MycoWeekly Newsletter

Your Weekly Dose of Mycology Research

Mechanism of Unexpected In-Trans Post-PKS Polyketide Reduction in Cochliodone Biosynthesis.

2025-03-20
Journal of the American Chemical Society • Level 3 (4 panels)
Christopher Sarmales-Murga, Michio Sato, Motoki Kosaka, Fumito Akaoka, Kenji Watanabe

In the biosynthesis of cochliodone, polyketides (PKs) undergo unexpected in-trans reduction post-synthesis by nonreducing polyketide synthase (PKS) CcdL. This study identifies an acetyltransferase, acetate lyase, and enoyl reductase as key enzymes facilitating extensive reduction of the unsaturated PK backbone, revealing novel insights into chemoenzymatic modifications in fungal metabolites.

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Enantioselective Biosynthesis of (+)- and (-)-Auranthines.

2025-03-18
Journal of the American Chemical Society • Level 3 (4 panels)
Shinji Kishimoto, Tsubasa Tamura, Takumi Okamoto, Kenji Watanabe

Enantioselective biosynthesis refers to the production of molecules that are identical except for their mirror-image orientation, known as enantiomers. This study identifies distinct nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), NitA and NitC, responsible for synthesizing the enantiomers (+)- and (-)-auranthines. These findings underline NRPS diversity's role in producing stereochemically complex fungal metabolites.

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Non-Canonical Type II Terpene Cyclases Deliver Rare Terpenoid Architectures.

2025-03-17
Journal of the American Chemical Society • Level 3 (4 panels)
Rose M McLellan, Daniel Berry, R. Cameron, Emily J Parker

Terpene cyclases are enzymes critical for constructing diverse terpenoid structures. In Aspergillus fresenii, researchers have identified a unique Type II terpene cyclase pathway responsible for synthesizing the rare radarin scaffold. A specific regioselective IDT epoxidase modifies 3'-geranylgeranylindole, highlighting a novel biosynthetic route for intricate IDT architectures.

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Exploring the female genital tract mycobiome in young South African women using metaproteomics

2025-03-19
Microbiome • Level 3 (7 panels)
Tamlyn K. Gangiah, Arghavan Alisoltani, Matthys G. Potgieter, L. Bell, Elizabeth Ross, A. Iranzadeh, Zac McDonald, Imane Allali, S. Dabee, S. Barnabas, Jonathan M. Blackburn, David L. Tabb, L. Bekker, Heather B Jaspan, J. Passmore, Nicola Mulder, Lindi Masson

The female genital tract (FGT) mycobiome refers to the diverse fungal communities present within the reproductive system. In a groundbreaking study, researchers employed metaproteomics to characterize the taxonomic composition and functional processes of the FGT mycobiome in South African women. This work uncovers significant diversity, laying crucial groundwork for future FGT mycobiome research.

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