Anti-Inflammatory Phomalones from the Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Trichobotrys effuse FS522.

Four new phomalones A-D (1-4), together with five known analogues (5-9) were isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungus Trichobotrys effuse FS522. Their structures of the new compounds established by analysis of their NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations of 2 was determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. compounds 4, 6 and 8 substantially inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) with IC50 values of 4.64, 13.90, and 34.07 µM.

Cytotoxic diaporindene and tenellone derivatives from the fungus Phomopsis lithocarpus.

Nine new compounds, including five natural rarely-occurring 2, 3-dihydro-1H-indene derivatives named diaporindenes E-I (1-5), and four new benzophenone analogues named tenellones J-M (6-9) were isolated from the deep-sea sediment-derived fungus Phomopsis lithocarpus FS508. All the structures for these new compounds were fully characterized on the basis of spectroscopic data, NMR spectra, and ECD calculation and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The potential anti-tumor activities of compounds 1-9 against four tumor cell lines SF-268, MCF-7, HepG-2, and A549 were evaluated using the SRB method. Compound 7 exhibited cytotoxic activity against the SF-268 cell line with an IC50 value of 11.36 µmol·L-1.

Cytotoxic triquinane-type sesquiterpenoids from the endophytic fungus Cerrena sp. A593.

The culture broth of Cerrena sp. A593, which was isolated from Pogostemon cablin, showed potent cytotoxicity against several human tumor cell lines. The following chemical study resulted in the isolation of two new triquinane-type sesquiterpenoids, named cerrenins D (1) and E (2), along with two known compounds plerocybellone A (3) and chloriolin B (4). Their structures were fully assigned with the aid of extensive spectroscopic analysis (1H and 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, 1H-1H COSY, HRESIMS, and IR) and data from the literature. Moreover, cytotoxic activity in vitro of compounds 1-4 were evaluated against SF-268, MCF-7, NCI-H460, and HepG-2 tumor cell lines. The new compound 1 exhibited weak growth inhibitory activity against all the four tumor cell lines with IC50 values of 41.01, 14.43, 29.67, 44.32 µM.

Cytotoxic Polyketides from a Deep-Sea Sediment Derived Fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum FS431.

Two new chromone-derived polyketides phaseolorins, G and H (1 and 2), and one new anthraquinone derivative, phaseolorin I (3), together with three known compounds (4-6), were isolated from the deep-sea sediment-derived fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum FS431. The structures of the new compounds were determined by comprehensive analysis of their spectroscopic data, and the absolute configuration of 1 was established by quantum chemical calculations of electron capture detection (ECD). All the isolated compounds (1-6) were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activities against four human tumor cell lines, of which compound 4 exhibited significant effect against MCF-7, HepG-2, and A549 tumor cell lines with IC50 values of 2.60, 2.55, and 4.64 µM, respectively.

Tersone A-G, New Pyridone Alkaloids from the Deep-Sea Fungus Phomopsis tersa.

Four phenylfuropyridone racemates, (±)-tersones A-C and E (1-3, 5), one phenylpyridone racemate, (±)-tersone D (4), one new pyridine alkaloid, tersone F (6), single new phenylfuropyridone, tersone G (7) and two known analogs 8 and 9 were isolated from the deep-sea fungus Phomopsis tersa. Their structures and absolute configurations were characterized on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Moreover, compounds 1-9 were evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. Compounds 5b and 8b exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus with the MIC value of 31.5 µg/mL, while compound 5b showed cytoxic activities against SF-268, MCF-7, HepG-2 and A549 cell lines with IC50 values of 32.0, 29.5, 39.5 and 33.2 µM, respectively.

Chromone-Derived Polyketides from the Deep-Sea Fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum FS431.

Five new chromone-derived polyketides phaseolorins A-F (1⁻5), together with nine known compounds, were isolated from the deep-sea derived fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum FS431. The structures of new compounds were determined by analysis of their NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS) spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations were confirmed by chemical transformations, extensively experimental electron capture detection (ECD) calculations, or X-ray crystallography. Among them, compound 2 represented the first example for a new family of chromone derivative possessing an unprecedented recombined five-member γ-lactone ring. Moreover, the new compounds (1⁻5) were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines.

Cytosporins A-D, novel benzophenone derivatives from the endophytic fungus Cytospora rhizophorae A761.

Four novel benzophenone derivatives, cytosporins A-D (1-4), hemiterpene-conjugated phenolics with an unprecedented benzo[b][1,5]dioxocane skeleton, were isolated from Cytospora rhizophorae A761. The structures of the new compounds were fully characterized on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. The deduced structure represents the first example of natural meroterpenoids which bear a benzo[b][1,5]dioxocane framework embodying hemiterpene and benzophenone moieties. Moreover, compounds 1-4 were evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity.

Interaction of a Novel Zn2Cys6 Transcription Factor DcGliZ with Promoters in the Gliotoxin Biosynthetic Gene Cluster of the Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Dichotomomyces cejpii.

Gliotoxin is an important epipolythiodioxopiperazine, which was biosynthesized by the gli gene cluster in Aspergillus genus. However, the regulatory mechanism of gliotoxin biosynthesis remains unclear. In this study, a novel Zn2Cys6 transcription factor DcGliZ that is responsible for the regulation of gliotoxin biosynthesis from the deep-sea-derived fungus Dichotomomyces cejpii was identified. DcGliZ was expressed in Escherichia coli and effectively purified from inclusion bodies by refolding. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we demonstrated that purified DcGliZ can bind to gliG, gliM, and gliN promoter regions in the gli cluster. Furthermore, the binding kinetics and affinity of DcGliZ protein with different promoters were measured by surface plasmon resonance assays, and the results demonstrated the significant interaction of DcGliZ with the gliG, gliM, and gliN promoters. These new findings would lay the foundation for the elucidation of future gliotoxin biosynthetic regulation mechanisms in D. cejpii.

Two new 12-membered macrolides from the endophytic fungal strain Cladosprium colocasiae A801 of Callistemon viminalis.

Two new polyketide metabolites, the 12-membered macrolides 4-hydroxy-12-methyloxacyclododecane-2,5,6-trione (1) and 12-methyloxacyclododecane-2,5,6-trione (2), were isolated from the endophytic fungal strain Cladosprium colocasiae A801 of the plant Callistemon viminalis, together with five known derivatives. Their structures were fully characterized by means of detailed spectroscopic analysis for new structures, and in comparison with published data for known compounds. The antibacterial, cytotoxic, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the new compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated.

Two new metabolites from Daldinia eschscholtzii, an endophytic fungus derived from Pogostemon cablin.

The chemical investigation of the mycelia of endophytic fungus Daldinia eschscholtzii A630, which was isolated from the medicinal plant Pogostemon cablin, resulted in the isolation of two new compounds, named eschscholin A (1), 3-ene-2-methyl-2H-1-benzopyran-5-ol (2), and one new natural product 3,5-dihydroxy-2-methyl-4H-chromen-4-one (3), along with seven known compounds. Their structures were fully characterized by means of detailed spectroscopic analysis, and in comparison with published data for known compounds. All of the isolated compounds (1-10) were evaluated for their antibacterial activities.

Geospallins A⁻C: New Thiodiketopiperazines with Inhibitory Activity against Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme from a Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Geosmithia pallida FS140.

Three new thiodiketopiperazines, geospallins A⁻C (1⁻3), together with nine known analogues (4⁻12), were isolated from the culture of the deep-sea sediment-derived fungus Geosmithia pallida FS140. Among them, geospallins A and B (1 and 2) represent rare examples of thiodiketopiperazines featuring an S-methyl group at C-10 and a tertiary hydroxyl group at C-11. Their structures were determined by high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), spectroscopic analyses, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Their angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was reported, and geospallins A⁻C (1⁻3) showed inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 29⁻35 µM.

Highly Substituted Benzophenone Aldehydes and Eremophilane Derivatives from the Deep-Sea Derived Fungus Phomopsis lithocarpus FS508.

Five new benzophenone derivatives named tenellones D⁻H (1⁻5), sharing a rare naturally occurring aldehyde functionality in this family, and a new eremophilane derivative named lithocarin A (7), together with two known compounds (6 and 8), were isolated from the deep marine sediment-derived fungus Phomopsis lithocarpus FS508. All of the structures for these new compounds were fully characterized and established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic interpretation and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compound 5 exhibited cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 and A549 cell lines with IC50 values of 16.0 and 17.6 µM, respectively.

Secondary metabolites from the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides A12, an endophytic fungus derived from Aquilaria sinensis.

Two new cyclohexene derivatives colletotricones A and B (1 and 2) and a new thiazole derivative colletotricole A (5), along with six known natural metabolites were isolated from the extract of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides A12, an endophytic fungus derived from Aquilaria sinensis. Among them, the colletotricones A and B possess a cyclohexenone skeleton, whereas the colletotricole A is a thiazole derivative. Their structures were fully assigned with the aid of extensive spectroscopic analysis and data from the literature. Moreover, cytotoxic activity in vitro of compounds 1 and 3-9 were evaluated against MCF-7, NCI-H460, HepG-2 and SF-268 tumour cell lines. The new compound 1 exhibited growth inhibitory activity against all the four tumour cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 15.7 to 46.8 µM.

[Sesquiterpenoids of endophytic fungus Cerrena sp. from Pogostemon cablin and their cytotoxic activities].

The secondary metabolites of endophytic fungus Cerrena sp.A593 from Pogostemon cablin and their cytotoxic activities were investigated. Eight sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the fermentation broth of the strain A593 by silica gel, reverse phase silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, HPLC and so on. Their structures were identified as chloriolin B(1), chloriolin C(2), pleurocybellone A(3), dihydrohypnophilin(4), cucumin F(5), antrodin A(6), 10α-hydroxyamorphan-4-en-3-one(7), and connatusin A(8). Compounds 1- 8 were firstly found from the genus Cerrena. All isolated sesquiterpenoids were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activities against HepG-2, SF-268, MCF-7 and NCI-H460 tumor cell lines. Compounds 1-3 showed inhibitory activities against the four tumor cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 20.33 to 63.13 µmol•L⁻¹.

[Study on communities of endophytic fungi from Pogostemon cablin and their antimicrobial activities].

Seventy-two strains of endophytic fungi were isolated from roots, stems and leaves of Pogostemon cablin and identified as 40 species of 25 genera based on ITS sequences analysis. Among them, Phomopsis, Colletotrichum and Fusarium were dominant genera. Distribution of endophytic fungi in P. cablin showed obvious tissue-specificity, and more strains were isolated from stems with an isolation rate of 78%. The bioassay results indicated that 34 strains of 15 genera displayed antimicrobial activities against at least one of test bacteria or plant pathogenic fungi. The results obtained in this study showed that endophytic fungi in P. cablin were rich in species diversity, and some strains exhibited strong antimicrobial activities, which deserve further research.

Two New Metabolites from the Endophytic Fungus Alternaria sp. A744 Derived from Morinda officinalis.

Two new compounds isobenzofuranone A (1) and indandione B (2), together with eleven known compounds (3-13) were isolated from liquid cultures of an endophytic fungus Alternaria sp., which was obtained from the medicinal plant Morinda officinalis. Among them, the indandione (2) showed a rarely occurring indanone skeleton in natural products. Their structures were elucidated mainly on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data analysis. All of the compounds were evaluated with cytotoxic and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity assays. Compounds 11 and 12 showed significant inhibitory activities against four tumor cell lines; MCF-7, HepG-2, NCI-H460 and SF-268, with IC50 values in the range of 1.91-9.67 µM, and compounds 4, 5, 9, 10, 12 and 13 showed excellent inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase with IC50 values in the range of 12.05-166.13 µM.

Three new highly-oxygenated metabolites from the endophytic fungus Cytospora rhizophorae A761.

Cytosporaphenones A-C, one new polyhydric benzophenone and two new naphtopyrone derivatives, along with eight known ones, were isolated from Cytospora rhizophorae, an endophytic fungus from Morinda officinalis. Their structures were fully characterized by means of detailed spectroscopic analysis and X-ray single crystal diffraction. To our knowledge, the three new compounds were the most highly oxygenated metabolites of their families discovered in nature. Moreover, all of the compounds were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activities against MCF-7, NCI-H460, HepG-2 and SF-268 tumor cell lines, and the new compound 1 exhibited weak growth inhibitory activity against the tumor cell lines MCF-7 and HepG-2 with IC50 values of 70 and 60µM, respectively.

Two New Secondary Metabolites from the Endophytic Fungus Endomelanconiopsis endophytica.

Two new secondary metabolites, endomeketals A-B (1-2), a new natural product (3), and a known compound (4) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the endophytic fungus Endomelanconiopsis endophytica A326 derived from Ficus hirta. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against SF-268, MCF-7, NCI-H460, and HepG-2 tumor cell lines. However, no compound showed cytotoxic activity against these human tumor cell lines.

Cytotoxic cochlioquinone derivatives from the endophytic fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana derived from Pogostemon cablin.

Chemical investigation of the liquid culture of the endophytic fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana A606, which was isolated from the medicinal plant Pogostemon cablin resulted in the isolation of four new cytotoxic compounds, named isocochlioquinones D-E (1-2) and cochlioquinones G-H (3-4), along with five known cochlioquinone analogues (5-9). Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Isocochlioquinone D (1) possessed a rare benzothiazin-3-one moiety and cochlioquinone G (3) was the first example of cochlioquinones bearing an indole-4,7-dione fragment. All of the isolates (1-9) were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against MCF-7, NCI-H460, SF-268 and HepG-2 tumor cell lines by the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Compounds 4 and 6-9, featuring a cochlioquinone core, exhibited potent cytotoxicities in vitro against the four tumor cell lines, and a preliminary structure-activity relationship of these compounds was also discussed.

Guignardones P-S, New Meroterpenoids from the Endophytic Fungus Guignardia mangiferae A348 Derived from the Medicinal Plant Smilax glabra.

Four new meroterpenoids, guignardones P-S (1-4), and three known analogues (5-7) were isolated from the endophytic fungal strain Guignardia mangiferae A348. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on SF-268, MCF-7, and NCI-H460 human cancer cell lines. Compounds 2 and 4 exhibited weak inhibitions of cell proliferation against MCF-7 cell line.