Austalides V and W, new meroterpenoids from the fungus Aspergillus ustus and their antitumor activities.

Two new austalide meroterpenoids, named austalides V and W (1 and 2), were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus ustus VKM F-4692. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with related known compounds. The main structural feature of both compounds is a tetrahydrofuranyl ring (G), a structural fragment, first found in austalides. Austalides V (1) and W (2) were able to inhibit the propagation of prostate and bladder cancer cells; this biologic activity is possibly related to the inhibition of a number of key pathways regulating cell growth and migration.

Biosensor approach for electrochemical quantitative assessment and qualitative characterization of the effect of fusaric acid on a culture-receptor.

Fusaric acid (FA) is a secondary fungal metabolite, which is widespread on corn and corn-based feed and food; FA has non-specific toxicity. Biosensor method is an express and easy-to-use method for quantitative and qualitative assessment of FA effect. Search for cultures has been performed for the formation of laboratory models of FA biosensor with the Clark-type oxygen electrode as transducer: respiration intensity of chosen cultures changed in the presence of FA. Resting cells of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum and Bacillus subtilis were used as receptors of the amperometric biosensor for FA determination in aqueous solution. To enhance the sensitivity of detection, induction by substrate was performed for Bacillus subtilis. Response-concentration linear dependencies were obtained in a range of 0.5-500 FA mg/L. Biosensor models were applied to characterize influence of FA on microbial cells and investigate some features of FA transport. The dependences of the cells' response to FA on FA concentration were obtained; the kinetic parameters S0.5 and Vmax were determined for each culture. Inhibition-threshold FA (Sit) concentrations were similar for both studied cultures. At concentrations lower than Sit, the process of simple diffusion governed FA transport into cells and caused the cells' response to FA for non-induced culture.

Formation of Azaphilone Pigments and Monasnicotinic Acid by the Fungus Aspergillus cavernicola.

Due to the ever-increasing demand for healthy and safe food, much attention has been gained by natural food colorants. This study showed the culture fluid extract of the fungus Aspergillus cavernicola VKM F-906 to contain red pigment and monasnicotinic acid (MNA) in predominant amounts. The structure of the pigment corresponded to cis-cavernamine (red pigment, RP). Two tautomers, NH and OH forms, in rapid equilibrium were present in a solution of RP. The critical factors for RP to form were the presence of NH4+ salt and pH 6.3-6.5. In vitro experiments showed that MNA was synthesized from RP as a result of chemical transformations without the participation of enzymes. In this case, the main influence on the reaction rate is exerted by the pH of the medium, which is associated with the keto-enol tautomerism of RP in solution. The culture broth extract and MNA exhibited antifungal activity against Fusarium fungi.