Title : Genomic insights into the fungal isolate Cordyceps farinosa and its potential applications in phytochemistry and pharmacognosy
Abstract:
The fungal isolate Cordyceps farinose underwent an extensive genomic and functional investigation to evaluate its potential applicability in phytochemical and pharmacognostic domains. The genomic structure, spanning 34.82 Mb with a guanine-cytosine (GC) ratio of 51.7%, was arranged into 1,295 contigs. Annotation processes identified a total of 9,887 genes, with pathways linked to secondary metabolite biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and factors contributing to pathogenicity, thereby highlighting the multifarious biotechnological significance of this particular strain. An extensive analysis of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) disclosed 25 clusters that are key to encoding vital secondary metabolites, which encompass polyketide synthases (T1PKS), non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), and terpenes. Notably, six T1PKS clusters displayed substantial sequence homology to established bioactive compounds, indicating their prospective involvement in antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory functions. These results position C. farinosa as a promising candidate for natural product discovery with substantial therapeutic implications. The study of carbohydrate-active enzymes, termed CAZymes, pointed out the existence of 339 genes organized into categories like glycoside hydrolases, glycosyl transferases, auxiliary activities, carbohydrate esterases, and polysaccharide lyases. The prevalence of glycoside hydrolases (GHs) emphasizes the strain's function in dismantling complicated carbohydrates, a trait that is markedly beneficial in numerous biotechnological contexts, like biofuel synthesis, bioremediation strategies, and enzyme-driven industrial applications. The evaluation of pathogen-associated determinants utilizing virulence-related databases identified 136 genes associated with host-pathogen interactions, encompassing virulence enhancers and genes linked to diminished pathogenicity. Although no antibiotic resistance genes were identified, the existence of these pathogenicity factors offers essential insights into fungal biology and bolsters the formulation of antifungal strategies and therapeutic interventions aimed at pathogenic fungi. This investigation underscores the genomic and metabolic capacity of C. farinosa, particularly in relation to secondary metabolite biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and mechanisms of pathogen interaction. These results not only advance the comprehension of fungal biodiversity but also accentuate the pharmacognostic importance of fungi as reservoirs of bioactive substances. The synergistic application of genomic methodologies alongside phytochemical studies establishes a robust framework for leveraging C. farinosa in drug discovery, industrial endeavors, and agricultural innovations.
Keywords: Cordyceps farinose, Secondary Metabolites, Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZymes), Pathogen Factors, Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy
