Cordyceps at a glance: Miraculous metabolite and molecular insights

Loknath Deshmukh; Rupesh Thakur; Aanchal Sonkuwar; Sardul Singh Sandhu

Loknath Deshmukh School of Life and Allied Science, ITM University
Rupesh Thakur School of Life and Allied Science, ITM University
Aanchal Sonkuwar Bio-Design Innovation Centre, R.D. University
Sardul Singh Sandhu Bio-Design Innovation Centre, R.D. University

Article ID: 270

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Keywords: Cordyceps species, future aspects, genetic studies, metabolic research, immunomodulatory effect

Abstract

As an entomopathogenic fungus with significant

pharmacological and therapeutic implications, particularly for human

health, Cordyceps sp. is a good alternative for ethnopharmacological use.

A unique bio-metabolite termed Cordycepin (3′deoxyadenosine), which

has extremely significant anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and

anti-inflammatory properties, is the main component of the extract

made from this fungus. Due to their diverse biological functions,

Cordyceps fungi have long drawn the interest of scientists; nonetheless, it

has been difficult to successfully isolate active monomer molecules from

them. Fungi produce significantly fewer substances in the lab than they

do in the wild. In this review, I go through recent discoveries about the

transcriptional and epigenetic control of BGCs as well as the ecological

functions of fungal secondary metabolites in development, defense, and

warfare. I also look at ways to find new fungal metabolites and the

difficulties associated with gathering secondary metabolites derived

from fungi. Metabolites serve a variety of purposes, including energy

production, structural support, signaling and modulation of enzyme

activity (often as an enzyme cofactor), defense, and interactions with

other organisms (such as the production of pigments, odorants, and

pheromones). Refocusing and reviving efforts to mine the fungal

secondary metabolome has been one of the most interesting

developments in the field of microbiology. Cordyceps sp., an

entomopathogenic fungus, is a potential ethnopharmacological source

due to its unique bio-metabolite, Cordycepin, which has anti-cancer,

anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its potential

applications include immune system effects, DNA technology,

metagenomics, kidney and cardiovascular systems, and cancer

prevention in food and cosmetic industries.

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