Structurally diverse oxygen-containing aromatic compounds with anti-inflammatory activity from Aspergillus sp. LY-1-2.

Three isocoumarins, ascoisocoumarin A (1), embeurekol (2), and sclerotinin A (3), and five biosynthetically related derivatives, ascospinols A-C (4, 6, and 7), and talaflavuols C and B (5 and 8), together with twelve polyketides or terpenes (9-20) were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus sp. LY-1-2 inhabited in a sample of Cordyceps sp. Most of them belong to the family of oxygen-containing aromatic compounds and compounds 1, 4, 6, and 7 are previously undescribed compounds. Their planar structures were established by a combined spectroscopic analysis of HRESIMS and NMR, and their stereochemistry was determined by 13C NMR calculations with sorted training set (STS) protocol analysis, and ECD calculations. New compounds 1 and 6 displayed potential anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 microglia cells.

Interferon-regulatory factor-1 boosts bevacizumab cardiotoxicity by the vascular endothelial growth factor A/14-3-3γ axis.

AIM: Myocardial injury is a significant cause of death. This study investigated the role and underlying mechanism of interferon-regulatory factor-1 (IRF1) in bevacizumab (BVZ)-induced cardiomyocyte injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: HL-1 cells and C57BL/6 mice receiving BVZ treatment were used to establish in vitro and in vivo models of myocardial injury. The relationship between VEGFA and 14-3-3γ was verified through co-immunoprecipitation and Glutathione S Transferase (GST) pull-down assay. Cell viability and apoptosis were analysed by MTT, propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac troponins T (cTnT), and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) was measured using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of knocking down IRF1 on BVZ-induced mice were analysed in vivo. IRF1 levels were increased in BVZ-treated HL-1 cells. BVZ treatment induced apoptosis, inhibited cell viability, and promoted the release of LDH, cTnT, and CK-MB. IRF1 silencing suppressed BVZ-induced myocardial injury, whereas IRF1 overexpression had the opposite effect. IRF1 regulated VEGFA expression by binding to its promoter, with the depletion of VEGFA or 14-3-3γ reversing the effects of IRF1 knockdown on the cell viability and apoptosis of BVZ-treated HL-1 cells. 14-3-3γ overexpression promoted cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, and reduced the release of LDH, cTnT, and CK-MB, thereby alleviating BVZ-induced HL-1 cell damage. In vivo, IRF1 silencing alleviated BVZ-induced cardiomyocyte injury by regulating the VEGFA/14-3-3γ axis. CONCLUSION: The IRF1-mediated VEGFA/14-3-3γ signalling pathway promotes BVZ-induced myocardial injury. Our study provides evidence for potentially new target genes for the treatment of myocardial injury.

Structures, Biosynthesis, and Bioactivity of Oligomycins from the Marine-Derived Streptomyces sp. FXY-T5.

Oligomycins are potent antifungal and antitumor agents. Mass spectrometry (MS)- and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic fingerprinting analysis of marine-derived actinomycetes in our in-house library provided an oligomycin-producing strain, Streptomyces sp. FXY-T5. Chemical investigation led to the discovery of five new oligomycins, 24-lumooligomycin B (1), 4-lumooligomycin B (2), 6-lumooligomycin B (3), 40-homooligomycin B (4), and 15-hydroxy-oligomycin B (5), together with seven biosynthetically related known derivatives. Their structures were assigned by MS, NMR, electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The biosynthesis pathway of oligomycins was first proposed based on the analysis of a type I modular polyketide synthase (PKS) system and targeted gene disruption. As expected, the isolated oligomycins showed significant antiagricultural fungal pathogen activity and antiproliferative properties from which the possible structure-activity relationships were first suggested. More importantly, oligomycins induced significant G1-phase cell cycle arrest on cancer cells and significantly attenuated their Cyclin D1 and PCNA expression through a ß-catenin signaling pathway.

CREB-binding protein and HIF-1α/ß-catenin to upregulate miR-322 and alleviate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a prevalent condition associated with numerous critical clinical conditions. miR-322 has been implicated in MIRI through poorly understood mechanisms. Our preliminary analysis indicated potential interaction of CREB-binding protein (CBP), a transcriptional coactivator and acetyltransferase, with HIF-1α/ß-catenin, which might regulate miR-322 expression. We, therefore, hypothesized that CBP/HIF-1α/ß-catenin/miR-322 axis might play a role in MIRI. Rat cardiomyocytes subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation /reperfusion (OGD/R) and Langendorff perfused heart model were used to model MIRI in vitro and in vivo, respectively. We used various techniques such as CCK-8 assay, transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, western blotting, RT-qPCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), dual-luciferase assay, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), hematoxylin and eosin staining, and TTC staining to assess cell viability, apoptosis, and the levels of CBP, HIF-1α, ß-catenin, miR-322, and acetylation. Our results indicate that OGD/R in cardiomyocytes decreased CBP/HIF-1α/ß-catenin/miR-322 expression, increased cell apoptosis and cytokines, and reduced cell viability. However, overexpression of CBP or miR-322 suppressed OGD/R-induced cell injury, while knockdown of HIF-1α/ß-catenin further exacerbated the damage. HIF-1α/ß-catenin bound to miR-322 promoter to promote its expression, while CBP acetylated HIF-1α/ß-catenin for stabilization. Overexpression of CBP attenuated MIRI in rats by acetylating HIF-1α/ß-catenin to stabilize their expression, resulting in stronger binding of HIF-1α/ß-catenin with the miR-322 promoter and subsequent increased miR-322 levels. Therefore, activating CBP/HIF-1α/ß-catenin/miR-322 signaling may be a potential approach to treat MIRI.

Interconvertible Pyridone Alkaloids from the Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium oxalicum QDU1.

Eleven new pyridone alkaloids, penicipyridones A-K (1-11), and three new tetramic acids, tolypocladenols D-F (12-14), were isolated from rice media cultures of the marine-derived fungus Penicillium oxalicum QDU1. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were determined by comprehensive analyses of spectroscopic data, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Interestingly, several of the penicipyridones undergo interconversions between hydroxy and methoxy groups at C-4 in acidic MeOH solution. Furthermore, in an acidic aqueous solution, OH-4 could be replaced by diverse substituent groups. Compounds 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, and 14 exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on NO production in the LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, with IC50 values ranging from 9.2 to 19 µM.

Metabolic profiling for the discovery of two rare fusidane-type heterodimers from the fungal endophyte Acremonium pilosum F47.

In our process of studying fusidane-type antibiotics, metabolomics-guided chemical investigation on the endophytic Acremonium pilosum F47 led to the isolation of two unique heterodimers, acremonidiols B and C (1 and 2) consisting of a fusidane-type triterpenoid motif and a steroid unit. Four biosynthetically related known natural products including fusidic acid (FA, 3), as well as ergosterol derivatives (4-6) were also obtained. Their structures were determined by the analyses of ESI-HRMS and NMR data. Compounds 1 and 2, as hybrid molecules comprising the fusidane triterpenoid and steroid, are rare in nature. Compared with the clinically used antibiotic FA (3), new compounds 1 and 2 showed no obvious antibiotic activity, indicating the importance of free C-21 carboxyl group for antibacterial activity.

Cytochalasans with Inhibitory Activity against NPC1L1 from the Endophytic Fungus Chaetomium nigricolor F5.

Mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolic profiling of the endophytic fungus Chaetomium nigricolor F5 guided the isolation of five novel cytochalasans, chamisides B-F (1-5), and two known ones, chaetoconvosins C and D (6 and 7). Their structures including stereochemistry were unambiguously determined by MS, nuclear magnetic resonance, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compounds 1-3 share a new 5/6/5/5/7-fused pentacyclic skeleton in cytochalasans and are appropriately proposed to be the key biosynthetic precursors of co-isolated cytochalasans with a 6/6/5/7/5, 6/6/5/5/7, or 6/6/5 ring system. Remarkably, compound 5 with a relatively flexible side chain showed promising inhibition activity against the cholesterol transporter protein Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1), expanding the function of cytochalasans.

Metabolic Profiling for the Discovery of Structurally Diverse Gibberellins and Their Precursors from the Endophytic Fungus Fusarium sp. NJ-F5.

Gibberellins (GAs) are well-known tetracyclic diterpenoid phytohormones since the 1950s. In this work, eight skeletally diverse GAs (1-8) including four new compounds (1-4), and three known ent-kaurene diterpenoids (9-11), were isolated from the endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. NJ-F5 by integrating mass spectrometry (MS)- and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolic profiling. Their planar structures and stereochemistry were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses including MS, NMR, as well as electronic circular dichroism and their calculations, together with single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. As far as we know, this is a rare report of naturally occurring GAs and their detailed spectroscopic data including MS and NMR in recent decades. Compound 1, as a new member of GAs family, showed an obvious promoting effect on the seedling's growth ofArabidopsis thaliana.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a novel Anatomical classification and dUal anchoRing theory to Optimize the tavR strategy for pure severe Aortic regurgitation (AURORA): a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Success rate of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in aortic regurgitation (AR) patients is relatively low on account of the absence of calcified anchoring structures. Morphological classification and corresponding TAVR strategies for AR are lacking yet. METHODS: The AURORA study is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm cohort study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transfemoral TAVR for severe AR in patients with high or prohibitive risk for surgery. Patients who are ≥ 65 years and diagnosed with severe pure AR as defined by the Echocardiographic Core Laboratory will be consecutively enrolled for further multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanning and multiplanar analyses. Based on a new anatomical classification and dual anchoring theory, patients will be classified into 4 types according to the level of the anchoring area. Types 1, 2 and 3 (at least 2 anchoring areas) will undergo the TAVR procedure with a domestic Chinese self-expanding valve (VitaFlow Valve, MicroPort, Shanghai, China), whereas type 4 (0 or 1 anchoring area) patients will be considered unsuitable for TAVR and will receive medical treatment. Our goal is to recruit 100 patients to account for 10% missing data or loss of patients to follow-up. Procedural, 30-day, 6-month and 12-month outcomes will be assessed according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 criteria. DISCUSSION: The AURORA study will establish a new AR anatomical classification based on dual anchoring theory through MDCT multiplanar measurement and assess the safety and efficacy of TAVR guided by this new classification and strategy in AR patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This Study was registered at Chinses Clinical Trial Registry. The registration number: ChiCTR2200055415; The date of registration: 9, January 2022; The URL of the registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=141209 .

Naphtho-Gamma-Pyrones (NγPs) with Obvious Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitory Activity from the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus niger S-48.

Eight naphtho-gamma-pyrones (NγPs) (1-8), together with four known biosynthetically related coumarin derivatives (9-12), were isolated from the potato dextrose agar media of a marine-derived fungus Aspergillus niger S-48. Among them, natural compounds 1 and 2 were tentatively subjected to benzohydrazide reaction to evaluate the importance of pyran rings in NγPs. Their structures were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data and MS spectra. Compounds 1-4 showed obvious activity for reducing cholesterol absorption verging on ezetimibe. This work highlighted the potential of natural NγPs as NPC1L1 inhibitors.

Structurally Various Sorbicillinoids From an Endophytic Fungus Acremonium citrinum SS-g13.

Three new sorbicillinoids, including trimer trisorbicillinone E (1), acremosorbicillinoids A and B (2 and 3), and a new alkaloid acremokaloid A (4), and a new natural product 2S,3S-acetyl-ß-methyltryptophan (5), were isolated from an endophytic fungus Acremonium citrinum SS-g13, which is found in Fructus mori plant root. In addition, eight known sorbicillinoids (6-13) were also obtained. The new compound structures were established using NMR, HRESIMS spectra, and reported spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1-5, were determined by spectroscopic analysis, Snatzke's method, and time-dependent density functional theory-electronic circular dichroism (TDDFT-ECD) calculations. Compound 11 exhibited significant cholesterol efflux enhancing activity. A plausible biosynthesis pathway for the sorbicillinoids is discussed.

miR-322/miR-503 clusters regulate defective myoblast differentiation in myotonic dystrophy RNA-toxic by targeting Celf1.

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a genetic disorder featured by muscular dystrophy. It is caused by CUG expansion in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene that leads to aberrant signaling and impaired myocyte differentiation. Many studies have shown that microRNAs are involved in the differentiation process of myoblasts. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the miR-322/miR-503 cluster regulates intracellular signaling to affect cell differentiation. The cell model of DM1 was employed by expressing GFP-CUG200 or CUGBP Elav-like family member 1 (Celf1) in myoblasts. Immunostaining of MF-20 was performed to examine myocyte differentiation. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to determine the levels of Celf1, MyoD, MyoG, Mef2c, miR-322/miR-503, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) signaling. Dual luciferase assay was performed to validate the interaction between miR-322/miR-503 and Celf1. CUG expansion in myoblasts impaired the cell differentiation, increased the Celf1 level, but it decreased the miR-322/miR-503 levels. miR-322/miR-503 mimics restored the impaired differentiation caused by CUG expansion, while miR-322/miR-503 inhibitors further suppressed. miR-322/miR-503 directly targeted Celf1 and negatively regulated its expression. Knockdown of Celf1 promoted myocyte differentiation. Further, miR-322/miR-503 mimics rescued the impaired differentiation of myocytes caused by CUG expansion or Celf1 overexpression through suppressing of MEK/ERK signaling. miR-322/miR-503 cluster recover the defective myocyte differentiation caused by RNA-toxic via targeting Celf1. Restoring miR-322/miR-503 levels could be an avenue for DM1 therapy.

Fusidic acid derivatives from the endophytic fungus Acremonium pilosum F47.

Fusidic acid, a representative member of fungal fusidane triterpenoids, has been clinically used as an antibiotic. In the present study, fusidic acid (1), and its known analogs 16-desacetylfusidic acid (2) and 3ß,20-dihydroxy-protosta-16,24-dien-29-oic acid (4), together with one new derivative acremonidiol A (3), were isolated from the endophytic fungus, Acremonium pilosum F47. Their structures were determined by MS and NMR. The spectroscopic data of 2 are firstly reported here. The antibacterial efficacies of 1-4 were evaluated against four selected Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. As expected, only compound 1 showed strong inhibitory effect on Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.

Pleosporalins H and I, two new heptaketides from the endophytic fungus Pleosporales sp. F46 by using OSMAC strategy.

Two new heptaketides, pleosporalins H and I (1 and 2), as well as seven biosynthetically related known polyketides (3-9) were isolated from the endophytic fungus, Pleosporales sp. F46 by employing the one strain-many compounds (OSMAC) approach. The planar, relative and absolute structures of these compounds were identified by extensive spectroscopic analysis including HRMS, NMR, optical rotations and ECD calculations. The cytotoxic efficiencies of all isolated compounds 1-9 were evaluated against four cancer cell lines A549, CT-26, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.

Fupyrones A and B, two new α-pyrones from an endophytic fungus, Fusarium sp. F20.

Two new α-pyrones, fupyrones A and B (1 and 2) and a biosynthetically related known α-pyrone, 4-methyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one (3), were isolated from an endophytic fungus, Fusarium sp. F20, harbored in the stems of the Chinese medicinal plant Mahonia fortunei. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data including MS and NMR. The antibacterial efficacies of compounds 1-3 were evaluated against four selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and their quorum sensing inhibitory activity was also investigated against the test organism, Chromobacterium violaceum.

Acrepyrone A, a new γ-pyrone derivative from an endophytic fungus, Acremonium citrinum SS-g13.

A new γ-pyrone derivative, acrepyrone A (1), and three known sorbicillinoids, trichodimerol (2), dihydrotrichodimerol (3) and tetrahydrotrichodimerol (4) were isolated from an endophytic fungus, Acremonium citrinum SS-g13, harboured in the roots of the Chinese medicinal plant Fructus mori. Their structures were determined by analysing MS, NMR, and ECD data. Compound 1 was evaluated for its cytotoxic effect, antibacterial activity and quorum sensing inhibitory potential.

Dimeric 1,4-benzoquinone Derivatives with Cytotoxic Activities from the Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium sp. L129.

Two new dimeric 1,4-benzoquinone derivatives, peniquinone A (1) and peniquinone B (2), a new dibenzofuran penizofuran A (3), and a new pyrazinoquinazoline derivative quinadoline D (4), together with 13 known compounds (5-17), were isolated from a marine-derived fungus Penicillium sp. L129. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Compound 1 exhibited cytotoxicity against the MCF-7, U87 and PC3 cell lines with IC50 values of 12.39 µM, 9.01 µM and 14.59 µM, respectively, while compound 2 displayed relatively weak cytotoxicity activities against MCF-7, U87 and PC3 cell lines with IC50 values of 25.32 µM, 13.45 µM and 19.93 µM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 2 showed weak quorum sensing inhibitory activity against Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 with an MIC value of 20 µg/well.

Chamiside A, a Cytochalasan with a Tricyclic Core Skeleton from the Endophytic Fungus Chaetomium nigricolor F5.

Chamiside A (1), a novel cytochalasan with a new 6/6/5-fused tricyclic core skeleton, was isolated from an endophytic fungus, Chaetomium nigricolor F5, harbored in the medicinal plant Mahonia fortunei. Its structure was unambiguously determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, measurement of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism calculation. A biosynthetic pathway for the unique ring system in 1 was proposed. Compound 1 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

Induced production of steroids by co-cultivation of two endophytes from Mahonia fortunei.

A new ergosterol derivative, 23R-hydroxy-(20Z,24R)-ergosta-4,6,8(14),20(22)-tetraen-3-one (1), and a biosynthetically related known compound, (22E,24R)-ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (2), were isolated from the co-culture between endophytic fungus Pleosporales sp. F46 and endophytic bacterium Bacillus wiedmannii Com1 both inhibiting in the medicinal plant Mahonia fortunei. The structure of the new compound 1 was determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis using HRMS and NMR, together with the modified Mosher's ester method. This is the first example of isolation of a ergosterol derivative with a Δ20(22)-double bond in the side chain. Compound 1 exhibited moderate antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and no obvious cytotoxic activities against the cancer cell lines A549, MDA-MB-231 and Hct116. Our results not only reveal that compound 1 is a potent antibacterial lead compound, but also highlight the powder of co-cultivation for inducing the production of cryptic natural products from endophytes derived from the same host plant.

Inhibition of Smurf2 translation by miR-322/503 protects from ischemia-reperfusion injury by modulating EZH2/Akt/GSK3ß signaling.

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is a common and lethal disease that threatens people's life worldwide. The underlying mechanisms are under intensive study and yet remain unclear. Here, we explored the function of miR-322/503 in myocardial I/R injury. We used isolated rat perfused heart as an in vivo model and H9c2 cells subjected with the oxygen and glucose deprivation followed by reperfusion as in vitro model to study myocardial I/R injury. 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to measure the infarct size, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP-mediated nick-end label (TUNEL) staining was used to examine apoptosis. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot were used to determine expression levels of miR-322/503, Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2), enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), p-Akt, and p-GSK3ß. Overexpression of miR-322/503 decreased infarct size, inhibited cell apoptosis, and promoted cell proliferation through upregualtion of p-Akt and p-GSK3ß. Thus the expression of miR-322/503 was reduced during I/R process. On the molecular level, miR-322/503 directly bound Smurf2 mRNA and suppressed its translation. Smurf2 ubiquitinated EZH2 and degraded EZH2, which could activate Akt/GSK3ß signaling. Our study demonstrates that miR-322/503 plays a beneficial role in myocardial I/R injury. By inhibition of Smurf2 translation, miR-322/503 induces EZH2 expression and activates Akt/GSK3ß pathway, thereby protecting cells from ischemia reperfusion injury.