Peter Cheung
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Title: Biosynthetic regulation of production of Antroquinonol from submerged mycelial fermentation of Antrodia camphorate: A mechanistic study
Biography
Biography: Peter Cheung
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Antroquinonol, an important anticancer metabolite derived from the medicinal mushroom Antrodia
camphorate. Due to the slow growth rate of the fruiting bodies of A. camphorata and the rarity of parasitic host, submerged
fermentation has been applied to meet the increasing demand on this metabolite derived from A. camphorata. However, the yield
of antroquinonol was low by conventional submerged fermentation and investigations to increase the yield of this metabolite by
stimulatory agents are required.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The present study revealed the plausible mechanisms related to the stimulatory effect of
coenzyme Q0, camphorwood leach liquor and soybean oil on the biosynthesis of antroquinonol.
Findings: Addition of coenzyme Q0 could up-regulate the expression of S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, affording methyl group
for the biosynthesis of antroquinonol. Heat shock proteins and TCA cycle related proteins were also found to participate in the
biosynthetic pathway. Camphorwood leach liquor could provide the precursor of antroquinonol by acting as donor of the quinone
nucleus. Soybean oil could increase the permeability of mycelial cell membrane and the extraction efficiency for the intracellular
hydrophobic antroquinonol from the mycelia.
Conclusion & Significance: The production of antroquinonol from the mycelial fermentation of A. camphorate can be enhanced by
stimulating agents such as coenzyme Q0, camphorwood leach liquor and soybean oil. This study advances our understanding on how
stimulatory agents can be used to regulate the biosynthetic pathway of valuable metabolites produced from mushroom mycelia and
facilitate the development of submerged fermentation for potential industrial application.