Biotransformation of huperzine A by a fungal endophyte of Huperzia serrata furnished sesquiterpenoid-alkaloid hybrids.

ABSTRACT

Biotransformation of huperzine A (hupA) by a fungal endophyte, Ceriporia lacerate HS-ZJUT-C13A, afforded compounds 1-5 and three tremulane sesquiterpenoids, 6-8. Huptremules A-D (1-4) feature unusual sesquiterpenoid-alkaloid hybrid structures that integrate the characteristics of fungal metabolites (tremulane sesquiterpenoids) and the exogenous substrate (hupA). These results support the use of fungal endophytes as biocatalysts for the biotransformation of natural products, particularly those originating from the host plant.