Multi-layered engineering of Aspergillus terreus enhances biosynthesis of the plant-derived fungicide physcion.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Emodin and its derivatives are important bioactive anthraquinones from rhubarb, with diverse pharmacological activities. Physcion, an O-methylated derivative of emodin, is a promising plant-derived fungicide and pharmaceutical lead. However, plant extraction yields are low and land-intensive, while microbial production is hampered by inefficient conversion and byproduct accumulation.

Results

Here, we identify a cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP-H6231) that, with its dedicated redox partner cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR-H10273), converts emodin to ω-hydroxyemodin in Aspergillus terreus. Deletion of CYP-H6231 increased physcion titer by 1.8-fold and significantly improved product purity. Further engineering, via 3-O-methyltransferase overexpression, SAM pathway enhanceme

SUBMITTER: Ren Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12613595 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature