Production of Mycophenolic Acid by a Newly Isolated Indigenous Penicillium glabrum

Abstract

Soil-occupant fungi produce a variety of mycotoxins as secondary metabolites, one of which is mycophenolic acid (MPA), an antibiotic and immunosuppressive agent. MPA is mainly produced by several species of Penicillium, especially Penicillium brevicompactum. Here, we present the first report of MPA production by a local strain belonging to Penicillium glabrum species. We screened ascomycete cultures isolated from moldy food and fruits, as well as soils, collected from different parts of Iran. MPA production of one hundred and forty Penicillium isolates was analyzed using HPLC. Three MPA producer isolates were identified, among which the most producer was subjected to further characterization, based on morphological and microscopic analysis, as well as molecular approach (ITS, rDNA and beta-tubulin gene sequences). The results revealed that the best MPA producer belongs to P. glabrum IBRC-M 30518, and can produce 1079 mg/L MPA in Czapek-Dox medium.

Analysis of Mycotoxins and Cytotoxicity of Airborne Molds Isolated from the Zoological Garden—Screening Research

“…MPA and its derivatives also have diverse biological properties, such as antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-psoriasis, antifungal, and antiviral activities. Recent reports indicate anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of MPA [ 31 ].…”

PrlaeA Affects the Production of Roquefortine C, Mycophenolic Acid, and Andrastin A in Penicillium roqueforti, but It Has Little Impact on Asexual Development

“…Mycophenolic acid is synthesized by several fungi, particularly in the genus Penicillium [57]. Recent studies have shed light on the molecular mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of mycophenolic acid in P. brevicompactum and P. roqueforti [7,8,58].…”