Unlocking fungal quorum sensing: Oxylipins and yeast interactions enhance secondary metabolism in monascus
Huiqian Liu,
Mengyao Zhang,
Linlin Xu,
FuRong Xue,
Wei Chen,
Chengtao Wang
Affiliations
Huiqian Liu
Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, PR China
Mengyao Zhang
Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, PR China
Linlin Xu
Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, PR China
FuRong Xue
Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, PR China
Wei Chen
Corresponding authorNo.33 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100048, PR China.; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, PR China
Chengtao Wang
Corresponding author.; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, PR China
Exploring the symbiotic potential between fungal and yeast species, this study investigates the co-cultivation dynamics of Monascus, a prolific producer of pharmacologically relevant secondary metabolites, and Wickerhamomyce anomalous. The collaborative interaction between these microorganisms catalyzed a substantial elevation in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, prominently Monacolin K and natural pigments. Central to our discoveries was the identification and enhanced production of oxylipins (13S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid，13S-HODE), putative quorum-sensing molecules, within the co-culture environment. Augmentation with exogenous oxylipins not only boosted Monacolin K production by over half but also mirrored morphological adaptations in Monascus, affecting both spores and mycelial structures. This augmentation was paralleled by a significant upregulation in the transcriptional activity of genes integral to the Monacolin K biosynthetic pathway, as well as genes implicated in pigment and spore formation. Through elucidating the interconnected roles of quorum sensing, G-protein-coupled receptors, and the G-protein-mediate signaling pathway, this study provides a comprehensive view of the molecular underpinnings facilitating these metabolic enhancements. Collectively, our findings illuminate the profound influence of Wickerhamomyces anomalous co-culture on Monascus purpureus, advocating for oxylipins as a pivotal quorum-sensing mechanism driving the observed symbiotic benefits.
