Redox Homeostasis as a Key Regulator of Intramolecular Cyclization in Fungal Perylenequinones.

ABSTRACT: Perylenequinones (PQs) such as hypocrellins and hypomycins are fungal-derived redox-active metabolites with known roles as photosensitizers in the oxidative stress response and applications in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Here, we report that Shiraia sp., a filamentous fungus, can survive and grow under strictly anaerobic (argon) conditions─an unexpected finding for a multicellular eukaryote. Modulating redox homeostasis through chemical reduction and oxygen limitation promotes the intramolecular cyclization of hypocrellins, enhancing hypomycin biosynthesis. Moisture content further influences these transformations, with high water levels favoring keto-enol tautomerization and dry, reducing environments promoting hydride substitution at the peripheral positions. These findings highli

SUBMITTER: Al-Qiam RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12455569 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature