Research Keyword: drug discovery

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

Researchers discovered five potent anti-cancer compounds from Arctic fungi called Acremonium strains. Using advanced chemical analysis techniques, they identified and tested these cyclic depsipeptides against various cancer cell types. The most active compound showed promising results against breast cancer and melanoma cells with extremely low concentrations needed for effect. These findings suggest Arctic microorganisms could be valuable sources for developing new cancer treatments.

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New bioactive secondary metabolites from fungi: 2024

Scientists discovered 907 new compounds from fungi in 2024, with most being terpenoids and polyketides that show promise as medicines. These fungal compounds demonstrate strong activity against bacteria, fungi, and inflammation, with some showing potential against cancer and diabetes. The research uses advanced techniques like genome mining and metabolomics to find these compounds more efficiently. This accelerating discovery rate suggests fungi could be a major source for developing new drugs to treat various diseases.

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Breaking down biofilms across critical priority fungal pathogens: proteomics and computational innovation for mechanistic insights and new target discovery

This comprehensive review examines how scientists are fighting dangerous fungal infections that form protective biofilms resistant to current antifungal drugs. Researchers are using advanced protein analysis techniques (proteomics) and artificial intelligence-based computational tools to identify new targets for drug development against four critical fungal pathogens that cause life-threatening infections like meningitis and lung infections. By combining these technologies, scientists can better understand how these fungal biofilms form and develop more effective treatments.

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Biodiversity-Driven Natural Products and Bioactive Metabolites

This comprehensive review explores how diverse organisms like plants, fungi, and marine creatures produce remarkable chemical compounds for survival and defense. These natural products have inspired many modern medicines, but scientists now understand that the chemical diversity comes not just from the organisms themselves but from their ecological interactions and environmental challenges. By studying how these chemicals are made and what triggers their production, researchers can discover new drugs and medicines while protecting the ecosystems that generate them.

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Discovery of the antifungal compound ilicicolin K through genetic activation of the ilicicolin biosynthetic pathway in Trichoderma reesei

Scientists used genetic engineering to activate a dormant gene cluster in the fungus Trichoderma reesei, enabling it to produce the antifungal compound ilicicolin H in high quantities. During this process, they discovered a new related compound called ilicicolin K that shows even stronger antifungal properties. These compounds could potentially overcome limitations of current antifungal treatments, especially against drug-resistant fungi like Candida auris.

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Recent Discoveries on Marine Organism Immunomodulatory Activities

Scientists are discovering that creatures from the ocean produce powerful substances that can help our immune system fight diseases like cancer and inflammation. These marine organisms—from tiny algae to sponges to fish—create natural compounds that can either boost or calm down our immune response depending on what we need. Several of these ocean-derived medicines are already approved for treating serious diseases, and many more are being tested in clinical trials. The ocean covers 70% of our planet and most of it remains unexplored, suggesting there are many more beneficial compounds waiting to be discovered.

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Genome-Mining Based Discovery of Pyrrolomycin K and L from the Termite-Associated Micromonospora sp. RB23

Scientists discovered two new antimicrobial compounds called pyrrolomycins from bacteria living in termites using genome sequencing and chemical analysis. These compounds contain chlorine atoms and are related to known antibiotics. The research shows how the bacteria protects itself from its own antimicrobial compounds through chemical modifications, offering insights into developing new antibiotics.

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

Researchers studied fungi collected from Arctic driftwood to find new cancer-fighting compounds. Using advanced chemical analysis tools, they identified six different fungal strains and found that one strain, Acremonium synnematoferum, produced five unique compounds called depsipeptides. These compounds killed cancer cells in laboratory tests, showing promise as potential cancer treatments. This research highlights how extreme Arctic environments can harbor fungi with powerful medicinal properties.

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Screening of Basidiomycete Strains Capable of Synthesizing Antibacterial and Antifungal Metabolites

Researchers tested 18 types of medicinal mushrooms to see if they could produce natural antibiotics. Most of them (16 out of 18) showed antimicrobial properties, with some being particularly effective against dangerous bacteria and fungi. The most promising mushroom strain (Hericium corraloides 4) showed strong activity against multiple disease-causing organisms. This research suggests that mushrooms could be valuable sources for developing new antibiotics to fight drug-resistant infections.

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Advances in Fungal Natural Products: Insights into Bioactivity and Therapeutic Potential

Medicinal mushrooms and fungi contain powerful natural chemicals that can boost immunity, reduce inflammation, fight cancer, and protect the brain. Scientists are now better able to identify and study these compounds using advanced techniques, and some are being tested as supplements or alongside traditional medicines. This research shows that mushrooms could become important tools in treating diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

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