Microbial Biotechnology (Sep 2024)

Genomic characterization and identification of candidate genes for putative podophyllotoxin biosynthesis pathway in Penicillium herquei HGN12.1C

  • Duong Huy Nguyen,
  • Quang Ho Tran,
  • Lam Tung Le,
  • Ha Hong Thi Nguyen,
  • Hoa Thi Tran,
  • Thuy Phuong Do,
  • Anh Ngoc Ho,
  • Quang Hong Tran,
  • Hien Thi Nguyen Thu,
  • Van Ngoc Bui,
  • Hoang Ha Chu,
  • Ngoc Bich Pham

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.70007
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 9
pp. n/a – n/a

Abstract

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Abstract Previous studies have reported the functional role, biochemical features and synthesis pathway of podophyllotoxin (PTOX) in plants. In this study, we employed combined morphological and molecular techniques to identify an endophytic fungus and extract PTOX derivatives. Based on the analysis of ITS sequences and the phylogenetic tree, the isolate was classified as Penicillium herquei HGN12.1C, with a sequence identity of 98.58%. Morphologically, the HGN12.1C strain exhibits white colonies, short‐branched mycelia and densely packed hyphae. Using PacBio sequencing at an average read depth of 195×, we obtained a high‐quality genome for the HGN12.1C strain, which is 34.9 Mb in size, containing eight chromosomes, one mitochondrial genome and a GC content of 46.5%. Genome analysis revealed 10 genes potentially involved in PTOX biosynthesis. These genes include VdtD, Pinoresinollariciresinol reductase (PLR), Secoisolariciresinol dehydrogenase (SDH), CYP719A23, CYP71BE54, O‐methyltransferase 1 (OMT1), O‐methyltransferase 3 (OMT3), 2‐ODD, CYP71CU and CYP82D61. Notably, the VdtD gene in fungi shares functional similarities with the DIR gene found in plants. Additionally, we identified peltatin, a PTOX derivative, in the HGN12.1C extract. Docking analysis suggests a potential role for the 2‐ODD enzyme in converting yatein to deoxypodophyllotoxin. These findings offer invaluable insights into the synthesis mechanism of PTOX in fungi, shedding light on the relationship between host plants and endophytes.