions, 45% and 30% of ACE were eliminated, respectively, after 15 days of incubation. High-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of a metabolite identified in the culture supernatant suggested that ACE was N-demethylated to ( E)- N-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-methyl]- N-cyano-acetamidine, which has a much lower toxicity than ACE. In addition, we investigated the effect of the cytochrome P450 inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PB) on the elimination of ACE. The elimination rate of ACE by P. sordida YK-624 was markedly reduced by the addition of either 0.01 or 0.1 mM PB to the culture medium. These results suggest that cytochrome P450 plays an important role in the N-demethylation of ACE by P. sordida YK-624. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-inflammatory effects of short-chain inulin-like fructans (SCF) on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis were investigated in rats, focusing specifically on endotoxin and bacterial translocations. SCF with degrees of polymerization (DP) of 4 and 8 were used. Rats were fed either control diet or diets including 60 g DP4 or DP8 per kilogram for 7 days, and then received intracolonic TNBS and were fed the respective diets for a further 10 days. DP4 and DP8 significantly reduced colonic injuries as assessed by damage score, but the reduction of colonic myeloperoxidase activity was manifest solely with DP8. At 3 days after colitis induction, bacterial translocation to the mesenteric lymph node was significantly lower in the DP4 and DP8 groups, but significant reduction in the portal endotoxin concentration was achieved solely in the DP8 group. Immediately prior to colitis induction, cecal immunoglobulin A and mucin concentrations were higher in the DP4 and DP8 groups, but these changes were abolished at 10 days post colitis induction. The data suggest that SCF exert prophylactic effects against TNBS colitis, presumably as a result of inhibitory effects on endotoxin and bacterial translocations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the structures and functions of antioxidant polyphenols isolated from Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC) fruit. Properties of acerola polyphenols associated with diabetes mellitus; Inhibitory effects of the compound on α-glucosidase and advanced glycation end product formation; Antioxidant activities of the compound.

Lignocellulosic biomass is an organic matrix composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. In nature, lignin degradation by basidiomycetes is the key step in lignocellulose decay. The white-rot fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 (YK-624) has been extensively studied due to its high lignin degradation ability. It was demonstrated that YK-624 can secrete lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase for lignin degradation. However, the underlying mechanism for lignin degradation by YK-624 remains unknown. Here, we analyzed YK-624 gene expression following growth under ligninolytic and nonligninolytic conditions and compared the differentially expressed genes in YK-624 to those in the model white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium by next-generation sequencing. More ligninolytic enzymes and lignin-degrading auxiliary enzymes were upregulated in YK-624. This might explain the high degradation efficiency of YK-624. In addition, the genes involved in energy metabolism pathways such as the TCA cycle, lipid metabolism, carbon metabolism and glycolysis were upregulated under ligninolytic conditions in YK-624. The first differential gene expression analysis of YK-624 under ligninolytic and nonligninolytic conditions was reported in this study. The results obtained in this study indicated that YK-624 produces more enzymes involved in lignin degradation and energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We generated an expression construct consisting of the xylose reductase (XR) gene ( xr ) from Phanerochaete chrysosporium . Transformant X7 exhibited increased xylitol production and markedly higher XR activities than the wild-type strain. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the increased XR activity was associated with constant expression of the recombinant xr gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bulky phenolic compound tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a brominated flame retardant used in a wide range of products; however, it diffuses into the environment, and has been reported to have toxic effects. Although it is well-known that white-rot fungi degrade TBBPA through ligninolytic enzymes, no other metabolic enzymes have yet been identified, and the toxicity of the reaction products and their risks have not yet been examined. We found that the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 converted TBBPA to TBBPA- O -β-D-glucopyranoside when grown under non-ligninolytic-enzyme-producing conditions. The metabolite showed less cytotoxicity and mitochondrial toxicity than TBBPA in neuroblastoma cells. From molecular biological and genetic engineering experiments, two P. sordida glycosyltransferases (PsGT1c and PsGT1e) that catalyze the glycosylation of TBBPA were newly identified; these enzymes showed dramatically different glycosylation activities for TBBPA and bisphenol A. The results of computational analyses indicated that the difference in substrate specificity is likely due to differences in the structure of the substrate-binding pocket. It appears that P. sordida YK-624 takes up TBBPA, and reduces its cytotoxicity via these glycosyltransferases. [Display omitted] • P. sordida glycosylated TBBPA in reactions other than ligninolytic enzymes. • Glycosylation of TBBPA reduced cytotoxicity and mitochondrial toxicity. • Two novel TBBPA-glycosylating enzymes (PsGT1s) were identified. • The PsGT1s differed in substrate specificity due to the binding-site structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report a more efficient heterologous expression of lectin from Pleurocybella porrigens (PPL) using an Escherichia coli -based expression system. The yield (9.3 mg/L culture broth) of recombinant PPL (rPPL) using this expression system was increased approximately 9-fold compared to our previous study. The rPPL obtained in this study exhibited the same biochemical properties as the native PPL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel compound, (R)-4-ethoxy-2-hydroxy-4-oxobutanoic acid (1), and six known compounds (2–7) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of the wild edible mushroom Leucopaxillus giganteus. The planar structure of 1 was determined by the interpretation of spectroscopic data analysis. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by comparing specific rotation of the synthetic compounds. In the plant regulatory assay, the isolated compounds (1–7) and the chemically prepared compounds (8–10) were evaluated their biological activity against the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) growth. Compounds 1 and 3–10 showed the significant regulatory activity of lettuce growth. 1 showed the strongest inhibition activity among the all the compounds tested. In the lung cancer assay, all the compounds were assessed the mRNA expression of Axl and immune checkpoints (PD-L1, PD-L2) in the human A549 alveolar epithelial cell line by RT-PCR. Compounds 1–10 showed significant inhibition activity against Axl and/or immune checkpoint. Bioactive compounds were isolated from the mushroom Leucopaxillus giganteus and evaluated their activities in the plant–regulating and Axl-immune checkpoint assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop a simple method for crossing two transformants, we first attempted to elucidate the fusion type (self-compatibility or -incompatible) of Phanerochaete sordida YK-624. Two transformants expressing green or red fluorescent protein derived from an auxotrophic mutant were constructed. Each recombinant protein fluoresced by expression as a fused protein with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. On co-culture of both transformants, a number of sequential hyphal cells emitting dual fluorescence were formed at the contact areas of both hyphae. Some of the single cells isolated as protoplasts and chlamydospore from the co-cultures also expressed these fluorescent proteins. These results suggest that P. sordida YK-624 possesses a self-compatible fusion system. In addition, transformant strains with different fluorescence derived from this fungus can readily undergo self-fusion and nuclear interchange events by confrontational and mixed cultivation, and we developed a simple method that allows fused cells to be isolated as chlamydospores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporters are found in all organisms. Although numerous studies have examined the functions of yeast and mold MFS transporters in terms of sugar affinity and metabolic regulation, no functional analyses of MFS sugar transporters in white rot fungi have been reported. This study identified an MFS sugar transporter gene (Pshxt1) of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 expressed in liquid culture containing low concentrations of nitrogen source. Homologous expression of Pshxt1 dramatically increased the rates of glucose, fructose, mannose, and xylose consumption. Galactose consumption increased slightly but significantly. These data suggest that Pshxt1 has broad affinity for monosaccharides. In contrast, a transformant homologously expressing Pshxt1 consumed glucose in preference to xylose in wood enzymatic-digestion liquor and liquid culture. Additionally, homologous expression of Pshxt1 improved mycelial growth, aerobic ethanol production, and simultaneous aerobic saccharification and fermentation efficiency, whereas secretion of the ligninolytic enzyme manganese peroxidase was clearly decreased in the presence of glucose by Pshxt1 expression. These results suggest that Pshxt1 is involved in the repression of ligninolytic enzyme activity via carbon catabolite repression at sufficiently high glucose concentrations for activation of primary metabolism. • Pshxt1 , a MFS sugar transporter gene of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 was identified. • Homologous expression of Pshxt1 dramatically increased the rates of glucose, fructose, mannose, and xylose consumption. • Homologous expression of Pshxt1 improved mycelial growth, aerobic ethanol production, and aerobic SSF efficiency. • Secretion of the ligninolytic enzyme manganese peroxidase was decreased significantly with Pshxt1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to corticosterone attenuates hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) via intracellular Zn2+ dysregulation. Here we report that effusol, a phenanthrene isolated from Chinese medicine Juncus effusus, rescues CA1 LTP attenuated by corticosterone. In vivo microdialysis experiment indicated that both increases in extracellular glutamate induced under perfusion with corticosterone and high K+ are suppressed in the hippocampus by co-perfusion with effusol. Because corticosterone and high K+ also increase extracellular Zn2+ level, followed by intracellular Zn2+ dysregulation, the effect of effusol on both the increases was examined in brain slice experiments. Effusol did not suppress increase in extracellular Zn2+ in the hippocampal CA1 of brain slices bathed in corticosterone, but suppressed increase in intracellular Zn2+, which may be linked with suppressing the increase in extracellular glutamate in vivo. In vivo CA1 LTP was attenuated under perfusion with corticosterone prior to LTP induction, while the attenuation was rescued by co-perfusion with effusol, suggesting that the rescuing effect of effusol is due to suppressing the increase in intracellular Zn2+ in CA1 pyramidal cells. The present study indicates that CA1 LTP attenuated by corticosterone is canceled by effusol, which rescues intracellular Zn2+ dysregulation via suppressing extracellular glutamate accumulation. It is likely that effusol defends the hippocampal function against stress-induced cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phanerochaerte chrysosporium could degrade ACET. • A fungal cytochrome P450 which involved in this degradation was identified. • Two ACET metabolites were determined and metabolic pathway was proposed. We previously reported that cytochrome P450 s play critical roles in neonicotinoid insecticide biodegradation by white-rot fungi. Here, we investigated the biodegradation of acetamiprid (ACET) by Phanerochaete chrysosporium to identify the cytochrome P450 involved in this degradation process. During a 20-day incubation period, P. chrysosporium degraded 21% and 51% of ACET in ligninolytic and nonligninolytic media, respectively. The degradation rate of ACET was markedly decreased by the addition of cytochrome P450 inhibitors. Recombinant cytochrome P450s in P. chrysosporium (PcCYP) were heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain AH22, and the PcCYP involved in ACET degradation was identified. The results showed that CYP5147A3 can degrade ACET, and two ACET metabolites, N' -cyano- N -methyl acetamidine and 6-chloro-3-pyridinemethanol, were identified. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first characterization of the fungal cytochrome P450 that is responsible for the degradation and detoxification of ACET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An α- l -fucosidase (Pap-Alf) was purified from the pancreas of a starfish Patiria pectinifera by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by several column chromatographies. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 52.6 kDa by SDS-PAGE, although gel filtration analysis of the native enzyme suggests it exists as a homodimer in solution. The purified enzyme showed maximal activity at pH 5.0 and 70 °C. The enzyme was highly specific toward a fucosyl-monosaccharide (Fuc-α- p NP), but it also showed activity toward 2-sulfo-Fuc-α- p NP and fucosyl-α-lactosides (Fuc-α-Galβ1→4Glc-β- p NP). We determined the primary structure of the α- l -fucosidase and validated its expression level in starfish tissue. Whole genome sequence analysis of P. pectinifera was also performed in the present study. Detailed primary structural analysis using bioinformatics tools revealed Pap-Alf lacks the C-terminal region that is otherwise conserved in all previously described α- l -fucosidases. Quantitative gene expression analysis of Pap-Alf in each tissue indicated that the expression of Pap-Alf gene in pancreas was 5-fold higher than in ovary. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • We succeeded in the purification of the novel α- l -fucosidase (named Pap-Alf) from the pancreas of Patiria pectinifera. • The primary structure of Pap-Alf was identified by LC-MS/MS based on genomic information of starfish obtained. • Pap-Alf possessed unique structural features, which lacks the C-terminal region conserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six compounds, 5-(1-hydroxyethyl)dihydrofuran-2(3 H )-one (1), 4-ethoxy-4-oxobutanoic acid (2), 4-ketononanoic acid (3), methyl(2-acetylaminoethyl)sulfoxide (4), methyl benzoate (5) and p -hydroxybenzoic acid (6) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Cortinarius caperatus . Compounds 1, 3, 5, and 6 inhibited growth of Flammulina velutipes mycelia. Compounds 2, 3, 5, and 6 exhibited growth regulatory activities toward rice seedlings, while compounds 3, 5, and 6 regulated the growth of lettuce. Compound 4 was first isolated from a natural source. In addition, the activity of compound 6 against rice was compared with those of its analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grifola gargal Singer, a medicinal mushroom, has been found to be effective for the prevention and treatment of various chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the effects of G. gargal on allergic diseases are unknown. The present study investigated the effect of G. gargal extract on allergic bronchial asthma. Asthma was induced in mice by ovalbumin sensitization and inhalation. The grade of asthma was compared between mice fed with chow containing G. gargal extract and mice given standard chow. The human mast cell and eosinophilic cell lines were used for in vitro studies. G. gargal extract significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, lung eosinophilic infiltration, lung interleukin (IL)-13 expression, and plasma IgE level and significantly increased IL-10 plasma levels compared to untreated control mice. Spleen regulatory T cells were significantly increased in mice treated with the G. gargal extract compared with untreated control mice. G. gargal extract significantly suppressed expression of cytokines in mast cells and eosinophils compared with control cells. Overall, these observations show that G. gargal extract augments the lung population of regulatory T cells and ameliorates allergic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in mice with allergic bronchial asthma, suggesting the potential therapeutic benefit of G. gargal extract in allergic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two compounds were isolated from the edible mushroom Leccinum extremiorientale . In the bioassay examining plant growth regulatory activity using lettuce, compound 1 promoted the root growth as low as 100 nmol/paper dose-dependently and inhibited the hypocotyl growth at 1000 nmol/paper. Compound 2 inhibited the root and hypocotyl growth at 1000 nmol/paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four compounds (1–4) were isolated from the culture broth of fairy ring-forming fungus Lepista sordida . In the bioassay examining plant growth regulatory activity using bentgrass, compounds 1, 2 and 4 inhibited the root growth at 100 and 1000 nmol/paper. Among them, compound 1 showed the strongest inhibitory activity against the root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel indole derivative (1) and three known compounds (2–4) were isolated from the fruiting bodies ofTricholoma flavovirens. Their structures were determined or identified by the interpretation of spectroscopic data. Compounds1and2promoted root growth of lettuce and inhibited hypocotyl growth at 1 μmol/paper. Compound3inhibited hypocotyl and root growth at 100 nmol/paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Clothianidin (CLO) is a member of the neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been widely used worldwide over the last two decades. However, its toxicity for bees and neurological toxicity for humans are urgent problems. Here, the degradation of CLO by the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete sordida was examined in nitrogen-limited liquid medium. After incubation for 20 days at 30 °C, 37% of CLO was degraded in the cultures. High-resolution ESI–MS and NMR analyses of the culture supernatant identified N -(2-chlorothiazol-5-yl-methyl)- N ′-methylurea (TZMU) as a metabolite of CLO degradation. The addition of cytochrome P450 inhibitors to the culture medium markedly reduced the degradation of CLO by P. sordida . And manganese peroxidase, a major ligninolytic enzyme secreted by this fungus, were not carried out CLO degradation. The effects of CLO and TZMU on the viability of the neuronal cell line Neuro2a demonstrated that P. sordida effectively degrades CLO into a metabolite that lacks neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lactic acid (LA)-producing strain of the hyper-lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 with the lactate dehydrogenase-encoding gene from Bifidobacterium longum ( Blldh ) was constructed. When the endogenous pyruvate decarboxylase gene-knocked down and Blldh -expressing transformant was cultured with beech wood meal, the transformant was able to successively delignify and ferment the substrate. Supplementation of calcium carbonate into the culture medium, significantly increased the level of LA accumulation. Direct LA production (at 0.29 g/l) from wood was confirmed, and additional inclusion of exogenous cellulase in this fermentation yielded significant further improvement in LA accumulation (up to 1.44 g/l). This study provides the first report of direct production of LA by fermentation from woody biomass by a single microorganism, and indicates that transgenic white-rot fungi have a potential use for development of simple/easy applications for wood biorefinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Japan in 2004, 59 people who had consumed angel-wing mushroom, Pleurocybella porrigens , experienced acute encephalopathy, and of these 17 died. We purified a lethal protein to mice, pleurocybelline (PC), from P. porrigens. Although PC caused no damage to the brain, PC formed a complex with a lectin (PPL) and showed exo-protease activity, degrading substrates from both N - and C -termini. In addition, the presence of an unstable toxic compound, pleurocybellaziridine (PA), in the mushroom was demonstrated. We hypothesized that the complex and PA are involved in disease development and verified that apoptotic cells in the hippocampus were significantly increased by injection of the mixture of PC, PPL, and PA, indicating that these substances might be involved in acute encephalopathy. [Display omitted] • ・In Japan, 17 people who ate Pleurocybella porrigens died due to acute encephalopathy. • ・A lethal protein, pleurocybelline (PC) was purified from the mushroom. • ・The complex of PC and the lectin (PPL) from the fungus showed exo-protease activity. • ・A low molecular toxin, pleurocybellaziridine (PA), from the fungus has been reported. • ・Abnormity in the brains in mice was observed only by the mixture of PC, PPL and PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five compounds, (1 R ,2 S )-1-phenylpropane-1,2-diol, isolactarorufin, lactarorufin A, 8α,13-dihydroxy-marasm-5-oic acid γ-lactone, and 7α,8α,13-trihydroxy-marasm-5-oic acid γ-lactone were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Russula vinosa . In the bioassay examining plant-growth regulatory activity using lettuce, all the compounds regulated the growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fairy rings are zones of stimulated grass growth owing to the interaction between a fungus and a plant. We previously reported the discovery of two novel plant-growth regulating compounds related to forming fairy rings, 2-azahypoxanthine (AHX) and 2-aza-8-oxohypoxanthine (AOH). In this study, a bacterial strain CH-1 was isolated from an airborne-contaminated nutrient medium containing AHX. The strain converted AHX to AOH and identified asBurkholderia contaminansbased on the gene sequence of its 16S rDNA. The quantitative production of AOH by resting cells of the strain was achieved. Among sevenBurkholderiaspecies, two bacteria and two yeasts tested,B. contaminansCH-1 showed the highest rate of conversion of AHX to AOH. By batch system, up to 10.6 mmol AHX was converted to AOH using the resting cells. The yield of this process reached at 91%. Bioconversion of 2-azahypoxnatine to 2-aza-8-oxohypoxnatine by resting cells ofB. contaminansCH-1. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To improve ethanol production by Phanerochaete sordida YK-624, the pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) gene was cloned from and reintroduced into this hyper lignin-degrading fungus; the gene encodes a key enzyme in alcoholic fermentation. We screened 16 transformant P. sordida YK-624 strains that each expressed a second, recombinant PDC gene ( pdc ) and then identified the transformant strain (designated GP7) with the highest ethanol production. Direct ethanol production from hardwood was 1.41 higher with GP7 than with wild-type P. sordida YK-624. RT-PCR analysis indicated that the increased PDC activity was caused by elevated recombinant pdc expression. Taken together, these results suggested that ethanol production by P. sordida YK-624 can be improved by the stable expression of an additional, recombinant pdc . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]