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Identification of a Biosynthetic Gene Cluster for the Production of the Blue-Green Pigment Xylindein by the Fungus Chlorociboria aeruginascens

Summary

Scientists discovered the genetic instructions that allow certain fungi to produce xylindein, a beautiful blue-green pigment found in stained wood. By analyzing fungal genomes and studying gene activity, they identified nine genes working together to create this valuable compound, which has uses in textiles and electronics. While attempts to produce xylindein in laboratory yeasts were unsuccessful, their work successfully produced a related pigment and opens new pathways for understanding xylindein production.

Background

Xylindein is a blue-green pigment produced by Chlorociboria aeruginascens and Chlorociboria aeruginosa fungi, valued for its stunning color and optoelectronic properties in textiles and semiconductor applications. However, producing xylindein from culture broths is challenging due to slow fungal growth and poor solvent solubility. Heterologous expression of biosynthetic genes offers an alternative production strategy.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for xylindein production through genome mining and phylogenetic analysis, and to elucidate the biosynthetic pathway using heterologous expression in Aspergillus oryzae.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis identified XLNpks as the sole candidate nonreducing polyketide synthase for xylindein production, belonging to group IV nrPKSs. RNA sequencing revealed co-regulation of nine genes at the locus, including two fatty acid synthase genes (XLNfas1 and XLNfas2) likely providing a butanoyl-CoA starter unit. While heterologous expression of XLNpks, XLNfas1, and XLNfas2 in A. oryzae did not yield intermediates, successful expression of the related viriditoxin nrPKS (VdtA) confirmed A. oryzae’s capability to produce pyranone polyketides.

Conclusion

The study identified a unique biosynthetic gene cluster for xylindein production and proposed a biosynthetic route involving sequential reduction by XLNsdh, phenol coupling by XLNlac, and unique dimerization involving XLNcnh. The obtained A. oryzae transformants expressing VdtA provide tools for further characterizing xylindein tailoring enzymes and potentially developing heterologous production systems.
  • Published in:Journal of Natural Products,
  • Study Type:Genomic and Molecular Biology Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39847046, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00350
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