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Combining Elicitor Up-Regulated Production of Unusual Linear Diterpene-Derived Variants for Assessment of Schizophyllum commune

Summary

This research explored new compounds produced by the edible mushroom Schizophyllum commune using special chemical triggers. The study discovered several previously unknown molecules that showed promising antifungal properties and protective effects against harmful free radicals, without being toxic to normal cells. This has important implications for everyday life: • The compounds could be used in cosmetics as natural preservatives and protective ingredients • They might lead to new environmentally-friendly agricultural fungicides to protect crops • The research helps ensure the safety of this mushroom as a food source • It demonstrates new ways to discover useful natural compounds from common fungi • The findings support the development of more natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives

Background

Schizophyllum commune is a valuable medicinal and edible mushroom known for its nutritional supplements and therapeutic potential, particularly its exopolysaccharide substances. While its macromolecules have been well-studied, the potential applications of small molecules remain largely unexplored. The fungus encodes at least 19 biosynthetic gene clusters, but only four classes of small molecules have been identified to date.

Objective

To better assess the practical value and avoid potential risks of S. commune by discovering products from cryptic and low-expressed gene clusters using a combination of elicitors under laboratory cultivation. The study aimed to explore undiscovered small molecules and comprehensively evaluate their potential applications and safety.

Results

The study led to the isolation of eleven new linear diterpene-derived variants (1-11) along with three known compounds (12-14). All compounds contained an unusual butenedioic acid moiety. Compound 1 was identified as a rare monocyclic diterpene, while compounds 2-6 possessed a tetrahydrofuran moiety. All compounds showed approximately 70% scavenging of hydroxyl radicals at 50 μM and no cytotoxicity at 10 μM. Compound 1 exhibited potent antifungal activity against Colletotrichum camelliae with MIC values of 8 μg/mL.

Conclusion

The combination of elicitors successfully upregulated the production of unusual linear diterpene-derived variants from S. commune. The compounds showed potential as cosmetic ingredient protectants and agricultural fungicide development leads, while demonstrating no concerning cytotoxicity.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/molecules29112608
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