Key insights into secondary metabolites from various Chaetomium species

Abstract

Endophytic fungi have proved to be a major source of secondary metabolites, wherein the genus Chaetomium has emerged as a source of multifarious bioactive natural compounds belonging to diverse classes such as chaetoglobosins, epipolythiodioxopiperazines, azaphilones, xanthones, anthraquinone, chromones, depsidones, terpenoids, and steroids. The objective of this review is to encapsulate recent findings on various Chaetomium strains, such as C. globosum , C. cupreum , C. elatum , C. subspirale , C. olivaceum , C. indicum , and C. nigricolor known for production of beneficial secondary metabolites, with an insight into their origin and function. A thorough literature survey was conducted for obtaining Chaetomium -derived secondary metabolites, with a scope of future application into drug development efforts. More than 100 secondary metabolites, with various beneficial properties such as antitumor, cytotoxic, antimalarial, and enzyme inhibitory activities, were enlisted. We believe this review will enhance the understanding of beneficial effects conferred by various Chaetomium -derived secondary metabolites and emphasize their potential in serving novel drug development efforts. Key points • Identified Chaetomium - derived metabolites with potential for drug development. • More than 100 beneficial metabolites are enlisted. • Benefits include anti-cancerous, antimalarial, and anti-enzymatic properties . Graphical Abstract

Visualization of the relationship between fungi and cancer from the perspective of bibliometric analysis

“…Anticancer activity of fungal metabolites: The study of the anticancer activity of fungal metabolites is a rapidly growing field, involving the evaluation of various compounds from fungal sources, their mechanisms of action, and biosynthetic pathways on cancer cells [ 72 , 82 , [111] , [112] , [113] , [114] , [115] , [116] ]. Fungi produce a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including, terpenes, polyphenols, and alkaloids, many of which exhibit significant anticancer activity and can serve as candidates or lead compounds for novel anticancer drugs [ 114 , [117] , [118] , [119] , [120] , [121] ].…”

“…Induction of apoptosis by fungal metabolites: The induction of apoptosis by fungal metabolites has become a rapidly growing field in natural product drug discovery with promising potential for cancer prevention and treatment [ 72 , 143 ]. This field focuses on understanding the compounds produced by fungi that have the ability to induce self-regulated death of cancer cells, as well as their mechanisms of action and biosynthetic pathways [ 72 , 82 , [111] , [112] , [113] , [114] , [115] , [116] , 144 ]. The mechanisms by which fungal metabolites induce apoptosis in cancer cells are diverse and involve various signaling pathways and molecular targets.…”

Effects of Drought Stress during the Flowering Period on the Rhizosphere Fungal Diversity of Broomcorn Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)

“…In the rhizosphere soil of 'Hequ Red Millet', there were higher abundances of genera such as Pseudogymnoascus, Chaetomium, Nothophoma and Trichocladium. Among these, Chaetomium is known to promote plant growth [47] and have a role in biological control [48,49]. They can produce secondary metabolites with antitoxic [50] and antibacterial properties [51], degrade cellulose and organic matter [52][53][54], promote plant absorption of nutrients and induce systemic resistance in plants themselves [55].…”

Abundance and diversity of fungal endophytes isolated from monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii) grown in a Canadian research greenhouse

“…Chaetomium spp. are the source of more than 100 useful secondary metabolites (Dwibedi et al, 2023). For example, Arcopilus aureus (anamorph: Chaetomium aureum) produces high levels of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant, and sclerotiorin, which has anti-cancer properties (Dwibedi & Saxena, 2018) TA B L E 5 (Continued) (Kulišová et al, 2021).…”