Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
09:49
Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
Published on: October 31, 2019
Polyoxygenated methyl cyclohexanoids from a terrestrial ampelomyces fungus.
Huiye Zhang1, Jinghua Xue, Ping Wu
1CAS Key Laboratory for Preservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Resources, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xingke Road 723, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510650, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Natural Products
|February 6, 2009
Summary
Seven new compounds, ampelomins A-G, were isolated from an Ampelomyces fungus. Some showed weak alpha-glucosidase inhibition and moderate antibacterial activity, suggesting a polyketide pathway.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Soil-derived fungi are a rich source of novel bioactive compounds.
- Ampelomyces species are known for producing secondary metabolites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize new polyoxygenated methyl cyclohexanoids from an Ampelomyces fungus.
- To evaluate the biological activities of the isolated compounds.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of compounds using spectroscopic and chemical methods.
- Structure elucidation through comprehensive analysis.
- In vitro assays for alpha-glucosidase inhibition and antibacterial activity.
Main Results:
- Seven new compounds, ampelomins A-G, were identified.
- Ampelomins A, C, E, and G demonstrated weak alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50: 1.74–5.93 mM).
- Ampelomin A exhibited moderate antibacterial activity (MIC90: 202.4–1015.9 µM).
Conclusions:
- The study successfully isolated and characterized novel cyclohexanoids from an Ampelomyces species.
- The identified compounds possess potential pharmacological activities, including enzyme inhibition and antibacterial effects.
- A proposed polyketide biosynthetic pathway offers insights into the formation of these natural products.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Fungal Group Zygomycota
Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
01:26Microbes and Methanogenesis
Methanogenesis is a critical microbial process in anaerobic ecosystems responsible for the biological production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas and valuable biofuel. This metabolic pathway is primarily facilitated by methanogenic archaea, which thrive in anoxic environments such as wetlands, sediments, and animal gastrointestinal tracts. The absence of oxygen in these habitats prevents aerobic respiration, thereby favoring alternative biochemical pathways for organic matter degradation.In...
01:15Antifungal Agents
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
01:26Bacterial Phylum Planctomycetes
Planctomycetes are a group of morphologically distinct bacteria predominantly classified into two orders: Planctomycetales and Brocadiales. These gram-negative bacteria exhibit unique features, including division by budding and the presence of stalks or appendages. Their cells are often found in rosette arrangements, and they are notable for possessing an S-layer in their cell envelope, which is relatively uncommon among bacteria. Additionally, Planctomycetes frequently exhibit intracellular...
01:27Bioplastics
Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...
01:20Fates of Pyruvate
Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis, where glucose is oxidized to pyruvate, simultaneously reducing NAD+ to NADH. Two molecules of ATP are also produced by substrate-level phosphorylation.
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...