Brefeldin A from the Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Fusarium sp. Targets on RIPK3 to Inhibit TNFα-Induced Necroptosis

From the deep-sea-derived Fusarium sp. ZEN-48, four known compounds were obtained. Their structures were established by extensive analyses of the NMR, HRESIMS, and the X-ray crystal-lographic data as brefeldin A (BFA, 1), brevianamide F (2), N-acetyltryptamine (3), and (+)-diaporthin (4). Although BFA was extensively investigated for its potent bioactivities, its role on TNFα-induced necroptosis was incompletely understood. In this study, BFA showed significant inhibition on TNFα-induced necroptosis by disrupting the necrosome formation and suppressing the phosphorylation of RIPK3 and MLKL (IC50 = 0.5 μM). While, it had no effect on TNFα-induced NF-κB/MAPKs activation and apoptosis. The finding raised significant implications of BFA for necroptosis-related inflammatory disease therapy and new drug development from marine fungi.

Antifungal compound from marine Serratia marcescens BKACT and its potential activity against Fusarium sp

Ecofriendly biocontrol agents to control pathogenic fungi are in demand globally. The present study evaluated the antifungal potentials of marine bacteria Serratia marcescens BKACT against eight different Fusarium species. A highest 75.5 ± 0.80% of mycelial inhibition was observed against Fusarium foetens NCIM 1330. Structural characterization of the purified compound was analyzed by GC-MS and NMR techniques; based on the analysis, it is confirmed as 2, 4-di-tert butyl phenol (2, 4-DTBP) with chemical structure C₁₄H₂₂O. At 0.53 mM concentration, purified compound inhibited complete spore germination of F. foetens NCIM 1330. In vitro assay showed complete inhibition of F. foetens NCIM 1330 on the wheat seeds. Tested concentration does not show any toxic effect on germination of the seeds. By this study, we conclude that, 2, 4-DTBP is a suitable candidate to be used as biocontrol agent against Fusarium infection.

Clinical profile and treatment outcomes of Fusarium keratitis

Purpose:

To determine the seasonality, clinical profile, and treatment outcome of Fusarium keratitis.

Methods:

A retrospective medical chart review of 97 patients with culture-proven Fusarium keratitis at a tertiary eye care institution from January 2018 to December 2019.

Results:

The median (SD) age at enrollment was 44.6 (16) years; 75 (79.8%) of them were male. Presence of infiltrate less than 4 mm² at baseline indicated 4.4 times the odds of achieving final BCVA more than 20/60 (95% CI: 1.4–13.3; P = 0.008). The absence of surgical management indicated 8.1 times the odds of achieving final BCVA of more than 20/60 (95% CI: 0.9–71.5; P = 0.06). The visual acuity at presentation, duration between symptoms and presentation, history of ocular trauma, previous use of topical medications, and presence of hypopyon were not identified as significant predictors of final BCVA in the multivariable regression analysis.

Conclusion:

Smaller infiltrate size and absence of surgical management are the significant predictors of good visual outcome. Visual outcome of Fusarium keratitis is poor, and a significant number of patients did not respond to anti-fungal therapy and had to undergo surgeries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest case series on Fusarium keratitis to date.

Decolourisation of triphenylmethane dyes by biogenically synthesised iron nanoparticles from fungal extract

In this study, the extract from endophytic Fusarium proliferatum was used to synthesise iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs). The properties of the biogenically synthesised Fe-NPs were then characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The efficacy of the synthesised Fe-NPs in decolourizing triphenylmethane dyes was evaluated. Results revealed that fungal extract from F. proliferatum was successfully used to synthesise Fe-NPs. The Fe-NPs produced were 20-50 nm in size, and consist of substantial elemental Fe content (14.83%). The FTIR spectra revealed the presence of amino acids and proteins on the surface of the Fe-NPs, confirming the biogenic synthesis of the Fe-NPs. When tested for decolourisation, the Fe-NPs were most effective in decolourising Methyl Violet (28.9%), followed by Crystal Violet (23.8%) and Malachite Green (18.3%). This study is the first few to report the biogenic synthesis of Fe-NPs using extracts from an endophytic Fusarium species and their corresponding dye decolourisation activities.

A target fishing study to spot possible biological targets of fusaric acid: Inhibition of protein kinase-A and insights on the underpinning mechanisms

Fusaric acid is a secondary metabolite produced by various Fusarium fungi, present with relatively high incidence in Fusarium-contaminated foods. It was already described as phytotoxic and cytotoxic. However, the understanding of its molecular mechanisms is still fragmentary and further data are needed to ensure an informed assessment of the risk related to its presence in food. This work applied an integrated in silico/in vitro approach to reveal novel potential biological activities of fusaric acid and to investigate the underpinning mechanisms. An in silico reverse screening was used to identify novel biological targets for fusaric acid. Computational results indicated as target protein kinase-A, which was confirmed with biochemical cell-free assays providing evidence of its actual inhibitory potential. Cell-based experiments on intestinal cells (HCEC-1CT cells) identified the mitochondrial network and cell membranes as potentially affected organelles, possibly resulting from PKA inhibition. The integration of 3D molecular modeling supported the plausibility of fusaric acid-dependent inhibition. From the hazard identification perspective, considering the Low Observed Adverse Effect Level described here (0.1 mM) and the possible level of contamination in food, fusaric acid might raise concern from a food safety standpoint and the gastrointestinal tract was described as a meaningful system to investigate with priority.

Fusapyrone A, a γ-pyrone derived from a desert Fusarium sp

In this work, we isolated and characterized fusapyrone A (1), a new γ-pyrone derivative, along with six previously described compounds from the rice fermentation of Fusarium sp. CPCC 401218, a fungus collected from the desert. The structure of 1 was characterized using various spectroscopic analyses, such as MS, IR, 1D, and 2D NMR. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined through the use of ¹³C NMR chemical shifts, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and optical rotation (OR) calculations. Compound 1 was found to have weak antiproliferative activity for Hela cells, with an IC₅₀ of 50.6 μM.[Formula: see text].

Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Changes Triggered by Fusarium solani in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a major legume and is frequently attacked by fungal pathogens, including Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli (FSP), which cause Fusarium root rot. FSP substantially reduces common bean yields across the world, including China, but little is known about how common bean plants defend themselves against this fungal pathogen. In the current study, we combined next-generation RNA sequencing and metabolomics techniques to investigate the changes in gene expression and metabolomic processes in common bean infected with FSP. There were 29,722 differentially regulated genes and 300 differentially regulated metabolites between control and infected plants. The combined omics approach revealed that FSP is perceived by PAMP-triggered immunity and effector-triggered immunity. Infected seedlings showed that common bean responded by cell wall modification, ROS generation, and a synergistic hormone-driven defense response. Further analysis showed that FSP induced energy metabolism, nitrogen mobilization, accumulation of sugars, and arginine and proline metabolism. Importantly, metabolic pathways were most significantly enriched, which resulted in increased levels of metabolites that were involved in the plant defense response. A correspondence between the transcript pattern and metabolite profile was observed in the discussed pathways. The combined omics approach enhances our understanding of the less explored pathosystem and will provide clues for the development of common bean cultivars' resistant to FSP.

Prevalence of Soil-borne Diseases in Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Reveals a Complex of Pathogenic and Opportunistic Fungi

Greenhouse cultivation of ornamentals is subjected to a high incidence of soil-borne fungal pathogens. In Kalanchoe, these pathogens are responsible for root and stem rot, and for infection of the vascular tissue. Well-known soil-borne pathogens are believed to cause these diseases. Yet, a systematized survey of these pathogens is lacking for Kalanchoe produced commercially. Here, we studied the occurrence of soil-borne fungal pathogens associated with cultivation of Kalanchoe in Denmark and production of cuttings and stock plants in greenhouse facilities located in Turkey and Vietnam. Molecular identification of pathogens complemented mycological identification and pathogenicity testing of the soil-borne fungal pathogens. This study revealed that the fungi Corynespora cassiicola, Thielaviopsis basicola, Fusarium solani, and F. oxysporum are the most prevalent pathogens associated with root and stem rotting and wilt of Kalanchoe under the conditions studied. Furthermore, the study showed that some of the pathogens are part of an infection complex comprising both primary and opportunistic fungal species. The fact that some of the pathogens were present in some regions, while absent in others, suggests how they move between greenhouse facilities on infected plant material. This study generated important information about the soil-borne fungal complex affecting Kalanchoe, which is useful for a better understanding of the biology of the disease and for designing control strategies.

Effect of in vitro glyphosate on Fusarium spp. growth and disease severity in maize

BACKGROUND

Glyphosate (GP) is one of the main pesticides used for maize production. Fusarium sp. is a fungal genus with several phytopathogenic species and toxigenic features. In this study, the culturable soil mycota was evaluated using the surface-spray method. The effect of GP on the growth parameters (growth rate and lag phase) of Fusarium spp. was also tested on solid media conditioned with different water activities. Finally, the GP effect on disease severity caused by Fusarium sp. in maize seedlings was studied.

RESULTS

The results showed that Fusarium species are frequently isolated from GP-exposed soils. The GP concentrations tested had a significant effect on F. graminearum, F. verticillioides and F. oxysporum growth parameters on solid media. The pathogenicity tests showed that the disease severity of the maize seedlings significantly increased with increasing GP concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that Fusarium species are frequently isolated from pesticide-exposed soils and the GP concentrations tested had a significant effect both on growth parameters and disease severity in maize. This study provides an approach to the effect of GP on Fusarium sp. growth and pathogenicity that reinforces the importance of evaluating all the factors that could affect feed and food production. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Structure elucidation of new fusarielins from Fusarium sp. and their antimicrobial activity

Three new fusarielins, 3-epi-fusarielin H (1), 3-O-methyl-fusarielin H (2), and 3-O-methyl-epi-fusarielin H (3), were isolated from the fungus Fusarium sp. together with the known analogues, fusarielins F (4) and G (5). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by analysis of their ESI-HRTOFMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The new compounds exhibited weak antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus.

Apicidin Inhibited Proliferation and Invasion and Induced Apoptosis via Mitochondrial Pathway in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer GLC-82 Cells

BACKGROUND

Apicidin, as an inhibitor of histone deacetylase, showed a wide range of antiproliferative activity against various cancer cell lines. Apicidin has also been reported to induce apotosis via Fas/Fas ligand. Yet few studies have been focused on mitochondrial pathway for its anti-tumor activity.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we evaluated its involved mitochondrial mechanism against non-small cell lung cancer GLC-82 cells.

METHOD

Apicidin was isolated from the mangrove endophtic fungi Fusarium sp. by solvent extraction and column chromatography. Its structure was elucidated by MS and NMR spectroscopic data, and comparison of those data with published data. Furthermore, anti-tumor activity and mitochondrial pathway of apicidin against GLC-82 cells were studied.

RESULTS

Apicidin was obtained from secondary metabolites of Fusarium sp., and it showed potent inhibitory activity against GLC-82 cells with the IC50 value of 6.94 ± 0.27 µM. Furthermore, apicidin suppressed proliferation and invasion, and induced apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway in GLC-82 cells, including loss of ΔΨm, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, activation of caspase-9 and -3, and cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase.

CONCLUSION

Apicidin, an inhibitor of histone deacetylase obtained from the mangrove endophytic fungi Fusarium sp., not only inhibited proliferation and invasion of GLC-82 cells, but also induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway.

Rapid biodegradation of aflatoxin B1 by metabolites of Fusarium sp. WCQ3361 with broad working temperature range and excellent thermostability

BACKGROUND

Contamination of food and feed by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) poses serious economic and health problems worldwide, so the development of biological methods for effective AFB1 degradation is strongly required.

RESULTS

Among three AFB1-degrading microorganisms isolated from moldy peanut, Fusarium sp. WCQ3361 could remove AFB1 extremely effectively, with a degradation ratio of 70.20% after 1 min and 95.38% after 24 h. Its degradation ratio was not much affected by temperature change (0-90 °C) and it also displayed excellent thermostability, maintaining 99.40% residual activity after boiling for 10 min. Since protease K could reduce the AFB1 degradation ratio by 55.15%, it is proposed that the effective component for AFB1 degradation is a protein. The AFB1 degradation ability of Fusarium sp. WCQ3361 was further verified by feed stock detoxification and the MTT test with HepG2 cells. In addition, no degradation products were detected by preliminary liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, suggesting that AFB1 might be metabolized to products with different chemical characteristics from AFB1.

CONCLUSION

Fusarium sp. WCQ3361 is the first reported AFB1 degradation fungus belonging to the genus Fusarium with broad working temperature range, excellent thermostability and high activity, which provides a potential highly useful solution for dealing with AFB1 contamination in the human diet and animal feed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

A new helvolic acid derivative from an endophytic Fusarium sp. of Ficus carica

A new helvolic acid derivative named helvolic acid methyl ester (1), together with two known helvolic acid compounds, helvolic acid (2) and hydrohelvolic acid (3), were isolated from the fermentation of endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. in Ficus carica leaves. Their structures were elucidated and identified by spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1-3 showed potent antifungal and antibacterial activities.

A new α-pyrone metabolite from a mangrove plant endophytic fungus, Fusarium sp

A new α-pyrone derivative, compound 2, and a known one, cladobotrin V, were isolated from the culture broth of the mangrove endophyte Fusarium sp. IM-37. Their structures were determined spectroscopically and compared with previously reported spectral data. Compound 2 restored the growth inhibition caused by hyperactivated Ca(2+)-signaling in mutant yeast.

New chlamydosporol derivatives from the endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. #001

Two new chlamydosporol derivatives, fusarilactone A (1) and fusarilactone B (2), together with nine known compounds (3-11), have been isolated from the crude extract of endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. #001. The structures of new compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods. Compound 1 showed mild cytotoxicities against three tumor cell lines (SMMC-7721, A-549, and MCF-7).