Absolute Configuration of 12S-Deoxynortryptoquivaline from Ascidian-Derived Fungus Aspergillus clavatus Determined by Anisotropic NMR and Chiroptical Spectroscopy.

Tryptoquivalines are highly toxic metabolites initially isolated from the fungus Aspergillus clavatus. The relative and absolute configuration of tryptoquivaline derivates was primarily established by comparison of the chemical shifts, NOE data, and ECD calculations. A de novo determination of the complete relative configuration using NMR spectroscopy was challenging due to multiple spatially separated stereocenters, including one nonprotonated carbon. In this study, we isolated a new tryptoquivaline derivative, 12S-deoxynortryptoquivaline (1), from the marine ascidian-derived fungus Aspergillus clavatus AS-107. The correct assignment of the relative configuration of 1 was accomplished using anisotropic NMR spectroscopy, while the absolute configuration was determined by comparing calculated and experimental ECD spectra. This case study highlights the effectiveness of anisotropic NMR parameters over isotropic NMR parameters in determining the relative configuration of complex natural products without the need for crystallization.

Tanzawaic Acid Derivatives: Fungal Polyketides from the Deep-Sea Coral-Derived Endozoic Penicillium steckii AS-324.

Ten new tanzawaic acids, namely, steckwaic acids A-D (1-4), 11-ketotanzawaic acid D (5), 6,15-dihydroxytanzawaic acid M (6), 15R-methoxytanzawaic acid M (7), 15S-methoxytanzawaic acid M (8), 8-hydroxytanzawaic acid M (9), and 8-hydroxytanzawaic acid B (10), together with four known analogues (11-14), were isolated and identified from the endozoic fungus Penicillium steckii AS-324, which was obtained from a deep-sea Acanthogorgiidae sp. coral that was collected from the Magellan seamount in the Western Pacific Ocean. Structurally, steckwaic acids A-D (1-4) represent the first tanzawaic acid derivatives containing a naphthalene ring. Their structures were elucidated by detailed interpretation of the NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data. X-ray crystallographic analysis and ECD calculations confirmed their structures and absolute configurations. New compounds 1, 5, and 9 exhibited activities against aquatic pathogenic bacteria Micrococcus luteus, Vibrio anguillarum, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MICs of 2, 4, and 4 µg/mL, respectively.

Mining new meroterpenoids from the marine red alga-derived endophytic Penicillium chermesinum EN-480 by comparative transcriptome analysis.

As the development of genetic and bioinformatic, the strategy of "bottom-up", combined with genome and transcriptome techniques, was considered as an efficient and practical method to break through the limitation of traditional discovery of natural products. Generally, comparative transcriptome analysis could be useful to guide the optimization of fungal cultivation conditions in which the transcriptional level of interesting compounds is higher. The transcriptome analysis of the algal endophytic fungus Penicillium chermesinum EN-480 indicated that fermentation of this fungus in modified rice solid medium could produce some metabolites different from those cultivated in other media. Four new meroterpenoids (compounds 1-4, namely, chermesins E-H) were characterized and their structures were determined by HRESIMS and NMR spectra. The absolute configurations were confirmed by NOESY experiments, X-ray diffraction analysis, and comparison of ECD cotton effects. Antimicrobial activities against human- and aqua-bacteria as well as against plant-pathogenic fungi were assayed. The plausible biosynthesis pathway of these compounds was discussed.

Aromatic Polyketides from the Deep-Sea Cold-Seep Mussel Associated Endozoic Fungus Talaromyces minioluteus CS-138.

Five new aromatic polyketides, including a unique benzofuran derivative, talarominine A (1), and four chromone analogs talamins A-D (2-5), along with one known related metabolite, 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2,3-dimethylchromone (6), were isolated and identified from the Talaromyces minioluteus CS-138, an endozoic fungus obtained from the deep-sea cold seep mussel Gigantidas platifrons. Their chemical structures were elucidated by detailed analysis of their NMR spectra, HRESIMS and X-ray crystallographic data, and by comparison with literature data as well. The antibacterial and DPPH scavenging activities of compounds 1-6 were evaluated. Compounds 1-3 showed inhibitory activity against some of the tested bacteria whereas compounds 2 and 5 showed potent DPPH radical scavenging activities, which were better than that of the positive control butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). This work is likely the first report on marine natural products of mussel-derived fungus living in cold seep environments.

New Cytochalasin Derivatives from Deep-Sea Cold Seep-Derived Endozoic Fungus Curvularia verruculosa CS-129.

Two new antimicrobial cytochalasin derivatives, 6ß,7ß-epoxydeoxaphomin C (1) and 12-hydroxydeoxaphomin C (2), a new natural occurring product 24-nor-cytochalasin B (3), together with two related known analogs (4-5) were isolated and identified from an endozoic fungus Curvularia verruculosa CS-129, isolated from the deep-sea squat lobster Shinkaia crosnieri which was collected in cold seep region of south China sea. The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis and ECD calculation. The spectroscopic data of 24-nor-cytochalasin B (3) were reported for the first time. All compounds were tested for their antibacterial activities against human and aquatic pathogenic bacteria.

Uncommon Polyketides from Penicillium steckii AS-324, a Marine Endozoic Fungus Isolated from Deep-Sea Coral in the Magellan Seamount.

Four unusual steckwaic acids E-H (1-4), possessing a rarely described acrylic acid unit at C-4 (1-3) or a double bond between C-12 and C-13 (4) are reported for the first time, along with four new analogues (5-8) and two known congeners (9 and 10). They were purified from the organic extract of Penicillium steckii AS-324, an endozoic fungus obtained from a deep-sea coral Acanthogorgiidae sp., which was collected from the Magellan Seamount at a depth of 1458 m. Their structures were determined by the interpretation of NMR and mass spectroscopic data. The relative and absolute configurations were determined by NOESY correlations, X-ray crystallographic analysis, and ECD calculations. All compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activities against human- and aquatic-pathogenic bacteria and plant-related pathogenic fungi.

Cytochalasin Derivatives from the Endozoic Curvularia verruculosa CS-129, a Fungus Isolated from the Deep-Sea Squat Lobster Shinkaia crosnieri Living in the Cold Seep Environment.

A new cytochalasin dimer, verruculoid A (1), three new cytochalasin derivatives, including 12-nor-cytochalasin F (2), 22-methoxycytochalasin B6 (3), and 19-hydroxycytochalasin B (4), and 20-deoxycytochalasin B (5), a synthetic product obtained as a natural product for the first time, together with four known analogues (6-9), were isolated and identified from the culture extract of Curvularia verruculosa CS-129, an endozoic fungus obtained from the inner fresh tissue of the deep-sea squat lobster Shinkaia crosnieri, which was collected from the cold seep area of the South China Sea. Structurally, verruculoid A (1) represents the first cytochalasin homodimer containing a thioether bridge, while 12-nor-cytochalasin F (2) is the first 12-nor-cytochalasin derivative. Their structures were elucidated by detailed interpretation of the NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data. X-ray crystallographic analysis and ECD calculations confirmed their structures and absolute configurations. Compound 1 displayed activity against the human pathogenic bacterium Escherichia coli (MIC = 2 µg/mL), while compounds 4, 8, and 9 showed cytotoxicity against three tumor cell lines (HCT-116, HepG-2, and MCF-7) with IC50 values from 5.2 to 12 µM. The structure-activity relationship was briefly discussed.

Molecular Design and Structure-Property Investigation of n-Dodecylbenzyloxy Ethoxylates.

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOn) exhibit outstanding application performances, especially in stabilizing silicone oil emulsions, but have been globally banned or use-restricted for serious ecological toxicity. A homologous series of nonionic surfactants, n-dodecylbenzyloxy ethoxylates (DBEOn), are molecularly designed and synthesized as alternatives to NPEOn, where the phenolic group of NPEOn was replaced by a benzyloxy group to counteract the harmful characteristics of NPEOn, while retaining the benefits. Based on computational studies, we propose a hypothesis that has a conjugation reduction effect (CRE) of DBEOn relative to NPEOn on the surfactant structure and properties that solves the biodegradation problem while maintaining the outstanding emulsifying capacity of NPEOn. A 7-day activated sludge assessment shows that DBEO8, a representative member of DBEOn, is almost 100% biodegradable and that the poor biodegradability of NPEOn may be improved by maintaining the vital benzene ring in DBEOn molecules, because the oxygen atom of the benzyloxy group is separated from the smaller conjugation system of DBEOn. Compared to NPEO10, DBEO8 has a similar cloud point but exhibits higher benzene solubilization and considerably higher emulsion stabilities for mineral oil, biomass oil, and especially silicone oil; this outcome is ascribed to a probable random coil configuration of PEO caused by the CRE of DBEOn. Therefore, molecular design produces DBEOn with both excellent biodegradability and outstanding application performances, especially in terms of excellent emulsion stabilities of various oils, as predicted by the CRE hypothesis, thereby serving as an effective alternative to NPEOn.

Three New Sesquiterpenoids from the Algal-Derived Fungus Penicillium chermesinum EN-480.

Secondary metabolites obtained from marine-derived fungi are rich sources of drug candidates. Three new sesquiterpenoids, chermesiterpenoids A-C (1-3), along with four known alkaloids (4-7), were isolated and identified from the marine red algal-derived fungus Penicillium chermesinum EN-480. The structures of these new sesquiterpenoids were elucidated using detailed analysis of the NMR data and their relative configurations were elucidated using nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) spectra as well as gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) NMR shift calculations and DP4+ probability analysis. Their absolute configurations were determined using electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and modified Mosher's method. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited potent activities against human and aquatic pathogenic bacteria and plant pathogenic fungi.

Comparative Study of Conventional/Ethoxylated/Extended n-Alkylsulfate Surfactants.

A series of novel anionic e-surfactants n-C cP pS was molecular designed and synthesized from long-chain fatty alcohols by polypropoxylation and sulfation followed by neutralization. Excellent all-round performance of extended surfactants (e-surfactants) interests us how a simple polypropylene oxide (PPO) spacer has great effects on properties. By a comparative study of conventional/ethoxylated/extended n-alkylsulfate surfactants, we were surprised to find that e-surfactants are in an obvious rugby shape at the air/water surface according to molecular surface area ( am), and it comes down to the intramolecular PPO spacer coiling and surface-induced collapse. On the basis of the interfacial properties of the e-surfactants, it is found that the PPO spacer can provide both hydrophilic and lipophilic contributions to an e-surfactant molecule. The synergism between PPO spacers and alkyl chains indicates that a certain PPO spacer can adjust the contributions in view of different alkyl chain lengths. Therefore, it is both the rugby-shaped molecular geometry of e-surfactants and the dynamic amphipathicity of a PPO spacer that makes e-surfactants behave with excellent interfacial and solution properties for household cleaning. Therefore, this work gives us a hint that the molecular geometry of surfactants plays a vital role in interfacial and solution properties similar to molecular amphipathicity.

Three New Indole Diterpenoids from the Sea-Anemone-Derived Fungus Penicillium sp. AS-79.

Three new indolediterpenoids, namely, 22-hydroxylshearinine F (1), 6-hydroxylpaspalinine (2), and 7-O-acetylemindole SB (3), along with eight related known analogs (4-11), were isolated from the sea-anemone-derived fungus Penicillium sp. AS-79. The structures and relative configurations of these compounds were determined by a detailed interpretation of the spectroscopic data, and their absolute configurations were determined by ECD calculations (1 and 2) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (3). Some of these compounds exhibited prominent activity against aquatic and human pathogenic microbes.

Control effect of root exudates from mycorrhizal watermelon seedlings on Fusarium wilt and the bacterial community in continuously cropped soil.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is susceptible to wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp niveum (FON). AMF colonization alleviates watermelon wilt and regulates the composition of root exudates, but the effects of mycorrhizal watermelon root exudates on watermelon Fusarium wilt is not well understood. Root exudates of watermelon inoculated with AMF (Funeliformis mosseae or Glomus versiformme) were collected in this study. Then the root exudates of control plants and mycorrhizal plants were used to irrigate watermelon in continuous cropping soil, respectively. Meanwhile, the watermelon growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, rhizosphere soil enzyme activities and bacterial community composition, as well as the control effect on FON were analyzed. The results indicated that mycorrhizal watermelon root exudates promoted the growth of watermelon seedlings and increased soil enzyme activities, actinomyces, and the quantity of bacteria in rhizosphere soil. The proportion of Proteobacteria and Bacteroides was decreased, and the proportion of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi in rhizosphere soil was increased when the seedlings were watered with high concentrations of mycorrhizal root exudates. The dominant bacterial genera in rhizosphere soil were Kaistobacter, Rhodanobacter, Thermomonas, Devosia, and Bacillus. The root exudates of mycorrhizal watermelon could reduce the disease index of Fusarium wilt by 6.7-30%, and five ml/L of watermelon root exudates inoculated with F. mosseae had the strongest inhibitory effect on watermelon Fusarium wilt. Our results suggest mycorrhizal watermelon root exudates changed the composition of bacteria and soil enzyme activities in rhizosphere soil, which increase the resistance of watermelon to Fusarium wilt and promoted the growth of plants in continuous cropping soil.

What dominates the interfacial properties of extended surfactants: Amphipathicity or surfactant shape?

HYPOTHESIS: The properties of conventional surfactants (c-surfactants) are generally accepted to be amphipathicity-dominated, but extended surfactants (e-surfactants) are additionally polypropylene oxide (PPO)-dependent; this additional property makes us wonder how an intramolecular PPO spacer would be "extended" at various interfaces and what is responsible for the excellent all-round properties of e-surfactants. EXPERIMENTS: A series of novel sodium medium alkyl chain PPO-b-PEO sulfates (2-ethylhexyl polypropylene oxide-block-polyethylene oxide sulfates, C8PpEeS) were designed, synthesized and structurally identified. Tensiometry was applied to estimate the surfactant shape at the air/water surface. Surface tension, interfacial tension, emulsifying power, electrolyte tolerance, adsorption onto oil sands and thermal hydrolysis stability were measured to evaluate the effect of the PPO coil on the interfacial and micellar properties of the e-surfactants. FINDINGS: On the basis of obtaining greater values for e-surfactants than c-surfactants for both surface area (am) per surfactant molecule and the corresponding shape factor (S), we were surprised to find that e-surfactants form a rugby ball shape not only at the air/water surface but also at the oil/water interface; this result is potentially explained by the PPO spacer coiling and collapsing to produce dense packing at the monolayer adsorption, which is rationally borrowed by other interfaces. Many positive or negative correlations were observed between the interfacial/micellar properties of C8PpEeS and am values, which seems that the surfactant shape dominants the properties of the e-surfactants. In fact, the properties of C8PpEeS are dominated by the dynamic amphipathicity and assisted by the rugby ball shape of the molecules because of both being driven by the dynamic biphasic affinity of the PPO coil in response to the external environment; these findings provide soft interfacial materials specially adapted for surfactant flooding.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the saddleback clownfish Amphiprion polymnus (Pisces: Perciformes, Pomacentridae).

The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the saddleback clownfish Amphiprion polymnus was obtained in this study. The circular mtDNA molecule was 16,804 bp in size and the overall nucleotide composition of the H-strand was 29.59% A, 25.93% T, 15.44% G and 29.04% C, with an A + T bias. The complete mitogenome encoded 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs and 1 control region (D-loop), with the gene arrangement and translation direction basically identical to other typical vertebrate mitogenomes. We found A. polymnus (KJ101554) and A. bicinctus (JQ030887) had the same length in the protein-coding gene ND5 with 1869 bp, while the ND5 in A. ocellaris (AP006017) was 3 bp less than that of A. polymnus and A. bicinctus. Both structures of ND5, however, could translate to amino acid successfully.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the yellowtail clownfish Amphiprion clarkii (Pisces: Perciformes, Pomacentridae).

In this study we determined the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the yellowtail clownfish Amphiprion clarkii using eight consensus primer pairs with a long PCR technique. The circular mtDNA molecule was 16,976 bp in size and the overall nucleotide composition of the H-strand was 29.15% A, 26.15% T, 15.67% G and 29.03% C, with an A + T bias. The complete mitogenome contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs and 1 control region (D-loop), and the gene order was typical of vertebrate mitogenomes. We determined five complete continuity tandem repeat units and one imperfect tandem repeat, all located downstream in the control region.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the orange clownfish Amphiprion percula (Pisces: Perciformes, Pomacentridae).

In this study we determined the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the orange clownfish Amphiprion percula. The circular mtDNA molecule was 16,645 bp in size and the overall nucleotide composition of the H-strand was 29.20% A, 25.80% T, 16.03% G and 28.98% C, with an A + T bias. The complete mitogenome encoded 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs and 1 control region (D-loop), with the gene arrangement and translation direction basically identical to other typical vertebrate mitogenomes. The similarity of the complete mitogenomes between A. percula and A. ocellaris (AP006017) was 95.60%, clearly different at molecular level.

Three Diketopiperazine Alkaloids with Spirocyclic Skeletons and One Bisthiodiketopiperazine Derivative from the Mangrove-Derived Endophytic Fungus Penicillium brocae MA-231.

Four new diketopiperazines including spirobrocazines A-C (1-3) and brocazine G (4) were characterized from the mangrove-derived Penicillium brocae MA-231. Compounds 1 and 2 had a 6/5/6/5/6 cyclic system with a rare spirocyclic center at C-2. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic analysis, TDDFT-ECD calculations, and X-ray diffraction. Compound 4 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against both sensitive and cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cells and strong antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus.

Nonthermal effect of microwave irradiation in nonaqueous enzymatic esterification.

Microwave has nonthermal effects on enzymatic reactions, mainly caused by the polarities of the solvents and substrates. In this experiment, a model reaction with caprylic acid and butanol that was catalyzed by lipase from Mucor miehei in alkanes or arenes was employed to investigate the nonthermal effect in nonaqueous enzymatic esterification. With the comparison of the esterification carried by conventional heating and consecutive microwave irradiation, the positive nonthermal effect on the initial reaction rates was found substrate concentration-dependent and could be vanished ostensibly when the substrate concentration was over 2.0 mol L(-1). The polar parameter log P well correlates the solvent polarity with the microwave effect, comparing to dielectric constant and assayed solvatochromic solvent polarity parameters. The log P rule presented in conventional heating-enzymatic esterification still fits in the microwaved enzymatic esterification. Alkanes or arenes with higher log P provided positive nonthermal effect in the range of 2 ≤ log P ≤ 4, but yielded a dramatic decrement after log P = 4. Isomers of same log P with higher dielectric constant received stronger positive nonthermal effect. With lower substrate concentration, the total log P of the reaction mixture has no obvious functional relation with the microwave effect.