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Isolation, (bio)synthetic studies and evaluation of antimicrobial properties of drimenol-type sesquiterpenes of Termitomyces fungi

Summary

Termite colonies farm a fungus called Termitomyces for food in an ancient partnership. Scientists discovered that the mushrooms produced by this fungus release distinctive chemical signals, particularly a compound called drimenol. By isolating and synthesizing these compounds, researchers found they have antimicrobial properties and may play a role in communicating between termites and their fungal crop or protecting mushrooms from infection.

Background

Macrotermitinae termites farm Termitomyces fungi as a food source in a complex mutualistic symbiosis lasting millions of years. The biochemical mechanisms orchestrating this relationship, including the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), remain largely unknown. This study explores the VOC repertoire of Termitomyces from Macrotermes natalensis colonies to understand fungal signals and ecological patterns related to symbiotic stability.

Objective

To identify and characterize drimenol-type sesquiterpenes from Termitomyces mushrooms and investigate their biosynthetic pathways and antimicrobial properties. To deduce fungal signals through VOC analysis that may relate to the stability of the termite-fungus symbiosis.

Results

Mushrooms emitted distinct VOC patterns enriched in sesquiterpenes, particularly drimenol, which differed from mycelium and laboratory cultures. Five drimenol derivatives were isolated and characterized. Heterologous expression of putative drimenol synthase DS3 yielded two monocyclic sesquiterpenes named nectrianolins rather than the expected drimanes. Drimenol and derivative 2 showed moderate antimicrobial activity against select bacterial and fungal species.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that mushrooms produce characteristic VOC patterns distinct from other growth stages, with drimenol as a key component potentially involved in fungal communication and nest defense. Identified terpene synthases produce unexpected biosynthetic intermediates, suggesting complex regulation of sesquiterpene formation in Termitomyces. These findings provide evidence for the importance of terpenes in the termite-fungus symbiotic relationship.
  • Published in:Communications Chemistry,
  • Study Type:Natural Product Isolation and Characterization Study,
  • Source: PMID: 37095327, DOI: 10.1038/s42004-023-00871-z
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