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Journal of Microbiology, Immunology,... Feb 2018Monascin (MS) and ankaflavin (AK) produced by Monascus purpureus NTU 568 were proven to show excellent hypolipidemic effects in our previous studies; however, the...
The blood lipid regulation of Monascus-produced monascin and ankaflavin via the suppression of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol assembly and stimulation of apolipoprotein A1 expression in the liver.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSES
Monascin (MS) and ankaflavin (AK) produced by Monascus purpureus NTU 568 were proven to show excellent hypolipidemic effects in our previous studies; however, the mechanism is still unclear.
METHODS
This study used MS, AK, and monacolin K as test substances and performed tests on rats fed high-fat and high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. The lipid levels and the related protein levels of the rats were assessed to understand the effects of MS, AK, and monacolin K on lipid metabolism.
RESULTS
MS and AK lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and preserved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol contents. MS and AK inhibited acetyl-coenzyme A acetyltransferase, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, and apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 expression, thereby preventing LDL assembly. In addition, enhanced LDL-receptor expression increased the transport of LDL-C to the liver for metabolism. MS and AK also significantly increase apo A1 expression, which facilitates high-density lipoprotein cholesterol formation.
CONCLUSION
Monascus-fermented MS and AK can perform blood lipid regulation via the suppression of LDL-C assembly and stimulation of apo A1 expression in liver.
Topics: Acetyl-CoA C-Acetyltransferase; Animals; Apolipoprotein A-I; Apolipoprotein B-100; Bile Acids and Salts; Body Weight; Carrier Proteins; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Diet, High-Fat; Eating; Feces; Fermentation; Flavins; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Liver; Lovastatin; Male; Monascus; Rats
PubMed: 27422746
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2016.06.003 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2022Our previous work revealed that the anabolism of secondary metabolites is closely related to cofactor metabolism. In this study, we have further investigated the...
Our previous work revealed that the anabolism of secondary metabolites is closely related to cofactor metabolism. In this study, we have further investigated the regulation mechanisms of respiratory complex I in response to the cell growth and secondary metabolite biosynthesis of . The results showed that downregulating the mRNA level of gene 8 in sharply increased the secondary metabolites biosynthesis, cell growth and glucose consumption rates at the fermentation metaphase; slightly increased the colony diameter and biomass, and dramatically changed the mycelia morphology; and decreased the tolerances to environmental factors (especially HO). It also significantly inhibited the enzymes activities of respiratory complex I, III and superoxide dismutase, but stimulated that of complex II, IV and peroxidase, leading to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and a decrease in ATP concentration. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that the mRNA levels of genes involved in respiratory chain, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and fatty acid degradation were downregulated, but those in the citrinin and pigment biosynthesis and related pathways were upregulated. These data revealed that complex I plays a vital role in regulating the cell growth and secondary metabolism of via changing the intracellular ROS and ATP levels.
PubMed: 35887413
DOI: 10.3390/jof8070655 -
Food Science and Biotechnology Jul 2020The effects of the secondary metabolite biosynthesis on the metabolism and morphology of the were investigated in this study. Hypha and septum length became longer...
The effects of the secondary metabolite biosynthesis on the metabolism and morphology of the were investigated in this study. Hypha and septum length became longer after deletion of genes R and CT in LQ-6 by -mediated transformation technology, highly branched hyphae, much smaller and freely dispersed mycelial pellets were observed in . Compared with that in the wild-type, the level of intracellular NADH and NADPH was almost constant in ΔR at 4 days, but the NADH and NADPH levels decreased by 1.58-fold and 3.71-fold in ΔCT. The present study can not only provide a kind of strategy to improve the pigments production, but also provide theoretical support for the further study of relationship between the secondary metabolites, metabolism and morphological change.
PubMed: 32582455
DOI: 10.1007/s10068-020-00745-3 -
Biotechnology For Biofuels and... May 2024Taurine, a semi-essential micronutrient, could be utilized as a sulfur source for some bacteria; however, little is known about its effect on the accumulation of...
Taurine-mediated gene transcription and cell membrane permeability reinforced co-production of bioethanol and Monascus azaphilone pigments for a newly isolated Monascus purpureus.
BACKGROUND
Taurine, a semi-essential micronutrient, could be utilized as a sulfur source for some bacteria; however, little is known about its effect on the accumulation of fermentation products. Here, it investigated the effect of taurine on co-production of bioethanol and Monascus azaphilone pigments (MonAzPs) for a fungus.
RESULTS
A newly isolated fungus of 98.92% identity with Monascus purpureus co-produced 23.43 g/L bioethanol and 66.12, 78.01 and 62.37 U/mL red, yellow and orange MonAzPs for 3 d in synthetic medium (SM). Taurine enhanced bioethanol titer, ethanol productivity and ethanol yield at the maximum by 1.56, 1.58 and 1.60 times than those of the control in corn stover hydrolysates (CSH), and red, yellow and orange MonAzPs were raised by 1.24, 1.26 and 1.29 times, respectively. Taurine was consumed extremely small quantities for M. purpureus and its promotional effect was not universal for the other two biorefinery fermenting strains. Taurine intensified the gene transcription of glycolysis (glucokinase, phosphoglycerate mutase, enolase and alcohol dehydrogenase) and MonAzPs biosynthesis (serine hydrolases, C-11-ketoreductase, FAD-dependent monooxygenase, 4-O-acyltransferase, deacetylase, NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoredutase, FAD-dependent oxidoredutase, enoyl reductase and fatty acid synthase) through de novo RNA-Seq assays. Furthermore, taurine improved cell membrane permeability through changing cell membrane structure by microscopic imaging assays.
CONCLUSIONS
Taurine reinforced co-production of bioethanol and MonAzPs by increasing gene transcription level and cell membrane permeability for M. purpureus. This work would offer an innovative, efficient and taurine-based co-production system for mass accumulation of the value-added biofuels and biochemicals from lignocellulosic biomass.
PubMed: 38702823
DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02511-7 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2020pigment is a natural food pigment and is commonly used for coloring and as antiseptic of cured meat products, confectionery, cakes, and beverages. However, pigment is...
pigment is a natural food pigment and is commonly used for coloring and as antiseptic of cured meat products, confectionery, cakes, and beverages. However, pigment is sensitive to environmental conditions. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) and soy protein isolate (SPI) on the particle size, zeta potential, physical stability, microstructure, and microrheological properties of pigment double emulsions. The effects of ionic strength, heating, and freeze thawing treatment on the stabilities of pigment double emulsions were also characterized. It was found that the optimum PGPR and SPI concentrations for fabricating pigment double emulsion were 3.6 and 3.0 wt%, respectively. The fabricated pigment double emulsion was composed of fine particles with narrow and uniform size distributions. Microrheological property results suggested that the elastic characteristic of the pigment double emulsion was dominated with increasing PGPR and SPI contents. It was mainly due to the increased collision and interaction between the droplets during the movement resulting in force increasing. pigment double emulsions with <5 mM CaCl prevented calcium to destroy the physical stability of emulsions, while pigment double emulsions with more than 10 mM CaCl formed creaming. After freeze thawing treatment, creaming occurred in pigment double emulsion. However, it was stable against heating treatment due to heating leading to a dense network structure. It could be contributed to the practical applications of pigment double emulsions in food products.
PubMed: 33385004
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.543421 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Exploring the symbiotic potential between fungal and yeast species, this study investigates the co-cultivation dynamics of , a prolific producer of pharmacologically...
Exploring the symbiotic potential between fungal and yeast species, this study investigates the co-cultivation dynamics of , a prolific producer of pharmacologically relevant secondary metabolites, and . 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 , 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 co-culture on , advocating for oxylipins as a pivotal quorum-sensing mechanism driving the observed symbiotic benefits.
PubMed: 38845857
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31619 -
Microorganisms Apr 2021strains are widely applied to yield a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor monacolin K (MK), also called lovastatin (LOV). However, the mechanism of MK production by...
strains are widely applied to yield a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor monacolin K (MK), also called lovastatin (LOV). However, the mechanism of MK production by strains is still unclear. In this study, we firstly confirmed four strains, MS-1, YDJ-1, YDJ-2, and K104061, isolated from commercial MK products as and compared their abilities to produce MK in solid-state and liquid-state cultures. Then, we sequenced and analyzed their genomes and MK biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). The results revealed that the MK yields of MS-1, YDJ-1, YDJ-2, and K104061 in solid-state cultures at 14 days were 6.13, 2.03, 1.72, and 0.76 mg/g, respectively; the intracellular and extracellular MK contents of MS-1, YDJ-1, YDJ-2, and K104061 in liquid-state cultures at 14 days reached 0.9 and 1.8 mg/g, 0.38 and 0.43 mg/g, 0.30 and 0.42 mg/g, and 0.31 and 0.76 mg/g, respectively. The genome sizes of the four strains were about 26 Mb, containing about 7000-8000 coding genes and one MK gene cluster. The MK BGCs of MS-1, YDJ-2, and K104061 contained 11 genes, and the MK BGC of YDJ-1 contained 9 genes. According to the literature search, there are few comparisons of gene clusters and related genes responsible for the synthesis of LOV and MK. We also compared the LOV BGC in with the MK BGCs in different species of spp., and the results revealed that although LOV and MK were the same substance, the genes responsible for the synthesis of MK were much less than those for LOV synthesis, and the gene functions were quite different. The current results laid a foundation to explore the mechanism of MK produced by spp. and compare the synthesis of LOV and MK.
PubMed: 33918292
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040747 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2021Red yeast rice has been used to produce alcoholic beverages and various fermented foods in China and Korea since ancient times; it has also been used to produce... (Review)
Review
A Review of Red Yeast Rice, a Traditional Fermented Food in Japan and East Asia: Its Characteristic Ingredients and Application in the Maintenance and Improvement of Health in Lipid Metabolism and the Circulatory System.
Red yeast rice has been used to produce alcoholic beverages and various fermented foods in China and Korea since ancient times; it has also been used to produce (Okinawan-style fermented tofu) in Japan since the 18th century. Recently, monacolin K (lovastatin) which has cholesterol-lowering effects, was found in some strains of fungi. Since statins have been used world-wide as a cholesterol-lowering agent, processed foods containing natural statins are drawing attention as materials for primary prevention of life-style related diseases. In recent years, large-scale commercial production of red yeast rice using traditional solid-state fermentation has become possible, and various useful materials, including a variety of monascus pigments (polyketides) that spread as natural pigments, in addition to statins, are produced in the fermentation process. Red yeast rice has a lot of potential as a medicinal food. In this paper, we describe the history of red yeast rice as food, especially in Japan and East Asia, its production methods, use, and the ingredients with pharmacological activity. We then review evidence of the beneficial effects of red yeast rice in improving lipid metabolism and the circulatory system and its safety as a functional food.
Topics: Animals; Biological Products; Cardiovascular System; Fermented Foods; Humans; Japan; Lipid Metabolism
PubMed: 33803982
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061619 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2022
PubMed: 36406431
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1075162 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2022Amino acids could act as nitrogen sources, amido group donors, or bioactive molecules in fungi fermentation, and consequently, play important roles in pigments (MPs)...
Amino acids could act as nitrogen sources, amido group donors, or bioactive molecules in fungi fermentation, and consequently, play important roles in pigments (MPs) biosynthesis. But the understanding of the effects of various amino acids on MPs biosynthesis is still incomprehensive. In this work, 20 free amino acids were added to the fermentation medium to evaluate their effects on MPs biosynthesis in RP2. Six amino acids, namely, histidine (HIS), lysine (LYS), tyrosine (TYR), phenylalanine (PHE), methionine (MET), and cysteine (CYS), were selected as the valuable ones as they exerted significant effects on the production yield and even on the biosynthesis metabolic curves of MPs. Moreover, the dose-dependent and synergistic effects of valuable amino acids on MPs biosynthesis were observed by tests of serial concentrations and different combinations. In addition, it revealed that HIS and MET were the prominent amino acids with dominant and universal influences on MPs biosynthesis. The analog compounds of HIS (amitrole) and MET [calcium 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)] were added to the fermentation medium, and the results further confirmed the extraordinary effects of HIS and MET and their analogs on MPs biosynthesis. Furthermore, the gene transcription profile indicated that a differential expression pattern was observed in the polyketide synthase (PKS) cluster responsible for MPs biosynthesis in response to HIS and MET, revealing that they could oppositely regulate MPs biosynthesis in different ways. These findings would benefit the understanding of MPs biosynthesis regulation mechanism in and contribute to the industrial production of MPs by fermentation.
PubMed: 35910612
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.951266