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Published year: 20193
Melleolides impact fungal translation via elongation factor 2.

Abstract (Expand)

Melleolides from the honey mushroom Armillaria mellea represent a structurally diverse group of polyketide-sesquiterpene hybrids. Among various bioactivites, melleolides show antifungal effects against … Aspergillus and other fungi. This bioactivity depends on a Delta2,4-double bond present in dihydroarmillylorsellinate (DAO) or arnamial, for example. Yet, the mode of action of Delta2,4-unsaturated, antifungal melleolides has been unknown. Here, we report on the molecular target of DAO in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Using a combination of synthetic chemistry to create a DAO-labelled probe, protein pulldown assays, MALDI-TOF-based peptide analysis and western blotting, we identify the eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (eEF2) as a binding partner of DAO. We confirm the inhibition of protein biosynthesis in vivo with an engineered A. nidulans strain producing the red fluorescent protein mCherry. Our work suggests a binding site dissimilar from that of the protein biosynthesis inhibitor sordarin, and highlights translational elongation as a valid antifungal drug target.

Authors: M. Dorfer, D. Heine, S. Konig, S. Gore, O. Werz, C. Hertweck, M. Gressler, D. Hoffmeister

Date Published: 15th May 2019

Publication Type: Journal

Production Options for Psilocybin: Making of the Magic.

Abstract (Expand)

The fungal genus Psilocybe and other genera comprise numerous mushroom species that biosynthesize psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine). It represents the prodrug to its dephosphorylated … psychotropic analogue, psilocin. The colloquial term "magic mushrooms" for these fungi alludes to their hallucinogenic effects and to their use as recreational drugs. However, clinical trials have recognized psilocybin as a valuable candidate to be developed into a medication against depression and anxiety. We here highlight its recently elucidated biosynthesis, the concurrently developed concept of enzymatic in vitro and heterologous in vivo production, along with previous synthetic routes. The prospect of psilocybin as a promising therapeutic may entail an increased demand, which can be met by biotechnological production. Therefore, we also briefly touch on psilocybin's therapeutic relevance and pharmacology.

Authors: J. Fricke, C. Lenz, J. Wick, F. Blei, D. Hoffmeister

Date Published: 18th Jan 2019

Publication Type: Journal

Melleolides from Honey Mushroom Inhibit 5-Lipoxygenase via Cys159.

Abstract (Expand)

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) initiates the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes from arachidonic acid, which requires the nuclear membrane-bound 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP) for substrate transfer. … Here, we identified human 5-LO as a molecular target of melleolides from honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea). Melleolides inhibit 5-LO via an alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde serving as Michael acceptor for surface cysteines at the substrate entrance that are revealed as molecular determinants for 5-LO activity. Experiments with 5-LO mutants, where select cysteines had been replaced by serine, indicated that the investigated melleolides suppress 5-LO product formation via two distinct modes of action: (1) by direct interference with 5-LO activity involving two or more of the cysteines 159, 300, 416, and 418, and (2) by preventing 5-LO/FLAP assemblies involving selectively Cys159 in 5-LO. Interestingly, replacement of Cys159 by serine prevented 5-LO/FLAP assemblies as well, implying Cys159 as determinant for 5-LO/FLAP complex formation at the nuclear membrane required for leukotriene biosynthesis.

Authors: S. Konig, E. Romp, V. Krauth, M. Ruhl, M. Dorfer, S. Liening, B. Hofmann, A. K. Hafner, D. Steinhilber, M. Karas, U. Garscha, D. Hoffmeister, O. Werz

Date Published: 17th Jan 2019

Publication Type: Journal

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