Taxonomy, metabolite diversity and antimicrobial activity of Tectaria coadunata (J.Sm.) C.Chr. fungal endophytes.
Khedkar SM, Barvkar VT, Sardesai MM, Singh SK, Rana S
Endophytic Fungi
Fungi quietly living inside ferns in tropical forests may hold the next generation of antibiotics, including weapons against drug-resistant superbugs that are increasingly difficult to treat with existing medicines.
A tropical fern called Tectaria coadunata turned out to be home to ten different types of fungi living harmlessly inside its tissues. When scientists analyzed the chemicals these fungi produce, they found a surprisingly rich pharmacy — including some compounds also made by the fern itself, and others made only by the fungi. One fungus in particular, Xylaria grammica, proved remarkably effective at killing harmful bacteria, even the notorious drug-resistant 'superbug' MRSA.
Key Findings
Ten genera of endophytic fungi were identified inside Tectaria coadunata using both physical examination and DNA-based methods, representing a highly diverse internal mycobiome for a fern.
Nine plant chemicals previously thought to belong to the fern were also found in its fungal tenants, suggesting the fungi may actually be the true producers of some 'plant' compounds.
Xylaria grammica showed the strongest antibiotic activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration of just 15.63 µg/mL against both Bacillus subtilis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists discovered that a tropical fern hosts ten types of fungi living inside its tissues, and these fungi produce a rich mix of bioactive chemicals — some shared with the fern, others unique to the fungi — including one species with strong antibiotic activity against drug-resistant bacteria.
Abstract Preview
Endophytic fungi profoundly influence plant physiology and chemical ecology, yet their integrated functional roles remain underexplored, especially in ferns. Here, we reveal that Tectaria coadunata...
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