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6-MSA, a secondary metabolite distribution hub with multiple fungal destinations

Mihaela Bejenari1, Teis Esben Sondergaard2, Jens Laurids Sørensen1

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Esbjerg, 6700, Denmark.

Journal of Applied Microbiology
|May 23, 2023
PubMed

Insights

6-methylsalicylic acid (6-MSA) is a fungal metabolic hub. This review details 6-MSA pathways, gene clusters, and derived compounds like the mycotoxin patulin.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Mycology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • 6-methylsalicylic acid (6-MSA) is a fungal polyketide.
  • Fungi acquired 6-MSA synthesis via horizontal gene transfer.
  • 6-MSA is a versatile metabolic hub for diverse compound production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review all known pathways originating from 6-MSA.
  • To provide a synopsis of responsible gene clusters.
  • To derive the resulting biosynthetic pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of 6-MSA biosynthetic pathways.
  • Analysis of gene clusters involved in 6-MSA modification.
  • Synopsis of fungal polyketide biosynthesis.

Main Results:

  • Identified multiple complex compounds derived from 6-MSA.
  • Detailed pathways include patulin, terreic acid, and yanuthones.
  • Highlighted the aculin pathway involving non-ribosomal peptide synthase and terpene cyclase.

Conclusions:

  • 6-MSA is central to fungal secondary metabolism.
  • Understanding these pathways is crucial for mycotoxin research.
  • This review consolidates knowledge on 6-MSA derived biosynthesis.
Keywords:
6-MSA6MSASPKSgene clustersmycotoxinspolyketide synthasepolyketidessecondary metabolites

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