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Marine-derived Acremonium strain prioritization using untargeted metabolomics approach for the identification of cytotoxic cyclic depsipeptides

Summary

Researchers studied six fungal strains from Arctic driftwood to find cancer-fighting compounds. Using advanced chemical analysis methods, they identified one strain that was particularly good at killing cancer cells in the lab. From this strain, they isolated five related compounds called depsipeptides that showed strong activity against multiple types of cancer cells. This discovery highlights how fungi from extreme environments like the Arctic could be valuable sources for developing new cancer treatments.

Background

Arctic fungi represent an underexplored reservoir of bioactive secondary metabolites adapted to extreme environmental conditions. Acremonium species are known producers of diverse bioactive compounds but remain chemically underexplored, particularly those from Arctic regions. This study investigates six marine-derived Acremonium strains from Arctic driftwood to identify cytotoxic metabolites.

Objective

To use an integrated workflow combining metabolomics, chemometrics, and bioactivity screening to prioritize Acremonium strains and identify bioactive secondary metabolites. The study aimed to distinguish between phylogenetically related species and isolate cytotoxic compounds from selected strains.

Results

Metabolomics analysis identified unique chemical fingerprints for A. ellipsoideum (F1) and A. synnematoferum (F5). Strain F5 was prioritized based on superior cytotoxic activity against multiple cancer cell lines. Five cyclic depsipeptides were isolated: destruxin-A4 chlorohydrin, trichomide D, destruxin-A5, homodestruxin, and homodestcardin, all exhibiting cytotoxic effects against tested cell lines.

Conclusion

The identification of five destruxin-type depsipeptides from A. synnematoferum represents the first report of these compounds from Acremonium species, expanding chemical diversity for the genus. The multi-informative strain prioritization approach proves effective for uncovering bioactive metabolites, highlighting Arctic fungi as valuable sources for drug development and demonstrating the importance of exploring microbial diversity in extreme environments.
  • Published in:BMC Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Natural Products Research / Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12896-025-01065-2; PMID: 41286812
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