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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Medicinal mushrooms, e.g., Lion's Mane ( (Bull.) Pers.), Reishi ( (Curtis) P. Karst.), Chaga ( (Ach. ex Pers.) Pilát), Cordyceps ( (Berk.) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung,... (Review)
Review
Medicinal mushrooms, e.g., Lion's Mane ( (Bull.) Pers.), Reishi ( (Curtis) P. Karst.), Chaga ( (Ach. ex Pers.) Pilát), Cordyceps ( (Berk.) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones and Spatafora), Shiitake ( (Berk.) Pegler), and Turkey Tail ( (L.) Lloyd), are considered new-generation foods and are of growing interest to consumers. They are characterised by a high content of biologically active compounds, including (1,3)(1,6)-β-d-glucans, which are classified as dietary fibre, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, and sterols. Thanks to their low-fat content, they are a low-calorie product and are classified as a functional food. They have a beneficial effect on the organism through the improvement of its overall health and nutritional level. The biologically active constituents contained in medicinal mushrooms exhibit anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory effects. In addition, these mushrooms accelerate metabolism, help fight obesity, and slow down the ageing processes thanks to their high antioxidant activity. The vast therapeutic properties of mushrooms are still not fully understood. Detailed mechanisms of the effects of medicinal mushrooms on the human organism still require long-term clinical studies to confirm their nutraceutical effects, their safety of use, and their dosage. Medicinal mushrooms have great potential to be used in the design of innovative functional foods. There is a need for further research on the possibility of incorporating mushrooms into food products to assess the interactions of their bioactive substances with ingredients in the food matrix. This review focuses on the properties of selected medicinal mushrooms and their effects on the human organism and presents current knowledge on the possibilities of their use in the production of functional foods.
Topics: Humans; Agaricales; Functional Food; Trametes; Antioxidants; Reishi; Nutritive Value
PubMed: 37513265
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145393 -
Pharmaceutics May 2023β-glucan, one of the homopolysaccharides composed of D-glucose, exists widely in cereals and microorganisms and possesses various biological activities, including... (Review)
Review
β-glucan, one of the homopolysaccharides composed of D-glucose, exists widely in cereals and microorganisms and possesses various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. More recently, there has been mounting proof that β-glucan functions as a physiologically active "biological response modulator (BRM)", promoting dendritic cell maturation, cytokine secretion, and regulating adaptive immune responses-all of which are directly connected with β-glucan-regulated glucan receptors. This review focuses on the sources, structures, immune regulation, and receptor recognition mechanisms of β-glucan.
PubMed: 37376063
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061615 -
Toxins May 2023Since ancient times, mushrooms have been considered valuable allies of human well-being both from a dietary and medicinal point of view. Their essential role in several... (Review)
Review
Since ancient times, mushrooms have been considered valuable allies of human well-being both from a dietary and medicinal point of view. Their essential role in several traditional medicines is explained today by the discovery of the plethora of biomolecules that have shown proven efficacy for treating various diseases, including cancer. Numerous studies have already been conducted to explore the antitumoural properties of mushroom extracts against cancer. Still, very few have reported the anticancer properties of mushroom polysaccharides and mycochemicals against the specific population of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this context, β-glucans are relevant in modulating immunological surveillance against this subpopulation of cancer cells within tumours. Small molecules, less studied despite their spread and assortment, could exhibit the same importance. In this review, we discuss several pieces of evidence of the association between β-glucans and small mycochemicals in modulating biological mechanisms which are proven to be involved with CSCs development. Experimental evidence and an in silico approach are evaluated with the hope of contributing to future strategies aimed at the direct study of the action of these mycochemicals on this subpopulation of cancer cells.
Topics: Humans; beta-Glucans; Agaricales; Polysaccharides; Neoplasms; Neoplastic Stem Cells
PubMed: 37368660
DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060360 -
Science Immunology Nov 2023Myeloid cells facilitate T cell immune evasion in cancer yet are pliable and have antitumor potential. Here, by cotargeting myeloid activation molecules, we leveraged...
Myeloid cells facilitate T cell immune evasion in cancer yet are pliable and have antitumor potential. Here, by cotargeting myeloid activation molecules, we leveraged the myeloid compartment as a therapeutic vulnerability in mouse models of pancreatic cancer. Myeloid cells in solid tumors expressed activation receptors including the pattern recognition receptor Dectin-1 and the TNF receptor superfamily member CD40. In mouse models of checkpoint inhibitor-resistant pancreatic cancer, coactivation of Dectin-1, via systemic β-glucan therapy, and CD40, with agonist antibody treatment, eradicated established tumors and induced immunological memory. Antitumor activity was dependent on cDC1s and T cells but did not require classical T cell-mediated cytotoxicity or blockade of checkpoint molecules. Rather, targeting CD40 drove T cell-mediated IFN-γ signaling, which converged with Dectin-1 activation to program distinct macrophage subsets to facilitate tumor responses. Thus, productive cancer immune surveillance in pancreatic tumors resistant to checkpoint inhibition can be invoked by coactivation of complementary myeloid signaling pathways.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Pancreatic Neoplasms; CD40 Antigens; Immunotherapy
PubMed: 37976347
DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adj5097 -
Microbiological Research Sep 2023β-glucans are a large class of complex polysaccharides found in abundant sources. Our dietary sources of β-glucans are cereals that include oats and barley, and... (Review)
Review
β-glucans are a large class of complex polysaccharides found in abundant sources. Our dietary sources of β-glucans are cereals that include oats and barley, and non-cereal sources can consist of mushrooms, microalgae, bacteria, and seaweeds. There is substantial clinical interest in β-glucans; as they can be used for a variety of diseases including cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Suitable sources of β-glucans for biopharmaceutical applications include bacteria, microalgae, mycelium, and yeast. Environmental factors including culture medium can influence the biomass and ultimately β-glucan content. Therefore, cultivation conditions for the above organisms can be controlled for sustainable enhanced production of β-glucans. This review discusses the various sources of β-glucans and their cultivation conditions that may be optimised to exploit sustainable production. Finally, this article discusses the immune-modulatory potential of β-glucans from these sources.
Topics: Humans; beta-Glucans; Agaricales; Immunity; Neoplasms; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 37301079
DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127424 -
Science Advances Sep 20231,3-β-Glucan serves as the primary component of the fungal cell wall and is produced by 1,3-β-glucan synthase located in the plasma membrane. This synthase is a...
1,3-β-Glucan serves as the primary component of the fungal cell wall and is produced by 1,3-β-glucan synthase located in the plasma membrane. This synthase is a molecular target for antifungal drugs such as echinocandins and the triterpenoid ibrexafungerp. In this study, we present the cryo-electron microscopy structure of 1,3-β-glucan synthase (Fks1) at 2.47-Å resolution. The structure reveals a central catalytic region adopting a cellulose synthase fold with a cytosolic conserved GT-A-type glycosyltransferase domain and a closed transmembrane channel responsible for glucan transportation. Two extracellular disulfide bonds are found to be crucial for Fks1 enzymatic activity. Through structural comparative analysis with cellulose synthases and structure-guided mutagenesis studies, we gain previously unknown insights into the molecular mechanisms of fungal 1,3-β-glucan synthase.
Topics: beta-Glucans; Cryoelectron Microscopy; Antifungal Agents; Catalysis
PubMed: 37703377
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh7820 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024Cereal (1,3)(1,4)-β-d-glucans, known as β-d-glucans, are cell wall polysaccharides observed in selected plants of grasses, and oats and barley are their good natural... (Review)
Review
Cereal (1,3)(1,4)-β-d-glucans, known as β-d-glucans, are cell wall polysaccharides observed in selected plants of grasses, and oats and barley are their good natural sources. Thanks to their physicochemical properties β-d-glucans have therapeutic and nutritional potential and a specific place for their functional characteristics in diverse food formulations. They can function as thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and textural and gelation agents in beverages, bakery, meat, and extruded products. The objective of this review is to describe the primary procedures for the production of β-d-glucans from cereal grains, to define the processing factors influencing their properties, and to summarize their current use in the production of novel cereal-based foods. Additionally, the study delves into the utilization of β-d-glucans in the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology, exploring potential applications within this technological realm.
PubMed: 38338635
DOI: 10.3390/foods13030500 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2023This review consolidates current knowledge on β-D-glucans in and presents current findings and connections that expand our understanding of the characteristics,... (Review)
Review
This review consolidates current knowledge on β-D-glucans in and presents current findings and connections that expand our understanding of the characteristics, functions, and applications of this cell wall polysaccharide. By associating information from multiple disciplines, the review offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and consumers interested in harnessing the benefits of β-D-glucans in various fields. The review can serve as a valuable resource for plant biology researchers, cereal breeders, and plant-based food producers, providing insights into the potential of β-D-glucans and opening new avenues for future research and innovation in the field of this bioactive and functional ingredient.
PubMed: 37374169
DOI: 10.3390/life13061387 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Controlling the stereoselectivity of 1,2- glycosylation is one of the most challenging tasks in the chemical synthesis of glycans. There are various 1,2- glycosides in... (Review)
Review
Controlling the stereoselectivity of 1,2- glycosylation is one of the most challenging tasks in the chemical synthesis of glycans. There are various 1,2- glycosides in nature, such as α-glucoside and β-mannoside in glycoproteins, glycolipids, proteoglycans, microbial polysaccharides, and bioactive natural products. In the structure of polysaccharides such as α-glucan, 1,2- α-glucosides were found to be the major linkage between the glucopyranosides. Various regioisomeric linkages, 1→3, 1→4, and 1→6 for the backbone structure, and 1→2/3/4/6 for branching in the polysaccharide as well as in the oligosaccharides were identified. To achieve highly stereoselective 1,2- glycosylation, including α-glucosylation, a number of strategies using inter- and intra-molecular methodologies have been explored. Recently, Zn salt-mediated glycosylation has been developed and applied to the synthesis of various 1,2- linkages, such as α-glucoside and β-mannoside, via the 1,2- glycosylation pathway and β-galactoside 1,4/6- induction. Furthermore, the synthesis of various structures of α-glucans has been achieved using the recent progressive stereoselective 1,2- glycosylation reactions. In this review, recent advances in stereoselective 1,2- glycosylation, particularly focused on α-glucosylation, and their applications in the construction of linear and branched α-glucans are summarized.
Topics: Glycosylation; Polysaccharides; Glucans; Glucosides; Mannosides; Stereoisomerism
PubMed: 37570614
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155644 -
Polymers Aug 2023Biopolymers of yeast cell walls, such as β-glucan, mannoprotein, and chitin, may serve as viable encapsulants for probiotics. Due to its thermal stability, β-glucan is... (Review)
Review
Biopolymers of yeast cell walls, such as β-glucan, mannoprotein, and chitin, may serve as viable encapsulants for probiotics. Due to its thermal stability, β-glucan is a suitable cryoprotectant for probiotic microorganisms during freeze-drying. Mannoprotein has been shown to increase the adhesion of probiotic microorganisms to intestinal epithelial cells. Typically, chitin is utilized in the form of its derivatives, particularly chitosan, which is derived via deacetylation. Brewery waste has shown potential as a source of β-glucan that can be optimally extracted through thermolysis and sonication to yield up to 14% β-glucan, which can then be processed with protease and spray drying to achieve utmost purity. While laminarinase and sodium deodecyle sulfate were used to isolate and extract mannoproteins and glucanase was used to purify them, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide precipitation was used to improve the amount of purified mannoproteins to 7.25 percent. The maximum chitin yield of 2.4% was attained by continuing the acid-alkali reaction procedure, which was then followed by dialysis and lyophilization. Separation and purification of yeast cell wall biopolymers via diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) anion exchange chromatography can be used to increase the purity of β-glucan, whose purity in turn can also be increased using concanavalin-A chromatography based on the glucan/mannan ratio. In the meantime, mannoproteins can be purified via affinity chromatography that can be combined with zymolase treatment. Then, dialysis can be continued to obtain chitin with high purity. β-glucans, mannoproteins, and chitosan-derived yeast cell walls have been shown to promote the survival of probiotic microorganisms in the digestive tract. In addition, the prebiotic activity of β-glucans and mannoproteins can combine with microorganisms to form synbiotics.
PubMed: 37631538
DOI: 10.3390/polym15163481