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Molecular Aspects of Medicinal Fungi
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Molecular Aspects of Medicinal Fungi

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2021) | Viewed by 28594

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jen-Tsung Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
Interests: bioactive compounds; chromatography techniques; medicinal plants; phytochemicals; plant biotechnology; plant growth regulators; plant secondary metabolites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fungi (mushrooms) have multiple uses involving cosmeceuticals, dietary foods and supplements, biological control agents, and pharmaceuticals at the present time. A hung number of natural compounds and enzymes with bioactivities were identified and many are recognized to possess medicinal functions including antitumor, immunomodulation, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and so on. Nowadays, medicinal fungi are a source of pharmaceuticals, but our knowledge about molecular mechanisms in their biological or medical actions is still limited. This Special Issue aims to explore molecular insights into the efficacy of natural compounds from fungi with the assistance of modern molecular tools such as high-throughput technologies (multi-omics, bioinformatics, and systems pharmacology) and emerging biotechnologies (genome editing, nanotechnology, and drug delivery systems), and so on.

Dr. Jen-Tsung Chen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • anticancer
  • antioxidant activity
  • fungi
  • immunomodulation
  • mushrooms
  • polysaccharides
  • secondary metabolites

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

2 pages, 177 KiB  
Editorial
Molecular Aspects of Medicinal Fungi
by Jen-Tsung Chen
J. Fungi 2022, 8(2), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8020138 - 29 Jan 2022
Viewed by 2182
Abstract
For thousands of years, fungi or mushrooms have been used as biological control agents, cosmeceuticals, dietary foods and supplements, pharmaceuticals, and traditional medicines around the world [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Medicinal Fungi)

Research

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18 pages, 4966 KiB  
Article
Investigations into Chemical Components from Monascus purpureus with Photoprotective and Anti-Melanogenic Activities
by Ho-Cheng Wu, Yih-Fung Chen, Ming-Jen Cheng, Ming-Der Wu, Yen-Lin Chen and Hsun-Shuo Chang
J. Fungi 2021, 7(8), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7080619 - 29 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3261
Abstract
Monascus species are asexually or sexually reproduced homothallic fungi that can produce a red colorant, specifically the so-called red yeast rice or Anka, which is used as a food ingredient in Asia. Traditional experiences of using Monascus for treating indigestion, enhancing blood circulation, [...] Read more.
Monascus species are asexually or sexually reproduced homothallic fungi that can produce a red colorant, specifically the so-called red yeast rice or Anka, which is used as a food ingredient in Asia. Traditional experiences of using Monascus for treating indigestion, enhancing blood circulation, and health remedies motivate us to investigate and repurpose Monascus-fermented products. Here, two new 5H-cyclopenta[c]pyridine type azaphilones, 5S,6S-monaspurpyridine A (1) and 5R,6R-monaspurpyridine A (2), two new xanthonoids, monasxanthones A and B (3 and 4), one new naphthalenone, monasnaphthalenone (5), and one new azaphilone, monapurpurin (6), along with two known compounds were isolated from the 70% EtOH extract of a citrinin-free domesticated strain M. purpureus BCRC 38110. The phytochemical properties of the xanthonoid and naphthalenone components were first identified from Monascus sp. differently from the representative ingredients of polyketide-derived azaphilones. UVB-induced cell viability loss and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in human keratinocytes were attenuated by monascuspirolide B (7) and ergosterol peroxide (8), indicating their photoprotective potentials. Ergosterol peroxide (8) decreased the melanin contents and tyrosinase activities of mouse melanocytes, depending on the concentration, suggesting their anti-melanogenic effects. In conclusion, six new and two known compounds were isolated from M. purpureus BCRC 38110, and two of them exhibited dermal protective activities. The results revealed the novel potential of M. purpureus for developing natural cosmeceutics against skin photoaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Medicinal Fungi)
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11 pages, 2260 KiB  
Article
Oral Administration of Armillaria mellea Mycelia Promotes Non-Rapid Eye Movement and Rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Rats
by I-Chen Li, Ting-Wei Lin, Tung-Yen Lee, Yun Lo, Yih-Min Jiang, Yu-Hsuan Kuo, Chin-Chu Chen and Fang-Chia Chang
J. Fungi 2021, 7(5), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7050371 - 10 May 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3420
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore whether water and ethanol extracts of Armillaria mellea mycelia produce sedative and hypnotic effects in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were surgically implanted with two electroencephalogram electrodes on the skull and an electromyogram electrode on neck muscle to [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to explore whether water and ethanol extracts of Armillaria mellea mycelia produce sedative and hypnotic effects in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were surgically implanted with two electroencephalogram electrodes on the skull and an electromyogram electrode on neck muscle to evaluate the alterations in rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep after oral administration of the water and ethanol extracts. Following post-surgical recovery, thirty-six rats were randomly divided into four treatment groups and two control groups. They were treated orally with vehicle, 75 and 150 mg/kg doses of water and ethanolic extracts 15 min prior to the onset of dark (active) period. Electroencephalography results showed that the low dose of A. mellea mycelia water extract increased REM sleep time while the high dose enhanced both REM and NREM sleep times during the subsequent light (rest) period. On the other hand, although the low dose of A. mellea mycelia ethanolic extract did not alter both NREM sleep and REM sleep during the dark and light periods, the high dose increased both REM and NREM sleep during the light periods in naive rats. The HPLC-DAD analyses of both extracts allowed the identification of GABA and seven sesquiterpenoids. Based on these findings, the present study showed for the first time that water and ethanolic extracts of A. mellea mycelia, containing a source of biologically active compounds, could increase both NREM sleep and REM sleep during the rest period and may be useful for the treatment of insomnia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Medicinal Fungi)
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14 pages, 2220 KiB  
Article
Differential Induction Pattern Towards Classically Activated Macrophages in Response to an Immunomodulatory Extract from Pleurotus ostreatus Mycelium
by Gabriel Llauradó Maury, Humberto J. Morris-Quevedo, Annick Heykers, Ellen Lanckacker, Davie Cappoen, Peter Delputte, Wim Vanden Berghe, Zelene Salgueiro and Paul Cos
J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030206 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2860
Abstract
Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom preparations have been investigated because of their ability to modulate the immune function. However, there is still no consensus regarding the activation and polarizing effect on macrophages by Pleurotus-derived bioproducts. This study examined the immune-activating effect of a mycelium-derived [...] Read more.
Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom preparations have been investigated because of their ability to modulate the immune function. However, there is still no consensus regarding the activation and polarizing effect on macrophages by Pleurotus-derived bioproducts. This study examined the immune-activating effect of a mycelium-derived P. ostreatus aqueous extract (HW-Pm) on macrophage functions, by means of the determination of nitric oxide (NO) production, the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Arginase-1 and FIZZ and the cytokine levels. The phagocytic activity and the activation of NF-κB in U937 reporter cells were also investigated. No cytotoxicity was observed in macrophages treated with HW-Pm (IC50 > 1024 μg/mL) by the resazurin test. HW-Pm induced high levels of NO production and iNOS expression in macrophages. In contrast, HW-Pm did not induce Arginase-1 and FIZZ mRNA expressions. The mushroom extract increased TNF-α and IL-6 production and the phagocytic function in murine macrophages. It also stimulated the activation of the NF-κB promoter. The P. ostreatus mycelium extract has a potential application as a natural immune-enhancing agent, by targeting macrophage activation towards the classically activated subset and stimulating macrophage-mediated innate immune responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Medicinal Fungi)
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Review

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27 pages, 4803 KiB  
Review
Potential of Anti-Cancer Activity of Secondary Metabolic Products from Marine Fungi
by Efaq Noman, Muhanna Mohammed Al-Shaibani, Muhammed Adnan Bakhrebah, Reyad Almoheer, Mohammed Al-Sahari, Adel Al-Gheethi, Radin Maya Saphira Radin Mohamed, Yaaser Qaeed Almulaiky and Wesam Hussain Abdulaal
J. Fungi 2021, 7(6), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7060436 - 30 May 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6762
Abstract
The promising feature of the fungi from the marine environment as a source for anticancer agents belongs to the fungal ability to produce several compounds and enzymes which contribute effectively against the cancer cells growth. L-asparaginase acts by degrading the asparagine which is [...] Read more.
The promising feature of the fungi from the marine environment as a source for anticancer agents belongs to the fungal ability to produce several compounds and enzymes which contribute effectively against the cancer cells growth. L-asparaginase acts by degrading the asparagine which is the main substance of cancer cells. Moreover, the compounds produced during the secondary metabolic process acts by changing the cell morphology and DNA fragmentation leading to apoptosis of the cancer cells. The current review has analyed the available information on the anticancer activity of the fungi based on the data extracted from the Scopus database. The systematic and bibliometric analysis revealed many of the properties available for the fungi to be the best candidate as a source of anticancer drugs. Doxorubicin, actinomycin, and flavonoids are among the primary chemical drug used for cancer treatment. In comparison, the most anticancer compounds producing fungi are Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus A. oryzae, A. flavus, A. versicolor, A. terreus, Penicillium citrinum, P. chrysogenum, and P. polonicum and have been used for investigating the anticancer activity against the uterine cervix, pancreatic cancer, ovary, breast, colon, and colorectal cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Medicinal Fungi)
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21 pages, 18509 KiB  
Review
Effects of Medicinal Fungi-Derived β-Glucan on Tumor Progression
by Vaclav Vetvicka, Tamara V. Teplyakova, Alexandra B. Shintyapina and Tatiana A. Korolenko
J. Fungi 2021, 7(4), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7040250 - 25 Mar 2021
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 8671
Abstract
β-Glucans have been studied in animal species, from earthworms to humans. They form a heterogenous group of glucose polymers found in fungi, plants, bacteria, and seaweed. β-Glucans have slowly emerged as an important target for the recognition of pathogens. In the current review, [...] Read more.
β-Glucans have been studied in animal species, from earthworms to humans. They form a heterogenous group of glucose polymers found in fungi, plants, bacteria, and seaweed. β-Glucans have slowly emerged as an important target for the recognition of pathogens. In the current review, we highlight the major roles of mushroom-derived β-glucans on cancer progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Medicinal Fungi)
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