Distinguishing Sanghuangporus from sanghuang-related fungi: a comparative and phylogenetic analysis based on mitogenomes.

The Chinese medicinal fungi "Sanghuang" have been long recognized for their significant and valued medicinal properties, as documented in ancient medical literature. However, in traditional folk medicine, various macrofungi sharing similar appearance, habitat, and therapeutic effects with Sanghuang were erroneously used. These Sanghuang-like fungi mainly belong to the Porodaedalea, Phellinus, and Inonotus genera within the Hymenochaetaceae family. Despite the establishment of the Sanghuangporus genus and the identification of multiple species, the emerging taxonomic references based on morphological, ITS, and mycelial structural features have been inadequate to differentiate Sanghuangporus and Sanghuang-like fungi. To address this limitation, this study presents the first comparative and phylogenetic analysis of Sanghuang-related fungi based on mitogenomes. Our results show that Sanghuangporus species show marked convergence in mitochondrial genomic features and form a distinct monophyletic group based on phylogenetic analyses of five datasets. These results not only deepen our understanding of Sanghuang-like fungi but also offer novel insights into their mitochondrial composition and phylogeny, thereby providing new research tools for distinguishing members of the Sanghuangporus genus. KEY POINTS: • Sanghuangporus, Inonotus, and Porodaedalea are monophyly in sanghuang-like species. • Mitogenome-based analysis exhibits high resolution in sanghuang-like genus. • The mitogenomes provide strong evidence for reclassifying Phellinus gilvus S12 as Sanghuangporus vaninii.

The Complete Genomic Sequence of Microbial Transglutaminase Producer, Streptomyces mobaraensis DSM40587.

Actinomycetes are remarkable natural sources of active natural molecules and enzymes of considerable industrial value. Streptomyces mobaraensis is the first microorganism found to produce transglutaminase with broad industrial applications. Although transglutaminase in S. mobaraensis has been well studied over the past three decades, the genome of S. mobaraensis and its secondary metabolic potential were poorly reported. Here, we presented the complete genome of S. mobaraensis DSM40587 obtained from the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH. It contains a linear chromosome of 7,633,041 bp and a circular plasmid of 23,857 bp. The chromosome with an average GC content of 73.49% was predicted to harbour 6683 protein-coding genes, seven rRNA and 69 tRNA genes. Comparative genomic analysis reveals its meaningful genomic characterisation. A comprehensive bioinformatics investigation identifies 35 putative BGCs (biosynthesis gene clusters) involved in synthesising various secondary metabolites. Of these, 13 clusters showed high similarity (> 55%) to known BGCs coding for polyketides, nonribosomal peptides, hopene, RiPP (Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides), and others. Furthermore, these BGCs with over 65% similarity to the known BGCs were analysed in detail. The complete genome of S. mobaraensis DSM40587 reveals its capacity to yield diverse bioactive natural products and provides additional insights into discovering novel secondary metabolites.

Unprecedented Neoverrucosane and Cyathane Diterpenoids with Anti-Neuroinflammatory Activity from Cultures of the Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus.

The culinary medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus holds significant global esteem and has garnered heightened interest within increasingly ageing societies due to its pronounced neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory properties. Within this study, two novel diterpenes, 16-carboxy-13-epi-neoverrucosane (1) and Erinacine L (2); three known xylosyl cyathane diterpenoids, Erinacine A (3), Erinacine C (4), and Erinacine F (5); and four lanostane-type triterpenoids, and three cyclic dipeptides (10-12), in addition to orcinol (13), were isolated from the rice-based cultivation medium of H. erinaceus. Their structures were determined by NMR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD, and calculated NMR. Compound 1 marks a pioneering discovery as the first verrucosane diterpene originating from basidiomycetes, amplifying the scope of fungal natural product chemistry, and the intricate stereochemistry of Compound 5 has been comprehensively assessed for the first time. Compounds 2-5 not only showed encouraging neurotrophic activity in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells, but also significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in BV2 microglia cell cultures with IC50 values as low as 5.82 ± 0.18 µM. To elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of these bioactivities, molecular docking simulation was used to analyze and support the interaction of 1 and 2 with inducible NO synthase (iNOS), respectively. In particular, compound 2, a cyathane-xyloside containing an unconventional hemiacetal moiety, is a compelling candidate for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. In summation, this investigation contributes substantively to the panorama of fungal diterpene structural diversity, concurrently furnishing additional empirical substantiation for the role of cyathane diterpenes in the amelioration of neurodegenerative afflictions.

The First Five Mitochondrial Genomes for the Family Nidulariaceae Reveal Novel Gene Rearrangements, Intron Dynamics, and Phylogeny of Agaricales.

The family Nidulariaceae, consisting of five genera including Cyathus, is a unique group of mushrooms commonly referred to as bird's nest fungi due to their striking resemblance to bird's nests. These mushrooms are considered medicinal mushrooms in Chinese medicine and have received attention in recent years for their anti-neurodegenerative properties. However, despite the interest in these mushrooms, very little is known about their mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes). This study is the first comprehensive investigation of the mitogenomes of five Nidulariaceae species with circular genome structures ranging in size from 114,236 bp to 129,263 bp. Comparative analyses based on gene content, gene length, tRNA, and codon usage indicate convergence within the family Nidulariaceae and heterogeneity within the order Agaricales. Phylogenetic analysis based on a combined mitochondrial conserved protein dataset provides a well-supported phylogenetic tree for the Basidiomycetes, which clearly demonstrates the evolutionary relationships between Nidulariaceae and other members of Agaricales. Furthermore, phylogenetic inferences based on four different gene sets reveal the stability and proximity of evolutionary relationships within Agaricales. These results reveal the uniqueness of the family Nidulariaceae and its similarity to other members of Agaricales; provide valuable insights into the origin, evolution, and genetics of Nidulariaceae species; and enrich the fungal mitogenome resource. This study will help to expand the knowledge and understanding of the mitogenomes in mushrooms.

Bioinformatic Analysis of Secondary Metabolite Biosynthetic Potential in Pathogenic Fusarium.

Fusarium species are among the filamentous fungi with the most pronounced impact on agricultural production and human health. The mycotoxins produced by pathogenic Fusarium not only attack various plants including crops, causing various plant diseases that lead to reduced yields and even death, but also penetrate into the food chain of humans and animals to cause food poisoning and consequent health hazards. Although sporadic studies have revealed some of the biosynthetic pathways of Fusarium toxins, they are insufficient to satisfy the need for a comprehensive understanding of Fusarium toxin production. In this study, we focused on 35 serious pathogenic Fusarium species with available genomes and systematically analyzed the ubiquity of the distribution of identified Fusarium- and non-Fusarium-derived fungal toxin biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs) in these species through the mining of core genes and the comparative analysis of corresponding BGCs. Additionally, novel sesterterpene synthases and PKS_NRPS clusters were discovered and analyzed. This work is the first to systematically analyze the distribution of related mycotoxin biosynthesis in pathogenic Fusarium species. These findings enhance the knowledge of mycotoxin production and provide a theoretical grounding for the prevention of fungal toxin production using biotechnological approaches.

The First Whole Genome Sequencing of Agaricus bitorquis and Its Metabolite Profiling.

Agaricus bitorquis, an emerging wild mushroom with remarkable biological activities and a distinctive oversized mushroom shape, has gained increasing attention in recent years. Despite its status as an important resource of wild edible fungi, knowledge about this mushroom is still limited. In this study, we used the Illumina NovaSeq and Nanopore PromethION platforms to sequence, de novo assemble, and annotate the whole genome and mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the A. bitorquis strain BH01 isolated from Bosten Lake, Xinjiang Province, China. Using the genome-based biological information, we identified candidate genes associated with mating type and carbohydrate-active enzymes in A. bitorquis. Cluster analysis based on P450 of basidiomycetes revealed the types of P450 members of A. bitorquis. Comparative genomic, mitogenomic, and phylogenetic analyses were also performed, revealing interspecific differences and evolutionary features of A. bitorquis and A. bisporus. In addition, the molecular network of metabolites was investigated, highlighting differences in the chemical composition and content of the fruiting bodies of A. bitorquis and A. bisporus. The genome sequencing provides a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of A. bitorquis and the genus Agaricus mushrooms. This work provides valuable insights into the potential for artificial cultivation and molecular breeding of A. bitorquis, which will facilitate the development of A. bitorquis in the field of edible mushrooms and functional food manufacture.

Genomic and Metabolite Profiling Reveal a Novel Streptomyces Strain, QHH-9511, from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The prevalence of superbugs, represented by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), has become a serious clinical and public safety concern with rising incidence in hospitals. Polyketides with diverse chemical structures harbor many antimicrobial activities, including those of rifampin and rapamycin against MRSA. Streptomyces sp. QHH-9511 was isolated from a niche habitat in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and used to produce antibacterial metabolites. Herein, an integrated approach combining genome mining and metabolic analysis were employed to decipher the chemical origin of the antibacterial components with pigmented properties in strain QHH-9511, a novel Streptomyces species from a lichen symbiont on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Genomic phylogeny assembled at the chromosome level revealed its unique evolutionary state. Further genome mining uncovered 36 candidate gene clusters, most of which were uncharacterized. Meanwhile, based on liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection mass spectrometry, a series of granaticins, BSMs, chromones, phaeochromycins, and related molecules were discovered by using the Global Natural Product Social molecular networking platform. Subsequently, several pigment compounds were isolated and identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry and/or nuclear magnetic resonance, among which the structure-activity relationships of seven aromatic polyketides showed that the fused lactone ring of the C-2 carboxyl group could increase antibacterial activity. Genetic experiments indicated that all seven aromatic polyketides are a series of metabolic shunts produced by a single type II polyketide synthase (PKS) cluster. Comparative genomic analysis of granaticin producers showed that the granaticin gene cluster is widely distributed. This study provides an efficient method to combine genome mining and metabolic profiling techniques to uncover bioactive metabolites derived from specific habitats, while deepening our understanding of aromatic polyketide biosynthesis. IMPORTANCE Undescribed microorganisms from special habitats are being screened for anti-superbug drug molecules. In a project to screen actinomycetes for anti-MRSA activity, we isolated a Streptomyces strain from Qinghai Lake lichens. The phylogeny based on the genome assembled at the chromosome level revealed this strain's unique evolutionary state. The chemical origins of the antibacterial components with pigment properties in strain QHH-9511 were determined using an integrated approach combining genome mining and metabolic analysis. Further genome mining uncovered 36 secondary metabolite gene clusters, the majority of which were previously unknown. A series of aromatic compounds were discovered using molecular network analysis, separation, and extraction. Genetic experiments revealed that all seven aromatic polyketides are a series of metabolic shunts produced by a single cluster of type II PKSs. This study describes a method for identifying novel Streptomyces from specific habitats by combining genome mining with metabolic profiling techniques.

Genomic and Metabolomic Analyses of the Medicinal Fungus Inonotus hispidus for Its Metabolite's Biosynthesis and Medicinal Application.

Inonotus hispidus mushroom is a traditional medicinal fungus with anti-cancer, antioxidation, and immunomodulatory activities, and it is used in folk medicine as a treatment for indigestion, cancer, diabetes, and gastric illnesses. Although I. hispidus is recognized as a rare edible medicinal macrofungi, its genomic sequence and biosynthesis potential of secondary metabolites have not been investigated. In this study, using Illumina NovaSeq combined with the PacBio platform, we sequenced and de novo assembled the whole genome of NPCB_001, a wild I. hispidus isolate from the Aksu area of Xinjiang Province, China. Comparative genomic and phylogenomic analyses reveal interspecific differences and evolutionary traits in the genus Inonotus. Bioinformatics analysis identified candidate genes associated with mating type, polysaccharide synthesis, carbohydrate-active enzymes, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Additionally, molecular networks of metabolites exhibit differences in chemical composition and content between fruiting bodies and mycelium, as well as association clusters of related compounds. The deciphering of the genome of I. hispidus will deepen the understanding of the biosynthesis of bioactive components, open the path for future biosynthesis research, and promote the application of Inonotus in the fields of drug research and functional food manufacturing.

Correction: Wang et al. Diverse Metabolites and Pharmacological Effects from the Basidiomycetes Inonotus hispidus. Antibiotics 2022, 11, 1097.

In the original publication, there were publisher errors in the names of authors Zhen-xin Wang, Xi-long Feng and Jin-ming Gao and affiliation (1) of the first, second, fourth and fifth authors (name of the Key Laboratory and city) [...].

Chromosome-Level Genome Sequences, Comparative Genomic Analyses, and Secondary-Metabolite Biosynthesis Evaluation of the Medicinal Edible Mushroom Laetiporus sulphureus.

Laetiporus sulphureus mushroom is a complementary and alternative medicine that has anticancer, antioxidation, and analgesic effects and immunomodulatory activity; it is used as a treatment for cough and rheumatism and is a functional food that can improve physical fitness. Even though L. sulphureus has garnered considerable biotechnological and pharmacological interest due to its excellent cellulose-degrading ability and diverse biological activities, its biosynthetic potential regarding polysaccharides and secondary metabolites has not been thoroughly examined. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the whole genome of a wild L. sulphureus isolate, NWAFU-1, from the Qinling Mountains in China. Comparative genomes analysis revealed genomic differences between subspecies, and phylogenomic analysis revealed evolutionary divergence as well as genome expansion and contraction of individual Polyporaceae family species. Bioinformatics investigation identified candidate genes associated with mating type, polysaccharide synthesis, carbohydrate-active enzymes, and secondary-metabolite biosynthesis, which included multiple terpenoids, nonribosomal peptides, and polyketides. The locations of biosynthetic core genes were mapped and displayed on chromosomes and contigs. Totals of 143 proteins from 126 coding genes were identified and divided into 14 cytochrome P450 families. Furthermore, the biosynthetic network of tetracyclic triterpenoid active components was postulated by genome mining of related genes combined with the molecular network of metabolites. The genome analysis of L. sulphureus in this study improves the understanding of the biosynthesis of active compounds, which will lay a theoretical foundation for subsequent research on active-compound biosynthesis and promote the application of Laetiporus in the field of drug research and functional-food creation. IMPORTANCE L. sulphureus is a parasitic basidiomycete fungus that causes brown rot. The fruiting bodies of L. sulphureus are used as ancient medicines in China and Europe to cure cancer, analgesia, cough, and rheumatism and are considered a functional food that regulates the body and improves health. L. sulphureus was inferred to be a tetrapolar system based on a high-quality genome, which will aid molecular breeding and artificial farming. Screening polysaccharide synthesis candidate genes and comparing carbohydrate-associated genes in brown-rot basidiomycetes help understand their growth. Identifying core genes for secondary-metabolite biosynthesis, gene cluster family analysis, and comparative cluster analysis will guide heterologous-biosynthesis investigations of these genes and help elucidate the biosynthetic pathways for L. sulphureus bioactive natural components. The biosynthesis network of tetracyclic triterpenes was mapped using metabolite profiling and genome scanning. This work explores the biosynthetic capacity of L. sulphureus-derived natural products and lays the foundation for biosynthetic studies of them.

Diverse Metabolites and Pharmacological Effects from the Basidiomycetes Inonotus hispidus.

Inonotus hispidus mushroom is a popular edible and medicinal mushroom with a long history of use. It is well known as a medicinal fungus with various health benefits for its significant anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. Over the last 60 years, secondary metabolites derived from I. hispidus and their biological activities have been discovered and investigated. Structurally, these compounds are mainly polyphenols and triterpenoids, which have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibitor activities. Here, the secondary metabolites derived from I. hispidus and their activities were systematically and comprehensively classified and summarized, and the biosynthetic pathway of stylylpyrones was deduced and analyzed further. This review contributes to our understanding of I. hispidus and will help with research into natural product chemistry, pharmacology, and the biosynthesis of I. hispidus metabolites. According to this review, I. hispidus could be a promising source of bioactive compounds for health promotion and the development of functional foods.