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Genus Acrostalagmus: A Prolific Producer of Natural Products

Summary

This research reviews compounds produced by the fungus genus Acrostalagmus, particularly highlighting its potential for developing new medicines. The study shows these fungi, especially those from marine environments, can produce many unique and powerful compounds that could lead to new drugs. Here’s how this impacts everyday life: • Could lead to new antibiotics to fight resistant bacteria • May provide new treatments for various cancers • Could result in new agricultural products like natural pesticides and herbicides • Might yield new compounds for skin care and cosmetic products • Demonstrates the importance of ocean resources for medical discoveries

Background

Acrostalagmus is a genus of ascomycete fungi known for producing numerous bioactive natural products valuable in drug development. Most fungi in this genus are alkalitolerant or alkalophilic and are widely distributed across forest, sand ridge, marine and polar ecosystems. The genus can survive in different environments due to its ability to produce various enzymes and secondary metabolites with diverse bioactivities.

Objective

This review aims to comprehensively analyze and summarize the sources, distribution, chemical structure types, biosynthesis, and biological activities of compounds isolated from the genus Acrostalagmus in the family Plectosphaerellaceae from 1969 to 2022.

Results

The review found that 50% of compounds isolated from Acrostalagmus are new natural products, with 82% derived from marine sources. Alkaloids comprise 56% of all compounds, with 61% of alkaloids belonging to the epipolythiodioxopiperazine family. 72% of natural products show bioactivities, with 50% exhibiting activities comparable or superior to positive controls. 89% of potent active compounds come from marine fungi.

Conclusion

The genus Acrostalagmus, particularly marine-derived species, represents a valuable source of new bioactive secondary metabolites. The high proportion of novel compounds and significant biological activities, especially from marine sources, highlights the potential of this genus for drug discovery. The prevalence of epipolythiodioxopiperazine alkaloids appears to be a key characteristic of the genus.
  • Published in:Biomolecules,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/biom13081191
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