secondary metabolite biosynthesis

From hive to laboratory – biotechnological potential of microorganisms from honey

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Honey contains many beneficial microorganisms that can survive its harsh environment of high sugar and low pH. These microorganisms have the ability to produce useful compounds like lactic acid, citric acid, and other valuable substances used in food, medicine, and industry. Scientists believe these honey-derived microbes have significant potential for industrial applications but need more research to fully unlock their benefits.

Soy Sauce Fermentation with Cordyceps militaris: Process Optimization and Functional Profiling

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Researchers created a new type of soy sauce using Cordyceps militaris fungus, which contains health-promoting compounds. Using scientific optimization techniques, they found the best conditions for fermentation, resulting in a soy sauce with much higher levels of cordycepin and other beneficial compounds compared to traditional soy sauce. This product offers both the familiar taste of soy sauce and added health benefits, potentially serving as a functional food that people can use daily.

Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Provide Insight into Degeneration-Related Molecular Mechanisms of Morchella importuna During Repeated Subculturing

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Morel mushrooms are prized edible fungi that unfortunately degrade when repeatedly cultured in the laboratory, becoming slower-growing and less productive. Researchers used advanced genetic and chemical analysis to discover that degeneration occurs when the mushroom stops producing flavonoids, natural antioxidants that protect cells from damage. A specific gene called NR-PKS is responsible for making these protective flavonoids, and it shuts down in degraded strains. The study suggests that preservation methods using cold storage or adding antioxidants could help maintain healthy, productive morel cultures.

Enhancement of Mycelial Growth and Antifungal Activity by Combining Fermentation Optimization and Genetic Engineering in Streptomyces pratensis S10

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Scientists improved a soil bacterium called Streptomyces pratensis S10 that fights a serious wheat disease called Fusarium head blight. They used two strategies: first, they optimized the growth medium using statistical methods to produce more bacteria with stronger antifungal powers, and second, they used genetic engineering to remove a gene that was limiting its disease-fighting ability. The result was a bacteria strain that is much more effective at controlling this crop disease.

Deletion of bZIP Transcription Factor PratfA Reveals Specialized Metabolites Potentially Regulating Stress Response in Penicillium raistrickii

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Scientists discovered that a protein called PratfA controls the production of protective compounds in a fungus (Penicillium raistrickii) that help it survive stress. By removing this protein, they found two new natural products, including one with an unusual structure. The fungus without PratfA became very sensitive to oxidative stress and couldn’t survive well, showing that this protein is important for both making protective compounds and surviving harsh conditions.

Differential hypo-osmotic stress responses and regulatory mechanisms of Aspergillus sydowii in amphipod guts and hadal sediments

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Scientists discovered a new fungus living in the guts of deep-sea amphipods and studied how it survives in extreme pressure and low-salt environments. By comparing this gut fungus with a similar fungus from deep-sea sediments, they found that the gut fungus is better adapted to low-salt conditions and produces different protective chemicals. The study reveals that fungi evolve different survival strategies depending on where they live, using changes in cell walls and energy production to handle environmental stress.

The First Whole Genome Sequence and Methylation Profile of Gerronema lapidescens QL01

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of Lei Wan (Gerronema lapidescens), a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating parasitic infections and digestive problems. The research reveals the mushroom’s genetic blueprint, including genes responsible for producing beneficial compounds and adapting to rocky mountain environments. This foundational work aims to enable sustainable cultivation of this rare fungus and development of new medicinal treatments, addressing current conservation threats from over-harvesting.

Genomic Insights into Vaccinium spp. Endophytes B. halotolerans and B. velezensis and Their Antimicrobial Potential

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Scientists discovered that wild berries like blueberries, cranberries, and lingonberries contain beneficial bacteria that can fight harmful fungi and bacteria. These bacteria produce natural antimicrobial compounds similar to how antibiotics work, making them promising candidates for protecting crops without chemical pesticides. The bacteria also help plants absorb nutrients and cope with stress, offering multiple benefits for sustainable agriculture.

Biology and Application of Chaetomium globosum as a Biocontrol Agent: Current Status and Future Prospects

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Chaetomium globosum is a fungus that can protect crops from various plant diseases by producing toxic compounds and parasitizing harmful pathogens. It also helps plants defend themselves naturally and improves soil health by promoting beneficial microorganisms. This makes it a promising alternative to chemical pesticides for sustainable farming, though more research is needed to optimize its effectiveness in real field conditions.

Influence of Culture Conditions on Bioactive Compounds in Cordyceps militaris: A Comprehensive Review

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Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal fungus that produces powerful health-promoting compounds used to boost energy, strengthen immunity, and fight cancer. This review explains how different growing conditions—like the type of food the fungus is grown on, light exposure, and temperature—affect which beneficial compounds it produces and how much. By optimizing these conditions, producers can create more effective products for health supplements and medicines, though more research is needed to standardize production methods.

Research Keyword: secondary metabolite biosynthesis