Apllication of epigenetic tools in mycogone species for the enrichment of their fungal secondary metabolome

Fungi are known for their ability to produce bioactive small molecules. Production of fungal secondary metabolites is a special process that occurs only under specific environmental conditions or at a certain stage in their life cycle. Many microorganisms harbor significant numbers of secondary-metabolite-encoding biosynthetic pathways, but only a fraction of their small-molecule products are detected in the laboratory. The potential for using epigenetic modifying agents to induce changes in fungal secondary metabolism have only recently come to light [1]. In a continuation of our studies for the discovery of novel metabolites from filamentous fungi, the effect of application of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors has been investigated, as well as the use of synthetic adsorbent resins in the production of secondary metabolites in strains of the mycophilous fungus Mycogone, in liquid fermentations. The strains have been cultivated in the presence and absence of the epigenetic chemical agents. The metabolic profiling of the extracts were compared using HPTLC and HPLC methods and it was concluded that the epigenetic tools enhanced in the strains both the over expression of specific secondary metabolites, as well as the production of novel secondary metabolites.

References: 1. Cichewicz R.H. Nat. Prod. Rep., 2010, 27, 11–22